Pros and cons of installing a washing machine on a balcony or loggia

A washing machine on the balcony is a solution for those who live in small apartments or have a small kitchen or bathroom. This way you can save space and save yourself from unnecessary noise. In addition to the advantages, there are also disadvantages of this innovation.

Is it allowed to install a washing machine on the balcony?

Is it possible or not to install such equipment on a loggia or balcony? This is the first question that should come to the owner’s mind. This trick is possible if the balcony is closed and insulated. Otherwise, the equipment will deteriorate, and the water in the hoses will freeze in cold weather.

It is also important to make sure that the loggia slabs are strong. The washing machine weighs on average 50 kg plus vibration. If the building is strong, then you will still have to put an anti-vibration sheet under the legs and install the machine level.

Other moments should not prevent you from completing your plan. Carrying a washing machine through a doorway is not difficult. Difficulties lie in the way of communication. You will need very long hoses. These can ruin the interior design, but a good owner will be able to hide them from prying eyes.

Keep in mind! With a long hose, the pump will work more actively, which is why frequent wear of the pump is possible.You can replace the mechanism in a few minutes with your own hands or by using the services of a specialist.

Installing a washing machine on the balcony

Installing a washing machine on a loggia or balcony will take a lot of time. Additional help wouldn't hurt. Proceed step by step:

First, free up space and level the floor.
Apply power supply. The washing machine runs on electricity, so it is important that there is an outlet on the balcony. You don’t have to bother and just pull the extension cord from the next room every time, but it’s better, of course, to do everything thoroughly.
Bring the washing machine onto the balcony and install it exactly.
Engage in communication. This is not an easy task, you need to:
- mark the grooves from the sink to the loggia;
- make holes in the walls and place shell casings in them;
- stretch the hoses (filler and drain) and connect them.

After the work is done, make sure that everything is well fixed. This will help avoid leaks and other misunderstandings. If water leaks somewhere, it will not only flood your balcony, but will also cause damage to your neighbor’s.

Pros and cons of installing a washing machine on the balcony

Reviews from those who have already installed a washing machine on the loggia are extremely positive. People note that such placement:

allows you to save space;
eliminates noise in the house/apartment;
eliminates the transfer of wet things through all rooms;
makes it possible to save time and effort that would be spent on transporting laundry (things are hung on the spot, you just need to take them out of the drum).

But even with a number of advantages, there are several difficulties. The disadvantages include:

difficulties in carrying out communication (sewer outlets, supplying water and breaking through walls takes a lot of time);
it is possible to impose a fine for illegal and uncoordinated redevelopment;
equipment can deteriorate faster, because the balcony is not as dry and warm as in the house;
there is a risk of deformation of the slabs on the loggia due to vibrations emanating from a working washing machine (repair work will have to be carried out - dangerous and costly).

And if you are unlucky with your neighbors, then they may begin to be indignant due to the excess noise and damage to property. It is these people who complain to the relevant authorities, after which fines are paid, and the whole idea collapses. We have to return the washing machine to its original place and disassemble the communications.

Rules for storing a washing machine on a loggia or balcony

If needed easy to store the washing machine on the loggia and not use it for some time, then the difficulties disappear. This can be done even in an unheated extension, and none of the neighbors will say a word.

Before moving your washing machine for the winter, drain all water from the hoses. It shouldn’t remain in the machine itself either. If this is not done, the water will freeze, the hoses will rupture, and the mechanisms will deteriorate.

When preparing the washer, follow the instructions:

Disconnect the inlet hose. Pour into it a special liquid that is used to wash washing mashine windows - it does not freeze at sub-zero temperatures.
Straighten the drain hose and release all the contents from it.
Also pour 200-250 ml of non-freezing liquid into the drum itself.
Then turn on the washing mode.
Water will not flow as communications are disconnected. You need to blow out the valve and inlet hose.
Then turn on the spin cycle.

All of the above will allow the non-freezing composition to get into all mechanisms.

Afterwards, you can safely take the equipment out onto the balcony.If it is poorly covered or there are leaks, then it is advisable to cover the machine well so that water and snow do not get on it. If it is possible to cover the loggia, then do it.

Conclusion

Installing a washing machine the loggia is not an easy task, but if you work hard, you can free up space in the kitchen or bathroom. Such redevelopments should be done after coordinating everything with the neighbors, because their ceiling on the balcony may also suffer. Preliminary agreements will eliminate unexpected complaints and costly fines.

In case of misunderstandings, be prepared to carry out repair work at your own expense.