Today, almost every apartment or private house has a washing machine. Such household appliances can make life easier for the owners as much as possible. This is a fairly complex household electrical appliance, regardless of the type and model, requiring additional work for its operation. One of them is connecting the washing machine to the water supply system. To complete this task, you must install an additional plumbing product to which the appliance hose will be attached.
The faucet for connecting the washing machine to the water supply is an integral element of the system. It performs the function of unimpeded water flow in the "open" position of the lever, and in the "closed" position it does not allow its passage.
Types of cranes and their distinctive features
The construction market offers a wide range of these devices used when connecting washing equipment to the water supply network. They can be divided into two types:
- ball valve. The water blocking element is a ball, equipped in the innercrane plane.
- Reusable sanitary products. In this faucet, the plate acts as a barrier to the flow of water mass.
Fauces for connecting the washing machine to the water supply are available in a variety of models that differ in the geometry of shapes, the base material, dimensions and related equipment. When purchasing a product, you should pay attention to the basis of the material, since the period of operation depends on its quality indicators.
The most popular option is brass products. In their production, an alloy of brass is used. The base material may be nickel plated. The advantage of such water faucets is a long service life and a high strength index. The disadvantage is the high price.
Products made on the basis of silumin alloy with additives have low strength and short service life.
Varieties of ball valves
The most demanded are ball products, based on their quality characteristics: simple structural system, quick water shut-off, product compactness, a variety of handles that provide the "open / close" function. Types of ball valves differing in geometric shape and structural system:
- Three-way sanitary ware. It has three holes, one of them is designed to shut off the water supply, and the rest connect several branches of water flows into one branch. Hisused when connecting to the water supply of several household units.
- Foot crane. This option has holes on both sides of the body for the passage of water flow. Installing a through tap would be the best option when an extensive water supply system has already been formed.
- Angle tap. This is an analogue of a flow crane, made in a different geometric shape. It is used when a separate pipe has been removed to connect the washing machine and it is necessary to change the water flow at an angle of 90o. The corner option is suitable for rooms where there is a limit of space.
- Ball valve with extended stem. Typically used in cases where it is difficult to control a conventional sanitary ware.
Device marking
The taps for connecting the washing machine to the water supply are marked as follows:
- DN - inner diameter value.
- PN - pressure indicator.
- NL or LF – type of material (brass).
- Manufacturer's logo.
- Release date.
Features of choosing a ball valve
When choosing any type of ball valve, experts recommend that consumers pay special attention to certain features.
- Appearance. The crane must not have mechanical damage and cracks. The thickness of its walls is the same, and the surface is smooth and even.
- The presence of markings on the body of the product. If it is not available, do not purchase products, as itcan be made of low-quality material and without observing the production technology.
- The structural system of the overlapping mechanism. The product is made in a triple and multi-turn system. The most acceptable is the triple construction system.
- Carving. It can be formed both in the inner plane of the crane and on the outer one. The valve is selected according to the thread of the pipeline.
- Diameter value. This indicator must strictly correspond to the pipe where it will be mounted. It is best to resolve this issue before going to the store. In case of discrepancy between the diameters of the metal water pipe and the faucet, a connecting adapter fitting can be used.
- Geometry of the control element. The product can be provided with a lever in the form of a "butterfly" or a steel narrow handle. It is he who ensures the functioning of the "open / close" system. It regulates the level of water flow. It should be comfortable and not slip in the hand when performing certain actions.
Undoubtedly, to install a faucet to connect the washing machine to the water supply, you can seek the help of specialists providing plumbing services, which will require additional financial costs, but you can do the work yourself.
Installation location
When choosing the location of the machine, it is necessary to take into account the location of the communication system. It must be located near the location of the unit, asthe processes of connecting to the water supply system and draining the water into the sewer system must be carried out. When connecting to the water supply system, it is necessary to install a tap. It should be installed in an accessible and visible place, which will allow you to quickly and quickly shut off the water supply with a tap, setting it to the “closed” position, for example, in the event of a machine failure. You should also pay attention to the possibility of free movement of the crane lever. There should be no obstacles when it turns.
Required set of tools
For work you will need:
- A filter that cleans the water mass from pollution.
- Fluoroplastic sealant (fum tape) applied to the joints between the pipe and the faucet. It provides the structural system with tightness and strength.
- A wrench that performs the function of connecting threaded elements.
- Threading tool.
If the faucet is installed on plastic pipes:
- pipe shears;
- calibrator that performs end-face processing after pipe cutting.
Installation of a faucet at the water supply system facility
To perform installation work, it is recommended to follow the following instructions:
- Determine the location of the crane.
- Shut off the cold water supply. This action is performed using a tap installed on the plane of the riser or inlet pipe of the water supply system.
- Drain remaining water in pipes.
- Cut a certain part of the pipe, corresponding to the dimensions of the length of the faucet and filter. To perform cutting work on plastic pipes, scissors are used, and for metal pipes, a cutting tool "Bulgarian".
- Cut a thread of the desired diameter on the end of the cut downpipe.
- Set filter. It will protect the washing machine from pollution and various impurities in the water.
- Wrap the fum tape on the pipe thread.
- Connect the water faucet to the pipe. There is a pointer on the body of the installed product. It indicates the direction of the flow of water mass. This feature must be observed without fail. When using plastic pipes, expand the diameter of the pipe with a calibrator.
- Use a wrench to tighten the cap nut.
Connecting a tap to a washing machine
When buying a washing machine of any model, you will receive a hose in the kit, designed to supply water to the unit's system. It has a standard length and is made of unreinforced single layer material. In case of a discrepancy between its length, a new one can be purchased at specialized outlets for connection.
To determine the length of the hose, measure the distance from the connection point on the washing machine to the location of the installed faucet. To this indicator should be added 10-12% of the distance obtained. This increasenecessary for uniform free positioning of the hose. This will prevent the hose from being pulled or kinked.
Instructions for connection
Experts recommend sticking to the following work plan.
- There is a special hole prepared by the manufacturers on the back of the unit body, to which the hose must be attached.
- Remove the plugs from the nuts at the end points of the hose.
- Attach to the hole located on the machine, the end of the hose, equipped with a nut with a slight bend. When connecting, it is necessary to additionally seal the joints using a fluoroplastic sealant.
- Connect the other end of the hose to the installed faucet with a nut.
- Turn on the water supply and check the connections for leaks. If water leakage is detected, the connection must be dismantled and reassembled using the necessary gaskets.
Conclusion
Types of taps for connecting the washing machine to the water supply, sizes, threads may be different. Therefore, before purchasing a plumbing product, you should consult with a specialist regarding the features of your system or entrust the choice of device to a professional who will install and connect household appliances.
