While remodeling homes, you need proper knowledge about every home item. One of them is a washer and dryer. Without a perfect account of their heights, it will be really challenging to take any decision.
Standard washer & dryer outlet height
The standard height of the washer and dryer should be between 32 inches to 36 inches. Though this is the general rule of thumb, the actual scenario can vary from home to home and local to local, depending on the building codes. Having both heights compatible with each other is the key.
To know the exact height of the washer is really going to pay you off. Not having sufficient information about this could lever huge problems. Especially in the time of remodeling, this is the issue that must be thought about.
However, this measurement uncertainty has some primary drawbacks. Placing them too high or too low can cause unimaginable trouble. Sadly enough, this inconsistency in height can be the reason behind overflow or backflow.
If the outlet is placed somewhat lower than it should be, you will see the overflowing of water from the standpipe in no time. It seems bizarre! Plus, it creates a mess. So what about putting them as high as possible? Well, that’s not a good idea either.
Because putting them high enough would make this worse. Firstly, this will only put extra pressure on the water pipe. Therefore, it becomes tough for the pipe to pump the water. And eventually, this leads to the backflow of the water.
Again, these standpipes also have a standard height for effective performance. Keeping that in mind would not harm indeed. Instead, it is a great strategy to do your work effortlessly. To be precise, the correct height of a standpipe should be between 18 inches to 40 inches maximum.
So, these are some measures to consider before taking any significant decision. Following this would definitely save a lot of time and money.
Why does the outlet need to be a standard height?
There are numerous reasons for choosing an outlet with a standard height. Ranging from remodeling to renovating your home, this is something that everyone should know.
If your home outlet doesn’t follow the standard height code, below are some of the problems you might inevitably face.
Proper Function:
For the best performance, the outlets must have the right height. It can be a watery disaster that no one wants. To save from that hassle, make sure the standard size is a lot easier.
Overflow of water:
It is a common phenomenon often experienced when the users have a lower outlet height than they should have.
As a result of the short distance, water travels quickly and flows over tumbling the standpipe. This also creates chaos that is hard to rid of later.
Backflow of water:
This is another trouble that people often can’t avoid with outlets of greater heights. Seriously they are the worst that anyone can think. It might not spread water everywhere, but it can introduce technical problems to the washer.
Typically, when outlets have a larger height, the standpipe pipe has to spend extra pressure to pull the water. Frequently, it fails to do that. Consequently, this leads to the hideous problems known as the backflow of water.
Unhealthy water:
This is also a side effect of the improper height, most importantly, the backflow of the water. As the water backflows, it clogs up in the pipe. And this will cause severe problems shortly.
For instance, when they flow backward, they get mixed up with the water in the pipe. Not surprisingly, now tons of unhealthy water will be left that is never suitable for drinking.
However, the worst scenario is the creation of an unending cycle of smelly and unhealthy water. And overcoming this is more complex than it looks.
Code for washer dryer outlet placement
The code for washer dryer outlet placement varies greatly from location to location. To know that properly, hefty research is required firsthand.
Significantly less information is available about the code placement. Nonetheless, it looks like there is only one major code of the maximum 6 feet distance.
Maintaining that would be enough as there is no other placement code for the washer and dryer outlet. Fortunately, there is no code for the minimum distance also.
This saves a long measurement and rules and regulation problem. Apart from that, according to one area and locality, it is recommended that one must gather enough knowledge about the code placement.
Any uncertainty can lead to a damaged washer and unhealthy water supply. In general, this is something every homeowner needs to follow in order to prevent these unwanted troubles.
Where to install washer outlet box?
Commonly, you should install the washer outlet at the top of the drainage outlet. No wonder this is the right spot that one can have for the washer outlet.
Again there are some factors to consider before choosing a spot for the outlet box. Frequently, this vastly depends on the metal it is made from.
To start with the PVC, they are compact and occupy less space. To install, therefore, needs no severe thought. Due to its shape, it can fit into any narrowest corner.
Contrastingly, other materials like HIPS are something total opposite. As they have a single connection point and two drain lines, users should take special care to install them over the drainage outlet.
Besides, other types of 20-gauge steel are remarkably strong and heavy duty. Of course, they need a different approach while setting them up in the right spot. Plus, finding the location is also critical for them.
Tips to hide a washer dryer outlet box in your laundry room
Some are better when kept secret. And washer dryer outlet box is one of them. No one wants to show them off in front of the guest. As it seems to snatch the beauty of your well-decorated sweet home.
For those, who are desperately finding ways to hide the outlet box, this insightful section might help. Going through this would indeed reveal some practical solutions.
Customize the cabinets:
Customizing the cabinets could be the best idea for this. When you make these customized to your needs, these outlets will surely get a more protected and hidden area. Great!
Barn doors:
Barn doors are another weird yet stylish idea to get rid of the outlet box for good. Technically, like getting rid of its sight, actually. With a barn door in front of it, no one needs to worry about its sneaking out.
Wood box:
Although it may need some time and effort, it is no less than a long-time investment. Having a DIY project of a wooden box with sliding doors can be the ultimate place for the box. With a touch of creativity, you can honestly solve this problem.
Simple curtains:
Curtains are literally hanging here and there in the houses. It should be great if they come in handy.
To exemplify, putting the curtains in front of the outlet would be a revolutionary idea. After all, anyone will get a lifetime answer to this perplexing question without much hassle and pain.
Flower vase:
A bouquet can not only change the home’s beauty but is also an excellent choice to hide the washer and dryer outlet box.
Why not have a lovely bunch of diversifying flowers and put them in front of the box? It will be a promising change, for sure.
Peg Board:
Built-in peg boards are an ideal choice. It is so valuable, and people often make them themselves to hang things as well as to hide the outlet boxes present in the house.
Despite all that, outlet boxes are not that bad. Having one or two unhidden would not ruin the look of your house.
But being creative is a blessing. And you can unleash that hidden talent to fix up the washer outlet box if you really want that.
Final Thoughts
Finally, depending on the placement code, it is suggested that a standard washer and dryer outlet should have no more than 32 inches to 36 inches. Plus, it depends directly on the location of the user. As one keeps these details in mind, installing outlets will be a cakewalk.