The crane for the washing machine: a review of the structures + installation instructions

After purchasing a washing machine, it must be connected to the water supply and sewage system. For this, it is envisaged to use a number of additional elements, one of which is a faucet for a washing machine. In connecting the unit to the water pipe, this is an extremely important reinforcing unit.

We will tell you how to choose and install a faucet that allows you to open / close the water supply to the washing machine. We’ll show you what type of device to choose and how to correctly install it. Our recommendations will help home craftsmen cope with work on their own.

The role of the crane when connecting the washer

The faucet, which is used when connecting the washing machine to the water supply network, plays an important role. With it, you can instantly shut off the water in case of unforeseen circumstances, for example, when the machine fails, which can lead to leaks.

An even greater danger is water hammer in water pipes: it can violate the integrity of the elastic hose of the washing machine, resulting in a large-scale flood, which will cause justified indignation of the neighbors.

To ensure complete safety of using the automatic machine, it is recommended to close the tap connecting the unit to the water pipe immediately after washing

To prevent this from happening, you must connect the machine through a tap. This part is recommended to be placed in a conspicuous place so as to always have quick access. In an extreme situation, such a solution will allow you to win a few minutes, which may be crucial to prevent flooding.

Varieties of cut-off devices

A specialized assortment of cranes is available in specialized stores.Let us consider in more detail the most commonly used types.

Among them can be noted multi-turn, blocking the flow of water through the movement of the plate, as well as Ball Valves, switching on and off which occurs by moving a small ball mounted inside the structure.

For connecting automatic machines, various types of cranes are used, differing in configuration, size, shape and design

Ball valves have several advantages:

• high tightness;
• operational response that allows you to quickly block the flow of water;
• simplicity of design, contributing to the prolongation of the operational period.

It is also worth noting the small size of this variety of cut-off devices, allowing them to be used even in the most cramped circumstances.

Types of ball valves

There are several varieties of ball shutoffs. Consider the main ones used to complete the process of connecting a washing machine at home.

Option # 1 - Checkpoint

At such a mechanism, outlet openings are located on both sides, which makes it possible to block water, dividing the branch into two parts. Devices belonging to this category can be installed on a separate pipe, which departs from the common riser to any piece of plumbing, or used for tapping.

Globe type ball valves are often used to connect washing units, but they are also suitable for other plumbing devices, for example, they are often used to connect toilet bowls

Option # 2 - tee (three-way)

As the name implies, such a device is equipped with three inputs and outputs. One of the holes is directly responsible for shutting off the water current, the other two serve to combine all water supply outlets into a single system.

A three-way tap is often used to connect dishwashers or washing machines to the water supply network. Using this element allows you to provide autonomous water supply for several devices simultaneously

Similar components, which may have different sizes, shapes and configurations, are typically used for water pipe fittingswhere they are often combined with other devices, for example, with a mixer. This function is not available to a conventional flow valve due to its design features.

Option # 3 - Corner

The design of this element corresponds to the characteristics of the passage fitting. Using this crane, you can divide the outlet pipe into two separate branches located at right angles.

A similar element is most often used when installing toilets, but it is also suitable for connecting non-standardly located washing machines.

The angular type of ball valve can be used if it is necessary to connect the unit to a water pipe laid against a wall. In this case, it is extremely difficult to perform a direct retraction

The complete set of taps of all categories includes o-rings, fixing nuts, as well as rotary handles, with the help of which water is shut off and access is made. The last element is attached to the body of the part with a locking nut.

What type of crane should I prefer?

In the process of selecting a crane model, you must first proceed from the place where you plan to install the washing machine. In small rooms it is better to use corner elements with which you can reduce the space for connection.

If it is necessary to simultaneously connect two or more plumbing fixtures, it is better to use a three-way valve, and if there is an outlet for the washing unit, it is better to use a straight-through ball valve.

An important factor when choosing cranes is the material from which the products are made.Although silumin elements are more expensive, you need to pay attention to the material from which the crane is made. Silumin products are cheaper than brass products, however, the latter are durable and able to withstand heavy loads

It is also necessary to pay attention to the diameter of the device, which must coincide with the dimensions of the water pipes. And also take into account the characteristics of the thread - its size, being on the outside or inside. The last parameter can be omitted if self-tapping is assumed during installation of the crane.

No less important is the angle of rotation of the device: it is not too convenient to use a device whose valve closes toward the wall, touching it.

Installation materials and tools

To connect the unit to water supply network it is not enough to choose a suitable valve.

You must also stock up on tools, which include:

1. Adjustable wrench, which is needed for installation work: pipe and pipe connections, tightening nuts.
2. Plastic pipe calibrator for fitting the faucet when it is installed on the water pipe insert.
3. Thread Cutter or a similar tool used for these purposes.
4. Drill, file, screwdriverthat may be needed for drilling and other work.
5. Scissors for plastic pipes or a grinder for tapping a tap into a water supply system made of plastic or metal elements.

In addition, you will need a double hose, which can be included in the package of the machine or purchased separately. It is desirable that the length of such an element be slightly longer than required - this will allow you to have a small margin, necessary when moving.

If the hose is purchased on purpose, it is better to give preference to parts with wire reinforcement, which makes it easy to withstand high pressure in the pipes.

The water filter is mounted on the tap thread, which is connected to the tap of the water pipe. A small element can improve the quality of the water used, thereby reducing the risk of plaque and deposits.

If the liquid contains a large amount of mineral substances, the simultaneous use of several filters at once is allowed.

Sealing rings, winding, FUM tape, spare bolts, which are difficult to do without when installing plumbing products - the listed set will provide reliable fastening of the tap and tightness of this unit. You should also consider the optimal connection option, taking into account the configuration of the room and the placement of plumbing fixtures.

Various crane installation schemes

Consider the popular connection options that you can perform yourself using a minimum of tools and additional parts.

Scheme # 1 - installing the flow element

To install a tap of this type (regular or tee), you must first shut off the cold water supply, which can be done with a tap that blocks the flow of water from the riser. After that, the remaining liquid is drained from the pipes, which may interfere with the implementation of further manipulations.

The easiest way is to install a flow valve on a separate pipe branch. As a rule, in this case, a threaded sleeve is already provided, to which it is easy to screw a tap with a two-tap system connected to the filter. This element is attached to the inlet hose.

The installation of an angular tap is carried out similarly to the installation of a flowing element, the difference lies only in the design of the part. In this case, special attention should be paid to the comfortable arrangement of the valve.

After all the manipulations, it is necessary to check the fasteners for leaks. If water is noticeable, you should redo all the connecting nodes by installing additional gaskets.

Scheme # 2 - installation of the end crane

If out of place washing machine installation a special branch of the water supply has been installed, you can connect an end tap using a tee (mortise clamp). This part is carefully screwed to the pipe so that the guide sleeve looks out.

After that, holes are drilled in the pipe through which a connection is made to a pipe clamp or pipe segment where it is intended to mount a crane.

At the end of the pipe, a thread is cut that matches the size and type with the grooves applied to the tee. The external thread is wrapped with a sealant (FUM tape) or flax, after which the valve is screwed onto the outer pipe.

A hose is attached to the second end of the tap attached to the machine or purchased specifically. The other end of the hose is installed in a special hole, which is located on the back of the washing unit. It is necessary to remove the transport valve from it.

The assembled design is checked for leaks. Typically, the corner end of the hose connects to the washing machine, while the straight end connects to the water supply. This option is more convenient, since the washing device is usually installed next to the wall.

Scheme # 3 - installation of a tap with a pipe insert

A more complicated process is the installation of the crane directly on the pipe, since in this case it will be necessary to cut the area.

In plastic pipelines, this can be done relatively easily using scissors for polymer pipes. Such an operation will require much greater efforts if it is a metal pipeline: in this situation, you will have to use a grinder.

To determine the size of the cut-out section, it is necessary to add the crane length and filter size. After that, an incision can be made, and at the ends of the pipes, a thread can be cut that matches the parameters on the tap.

Following this, a filter is installed that will protect the machine mechanism from impurities contained in tap water. Then the installation of a tap that regulates the flow of water. To do this, remove the mounting nuts that are used to connect to the pipe from the part.

If the installation is carried out on a structure made of polymers, this part should be expanded using a calibrator before starting the manipulation.

The installation of a tap with a tie-in can be especially recommended if the pipeline is made of polymer or metal-plastic elements. The assembly can be placed under the sink or in another place convenient for the user.

The joints are fixed by tightening rings. The blocked compartment of the crane is connected to the inlet hose of the unit. After that, all nuts are tightened with an adjustable wrench.

It is important to pay attention to the fixing force: a poorly tightened or tightened bolt can cause enormous damage to the structure, becoming a source of leakage.

All joints are well sealed with o-rings, which are included in the complete set of the valve and / or filter, as well as fum tape, linen fibers or other materials. After which it is made connecting the washer to sewer release. The final step is to verify the assembled structure.

Special Connection Options

Separately, you can also mention non-standard types of crane connections. They are often used if it is not possible to make a traditional connection or an unusual way is the most convenient.

Option # 1 - installing a tap on the mixer

This option is found in practice, because it attracts users with its simplicity and accessibility. However, it can hardly be called acceptable, since such a scheme has a large number of negative factors.

The faucet installed at the mixer does not look very aesthetically pleasing, since in this position it is quite difficult to place an additional valve

This arrangement of the tap adversely affects the condition of the mixer: the latter experiences an increased level of loads, which significantly reduces the life of the device. In addition, the combination of two devices complicates the use of both a faucet and a mixer.

Experts consider it acceptable to use such a solution only as a temporary option, however, it is worthwhile to take care of the correct connection of the machine in time.

Models equipped with the Aqua-stop system allow you to abandon the crane for connection. For these options, solenoid valves are installed at the end of the inlet hose to prevent the water level from rising.

It is worthwhile to especially warn apartment owners from installing a crane on old-style mixers. To connect the device in this case, you have to perform a complex procedure that requires material and time costs.

If this particular connection scheme is needed, it is advisable to install a new modern mixer at the same time as the crane is installed.

Option # 2 - mounting on old pipes

In old houses, the water supply network is often made of metal (usually cast iron). In this case, the ends of the pipes can be corroded by corrosion, which complicates the installation work.

There are two methods for installing a crane like this:

1. File the edges of the pipes. This will align the ends of the elements, so that the hose gasket can be held close to the pipe.
2. Install extension cord, at one end of which you can hide the ends damaged by corrosion. From the other side, this part is mounted with a fixed gasket hose.

In any case, it is important to ensure the integrity of the structure and protect the pipes from further destruction, for example, coating them with anti-corrosion paint. But it’s even better to immediately change the pipes so that connecting other devices does not cause problems.

Option # 3 - double connection of the washing machine

In some models of washing machines, most often manufactured in Japan and the USA, it is possible to connect to both hot and cold water supply.

The double connection of the washing machine is generally similar to the usual connection with a flowing tap, however, these parts are mounted on two hoses at once, stretched to pipes with cold and hot water

Such options can significantly reduce energy costs, since they do not need to specifically heat cold water, as in conventional units.

The widespread occurrence of such machines is hindered by the low quality of hot water: it contains a large amount of mineral impurities, which not only increases the risk of breakdown of mechanisms, but also decreases the quality of washing.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

In the presented video, you can see three options for connecting the crane machine to the water supply network.

Step-by-step instructions for installing the crane with your own hands in the following video. The clip will help to understand the nuances of installation work even for a novice home master:

Although a team of professionals is often called up to connect the tap to the washing unit, this fairly easy manipulation can be done with your own hands.

To independently connect the washer, you must carefully approach the choice of the valve and other materials used, and then act according to the instructions, strictly following the prescribed procedure.

By carefully performing all the processes, you can achieve an excellent result, which will guarantee a long-term and comfortable operation of the washing machine.

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