Installing a faucet on a mixer
The attitude of professional plumbers to the idea of installing a tap to connect the washing machine to the water supply to the mixer can be called ambiguous. This design does not look very aesthetically pleasing, since the filling tap of the machine is difficult to place beautifully in such a situation. In addition, usually the position of the mixer changes, it moves forward, it may no longer be as convenient to use as before. Finally, there are additional loads for which the mixer was not designed, its service life will be reduced.
Installing a washing machine faucet on a faucet is a relatively inexpensive and simple solution, but it creates additional stress on plumbing equipment and is not recommended for permanent use.
However, such a solution is quite possible when a temporary connection of the washing machine is necessary. Of course, there is nothing more permanent than temporary solutions, but the owners of the equipment must consider the risks that arise for their plumbing.
If the tap is installed in front of the old Soviet-era mixer, which is mounted directly on the pipes, it makes sense to install a new mixer. This will facilitate installation and increase the reliability of the entire structure. Otherwise, you will simply have to put a mortise clamp on the pipe, which is more expensive and more difficult to install than a conventional faucet.
Sometimes it happens that the ends of the pipes from time to time were damaged by corrosion and became uneven. There are two ways to fix the problem. The easiest way is to file the ends to make them straight again. The hose gasket can then be pressed securely against the pipe. Another way is to put an extension cord. It will hide uneven ends, and the hose with gasket will be fixed on a new, undamaged surface.
Installing a washing machine under the sink saves space in a small bathroom, but connecting the device to a faucet can spoil its appearance
Some craftsmen, as an experiment, install a checkpoint faucet not on the pipe cold water in front of the mixer tap, and after the taps and in front of the spout from which warm water flows. This is done so that already heated water enters the washing machine, which allows less energy to be spent on heating. The solution is non-trivial, but technically not entirely correct.
When the crane is turned on with such an arrangement, a mixture will necessarily occur, i.e. the flow of cold water into the hot water pipe. As a result, the quality of hot water supply to the neighboring apartment may deteriorate. The problem could be solved by installing non-return valves in front of the mixer, but then during washing (i.e. for several hours) it will not be possible to open the mixer taps.
If the “Aqua-Stop” type system is installed on the washing machine (it may be called differently by different manufacturers), then you can completely refuse to install a tap. On such models, the end of the inlet hose is equipped with special solenoid valves that are controlled by the machine and connected to it with special wires. In this case, the control system itself will block the flow of water if necessary, and also ensure unhindered water intake. However, there is no such technique that would not break. if possible, you should still consider installing a crane even for such machines.
Faucet tee for connecting the washing machine
The tee comes to the rescue in cases where it is not possible to draw a separate water line for the washing machine. Ease of installation and a minimum of necessary tools are its main advantages.So, a walk-through faucet will be a convenient solution in case of moving to a new apartment or when there is no extra money for plumbing and materials for a separate line.
Types of tee taps
- Tees - serve for "tie-in" into the pipeline.
- Pass-through taps that will help connect the washing machine to any plumbing fixture.
We install a tee in the water supply
Such devices are convenient to use if you have plastic pipes at home. In the case of metal pipes, installing a faucet without special tools will be much more difficult.
For ordinary tees, plumbing fixtures are not needed, but only a water pipe. But, unlike straight valves, they require a larger set of tools.
Tools and spare parts
- adjustable wrench - nowhere without it, you need to tighten the nuts with something,
- a double hose is needed only if one is not included with the washing machine,
plastic pipe calibrator - necessary for the correct connection of the tee to the pipeline,
- consumable parts - o-rings, winding, nuts to make all connections more reliable,
- flow filter - used to purify water.
Tee installation
- First of all, turn off the water to this section of the pipeline (or to the entire apartment, if there is only one tap).
- Next, you need to mark the required section of the pipe for cutting. To do this, measure the length of the tee, but do not forget that the threaded connections do not need to be counted, as they must overlap both ends of the pipe.
- Cut off the measured section of pipe.
- First unscrew the mounting nuts from the valve and then put them on the ends of the pipe.
Install the tee and tighten the nuts.
After that, you can connect a hose to the tee, after winding the FUM tape onto its thread.
We connect the machine through the passage valve
- Turn off the water.
- Unscrew the hose going to the plumbing fixture using an adjustable (or gas) wrench.
- Clean the threads of debris (for example, old winding).
- Wrap the cleaned thread with FUM tape and mount the valve.
- Also wrap the external thread of the tap with tape and wind the hose from the plumbing fixture onto it.
- After that, attach the hose from the washing machine and tighten all the nuts with an adjustable or gas wrench.
At the end of the installation, check the connection and make the first test run.
Choosing a tap for connecting a washing machine
Many people, when purchasing accessories for installing a washing machine, often wonder why they should buy a tee tap. Why can't you do without a faucet, or, for example, choose a regular flow faucet? Of course, it is possible to do without a crane, only at the same time you need to be ready to make repairs to the neighbors below.
People familiar with such a phenomenon as a water hammer in the plumbing system do not need to be explained how unpleasant, but quite a common phenomenon, metal and metal-plastic pipes tear along the seam. Imagine for a second what would happen to a flexible washing machine inlet hose connected directly to a water pipe? It will be torn apart in seconds and within 15 minutes your apartment and the apartments of your neighbors will be flooded with water.
So, you can’t do without a crane, but why exactly a tee crane? Such a faucet allows you to connect two or more household appliances to one tie-in into the water pipe at once, for example, a washing machine and a dishwasher. A conventional flow faucet will not allow this.
It is very important when choosing a crane to pay attention to the following points
- The material from which the faucet is made. In free sale there are taps made of brass, as well as silumin. It is better not to take the latter, they will not last long.
- On the design of the overlapping mechanism. The design of the valve mechanism can be either ball or multi-turn. It is better to choose a ball valve - it will last longer.
- for valve design.The valve is needed in order to quickly shut off the water entering the machine. Therefore, the valve handle must be large enough and comfortable so that the hand does not slip and precious seconds are not lost in the event of an emergency with the machine.
Note! Silumin faucets wear out about 4 times faster, but they cost less than brass ones, so it’s better to overpay 1.5 USD once. how to deal with the consequences of the flood
What other taps are suitable for a washing machine?
If you do not use a tee to connect the washing machine, then what other taps are potentially suitable for connecting household appliances to the water supply? Depending on the position and number of outlets, faucets for washing machines are divided into: through passage (flow), tee faucets, corner faucets.
Flow taps with two outlets. They are installed on a separate pipe that goes from the main water pipe to the washing machine. Two-way taps divide the pipe branch in half, cutting off the household appliance from communications.
Tee crane. Based on the name of this crane, it has not two, but three outlets. In this case, only one exit can be blocked. The other two outlets are flow-through and serve to connect the water pipe to its branch. There is an option when two branches have taps, but one outlet does not overlap and the shape of triple taps also varies.
Angle faucet. This is a modified two-way faucet that allows you to split the outlet pipe into two parts, while turning it 90 0. Quite handy if you connect the washing machine to a water pipe in a cramped space where there is no way to place a direct outlet. In addition to washing machines, with the help of such a tap, you can connect a toilet barrel, bidet and other plumbing to the water supply.
Note! Washing machine manufacturers often recommend accessories (including faucets) for connecting their household appliances to plumbing and electrical networks. Maybe you should listen to their advice.
Tee for connecting the washing machine to the water supply
When buying a new washing machine or when moving, you face the task of connecting the device to the water supply. For this purpose, a faucet called a tee is most often used.
purpose
The idea that a tee faucet for a washing machine is not so important appears in many people. Such users, most likely, do not know the concept of water hammer in water pipes, as a result of which both a metal and a metal-plastic pipe can disperse along the seam. And if the inlet hose is connected directly to the water supply, there is a big risk that it will break due to such a water hammer, which will lead to water flows in the apartment.
Using a tee crane will save you from having to redo repairs both in your apartment and those of the neighbors below. And it is the tee that is especially convenient, as it allows several household appliances to be inserted into the water supply at once, for example, a dishwasher and a washing machine.
Types of cranes
In connecting the washing machine can be used:
- Tees or faucets. They are used for tapping into the pipeline.
- Angle taps. They are chosen if you need to connect equipment to a separate branch.
Each type of these valves is valve, ball or through passage. The differences lie in the way the water is blocked in such taps. In addition, they may differ in the material from which they are made (usually brass or silumin).
Which one is better to install?
Choosing the right crane should be primarily based on your skills and financial capabilities. The choice of faucet type should be based on the budget of the purchase, and not on the location of the washing machine.
The most economical and simple is the through crane, since it does not require special tools for its installation.By connecting such a tap to the water supply hose, the washing machine can be connected to a faucet, washbasin, water heater (to a pipe supplying water to the heater tank) or even to a drain tank (both after the hose and before it)
When choosing a through valve, it is important to pay attention to the direction of its lever so that it does not rest against the wall and it is easy to get close to it.
To connect the tee, you need to prepare a gas key and a set of keys. Also, for work, you will need a FUM tape, which must be wound onto the thread. After tightening the connection with a gas wrench, you need to check its tightness. Installing a tee on old pipes is not recommended.
If you are going to install an angle valve, you should purchase an additional pipe. You will also need a special tee that is installed in pipe sections. In general, the installation of an angle faucet is the same as connecting a tee faucet, that is, you need to use the FUM tape by wrapping it around the thread. Then the valve is screwed into the pipe, and a hose from the machine is connected to it. Next, the connection is tightened with a gas wrench.
Ways to connect to the water supply
Metal pipe
The easiest way is to connect the machine to a place where there is already a tee for a faucet, toilet or dishwasher. Having disconnected the hose of the device, another tee crane is installed in its place. Both previously connected plumbing and a faucet for a washing machine are inserted into its outlets.
If a tee has not been previously installed on the pipe and you do not have the opportunity to use a “vampire”, you need to make a tie-in. Having cut out a part of the line, you will have to make a thread, and then connect the tee.
Metal-plastic pipe
To install a tee on plastic pipes, a special tool is required and the correct selection of a tee with fittings that are joined with metal-plastic pipes. Using special scissors, it is necessary to perform high-quality crimping of the bends. If you don’t have such scissors and you haven’t worked with metal-plastic pipes before, it’s better to invite a specialist to connect the machine.
Alternatives
Instead of a tee tap, you may prefer to install a tee fitting. After cutting the pipe, such a fitting is installed between its segments, and then a pipe is inserted into its free hole, which goes to the washing machine. This is both a simple and inexpensive way, but it cannot be called very reliable. Fitting seals wear out over time, leading to leakage.
Also, the tee valve can be replaced with a conventional ball valve. Its reliability is as high as that of a specialized crane, while the cost is much lower.
