All modern washing machines have a heating element for heating water. But some users, in order to save money, decide to connect the machine directly to a hot water pipe, while dreaming of saving on a communal apartment.
How justified is this decision and when connecting to a hot pipe is really rational, you will learn from this article. We will consider whether it is possible to connect the washing machine to hot water, we will describe what is needed for this and how to do the work with our own hands.
Worth it or not
The manufacturer usually provides for connection exclusively to cold water. But there are models in which the possibility of a double connection is realized – both to a cold pipe and to a hot one.
If you have an ordinary machine, and you do not know what water to connect it to, then you should know that it is better not to violate the manufacturer’s instructions. If the instructions indicate that the connection is only to cold, do so. Otherwise, the following consequences are possible:
- The heating element will burn out much faster, despite the fact that logically it should not be used and seems to be able to last longer.
- The washing quality will decrease. Some things, especially those made of delicate fabrics, can simply deteriorate. If water is supplied in your water pipe at a temperature of 60 degrees, even if you select a 30-degree wash mode, the thing will fall into the water with the temperature that goes in the pipe, the machine will not be able to lower the water temperature.
- To the SMA Corps can get a lot of rubbish and dirt, since hot water is considered technical and does not undergo the same treatment as cold water. In order for clean water to enter the machine, you need a fine filter, and such a purchase will cost you a pretty penny.
- The water intake hose is often made of plastic or other materials not designed for high temperature water, so be prepared for frequent replacement this detail.
There are also advantages of such a connection, for which, in fact, some advanced users choose it. You can save on electricity – that’s a fact. But, given that the cost of hot water is not much lower than the price of energy resources, benefits are highly questionable..
What you need to connect the machine
If you have a machine without hot water or a model that connects to both hot and cold water, further instructions will be useful to you. In the design of such an SMA, there are two inlet hoses at once, so the connection will differ from the standard one. Read how to connect such a machine below.
Let’s start with the toolkit. You will need:
- adjustable wrench;
- ¾ inch spacer rings (silicone or rubber);
- 2 main tee taps for ¾ with a side outlet to the water intake hose;
If the tee faucet is installed in a conspicuous place, for example, in the bathroom on the faucet, then choose beautiful chrome options. For hidden, any cranes are suitable.
- ¾ adapters;
- flow filters ¾.
Important! Use a wrench carefully to avoid damaging the chrome faucet nuts. If you are afraid to ruin the coating, cover the elements with electrical tape so as not to scratch the chrome parts.
How to connect
There are several connection options: simple – to the mixer (here you will figure it out on your own) – and more complex, but reliable. Let’s stop on it.
Proceed like this:
Now that the washing machine is connected to both pipes, you can use it according to the instructions.
And if your washing machine does not have a dual connection at the factory, we recommend avoiding this – it is better to pay a little more for utilities than to go to the machine for new parts soon.