Considering replacing your dishwasher with a washing machine? Discover if it’s possible and practical.
Some severe problems are coming up with this idea. Will the washing machine fit into the dishwasher space? Electrical wiring and plumbing match? Is replacing the washing machine with the dishwasher capable of optimizing space, simplifying laundry routine, or energy saving?
Yes, replacing a dishwasher with a washing machine is possible, but there are essential factors to consider, such as plumbing and functionality.
Delve into this article to explore the considerations, benefits, potential challenges of replacing, and steps involved in replacing your dishwasher with a washing machine.
Can You Replace a Dishwasher with a Washing Machine?
Yes. You can replace the dishwasher with a washing machine.
A washing machine and a dishwasher need a water supply line and a drain line. They also need to be connected to an electric supply line. You will also need enough space to open the appliances. You can click the washing machine where your dishwasher was in the kitchen with all the similarities. However, there are some differences in the plumbing.
A 120 V receptacle powers most dishwashers. On the other hand, a washing machine is a powerful appliance that runs on 240 V. If your kitchen doesn’t have a 240 V outlet, you will need to install a washing machine receptacle.
A washing machine must be connected to a cold and hot water supply line. However, a dishwasher works best connected to a cold-water pipe. You can still use the installed supply line hose to get water from the kitchen sink.
A dishwasher and a washing machine do not use the same detergents and chemicals. Most dishwashers’ detergent is not toxic. While washing machine detergents are more muscular and might have some harmful chemicals. Bringing the detergents to the kitchen might cause some food contamination.
Washing machines require a high water flow due to capacity and load size. Your kitchen tap might be producing water with a low flow compared to the faucet in your bathroom. For this reason, a washing machine is better connected to the toilet.
The dishwasher and the washing machine use the same drain hose connected to the central sewer system. If you make a few adjustments, you can start using your kitchen’s washing machine installed.
Can You Swap Out a Dishwasher with a Washing Machine?
Yes. You can swap out your dishwasher with a washing machine. However, you will need to make a few adjustments.
- You will need to install a washing machine receptacle. The receptacle should be 240 V and 15 Amps. For this project, I would recommend you hire an electrician.
- Your washing machine will have to work with only cold water only. You might use more detergent and time to clean a small load.
- A washing machine makes a lot of noise; it might not be a pleasant sound in your home. It also makes the kitchen look a bit odd.
If you make these slight adjustments, you can connect the washing machine where your dishwasher was as you find an ideal place.
Is the Plumbing for a Dishwasher the Same as a Washing Machine?
Modern dishwashers and washing machines have a connected electric cord, water supply, and drain hose. All you will need is to connect the appliances to the respective sources. The other primary connections are made for you in the factory.
Making minor connections is easy if you follow the user’s manual provided by the manufacturers. You can also use the available videos on the internet.
The only differences in plumbing come in the size of the hoses and the outlet voltage. For the outlet, a qualified electrician can do the work for you. A washing machine needs a 240 V outlet that has to be installed if you have a 120 V receptacle.
Can the Dishwasher and Washing Machine Use the Same Waste Pipe?
Yes. A dishwasher and a washing machine use the same waste pipe. Since the dishwasher typically handles a smaller load, while a washing machine drains a lot of water. You might end up needing a large hose pipe for a washing machine.
Both appliance waste pipes are connected to the sewerage line through the kitchen sink or the bathroom drain. Therefore, you can join your alliances anywhere there is a drain line.
The hosepipe is connected to a pump that pushes water into the drain on the connection under the sink. The hose creates a high loop that goes a bit higher than the connection to the connector at the sink drain. This prevents waste from slipping back into the dishwasher.
Both connections also need an air gap device that helps the maters waste to return to the dishwasher or a washing machine. You will also need a Tee fitting and a P-trap. A P-Trap prevents toxic gases from getting into the dishwasher or washing machine.
With all the similarities, you can swap either of the appliances when the need arises.
Can You Install a Washer in the Kitchen?
Yes. You can install a washer in the kitchen, providing enough space to operate a washing machine.
A 240 V outlet powers most washing machines. The two outlets installed in the kitchen are either 60 or 120 V.
You must have 240 V behind the cabinets in the kitchen to run the kitchen’s washing machine. This is not a project you can do by yourself. There are several qualified electricians in your area.
A washing machine also needs to be connected to a water supply. Although the kitchen might have only one cold water collection, your washing machine will still work with cold water. Therefore, you will need to connect the washing machine near the kitchen sink.
Your washing machine and dishwasher use the same drain hose. The drain hose is connected to the sewer line through the pump under the sink. This handles the issue of drainage.
The problem with installing a washing machine in the kitchen is its noise when operating. Therefore, you will need to get used to the noise.
A washing machine is also too giant and requires ample space; your kitchen might not have enough space to fit a washing machine.
You can also not install a washing machine where an integrated dishwasher was installed. You might need to remove the working space to fit the washing machine.
Detergents used in the washing machine might contain strong chemicals that might be toxic if consumed by humans. The detergents might come in contact with food by accident.
Here are some of the best picks if you are about to shop for a washing machine.
BLACK+DECKER Small Portable Washing Machine for Household Use
- 0.9 Cubic Feet capacity
- 5 Cycles selections
- Transparent Lid & LED Display
- Special Features: Portable, Child Lock, Delay Start
- Stainless steel body
- 1.6 Cubic Feet capacity
- Easy to Use – 6 Wash Programs
- Special Features: Portable, Child Lock, Delay Start
- Stainless steel body
Conclusion
If the need arises, you can connect the washing machine in the kitchen with just a few adjustments, and you are good to go. Most of the plumbing and connections are made for you by the manufacturers. The other minor links can be made with some help from videos online.
Before making electrical adjustments during the project, like attaching the outlet to the electric line, remember electricity is dangerous and only qualified electricians have the right skills for the job. Ensure all the cords are concealed to prevent accidents.
Although you can connect the kitchen’s washing machine, I advise you the kitchen is the center of each home; everyone can access the kitchen anytime. If young kids play with the washing machine, it may be a risk for the kid in any way.
James is an organic fertilizer professional who owns a successful organic fertilizer company in new jersey. He is an expert in waste management in both houses and community cases. In his free time, he loves to write about his experiences in the field.
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