Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 8/18/2009

Question
Hi! My arctic entry is also my laundry room, and I hate that so I want to move my washer/dryer to my bathroom. I have a rather large bath that I plan on cutting out and putting the washer/dryer in its place. We have two full baths so convenience is more important to me than losing a tub. What sort of prep work would I need to do for drainage? It would be located next to an outside wall. What parts do I need to buy to connect it? Also, do I just cut a hole in the wall for the dryer vent and add the screen to dress it up? Thank you so much!

Answer
Hi Christine, A washing machine requires a water supply, hot and cold,and electricity. It also needs a drain.  I am sure you probably have a water/drain combination hook-up in you washing machine's present location.  This can be cut out and moved to your new location.  At your new location you will need hot and cold water and a vent pipe to connect to.  Your existing bath tub has a vent and water going to it and it also has a floor drain.  You will need to cap off the floor drain, tie into the vent stack using a Tee plus however long of pipe you need to get the washer drain to the location you need to be in. Water is piped over to the new washer location. The washing machine requires 110 volts of electricity in a GFI receptacle.  The dry requires 220 volts and a specific plug, but you will only be moving your old plug to a new place. The dryer vent is punched through an outside wall and a through wall vent with hood is installed.  Your local Home Depot or Lowes have all these supplies.  I know this is just the basics but without knowing all your water and electricity locations and without seeing your floor plan I really can't be more specific.  I hope this information helps please feel free to write again regarding this or other matters sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com