How do I move the washing machine & dryer from Inside pantry area to Garage?

Question

Hey All,
We just bought a house, and it has a SMALL laundry area (basically just HD Hookups) in the pantry area off the kitchen.

i would like to move the machines about 12-15 feet into the garage.

however, i do not want to alter the current placement of the hookups, if / when we sell, the future owners might want their machines inside.

So, i know i will have to drill through the wall into the garage, im ready for that, but what do i do about the washing machine water inlet hoses, and drain?

And for the dryer, how do i extend the power cord?
Our garage has vents that i can use to vent the dryer..

Is this a DIY project, or should i hire someone? im pretty handy around this place..

Thanx,

Additional Details:

we are in Austin, TX so weather isnt that bad..

we just want more space to fold laundry, and more pantry space

Answer 1

The whole thing is a bad idea. You would be better off just to add the plumbing and electrical fixtures in the garage. Consider that the wal between your garage and the interior of the dwelling is a fire rated wall, and breaching it with holes for what you want to do is not safe, and is a code violation.

I'm guessing from the post that the garage location is on the other side of the wall from where the laundry is now. If that's the case, removing some drywall, adding the plumbing and electrical work, and closing the whole thing up is pretty minor.

The up side is that, when you vacate, the new owners will have a choice, your additions are not in violation of the codes, and it's all good! If you do it right, there is no downside!

Answer 2

I recently did exactly what you're describing in our new house. It is not difficult if you know what you are doing.

First, turn off your water main. Then you will need to go under the house (or into the basement) and put a "T" fitting on the hot, cold, and drain pipes in place of the 90 degree elbow fittings where the pipes run up the wall into the pantry. Then run new pipes from the fitting out to the garage. Be sure to use the SAME TYPE of pipes that are currently in the home (this helps to prevent leaks later).

Be sure that your drain pipe is always slightly sloped away from your washer hookups. Also make sure to suspend it properly from floor joists to prevent sagging/breaking.

Glue/Solder pipes to your new hose valves in the garage (Hint: get a laundry hookup kit) and be sure they're turned off and glue has cured. Then turn water on and inspect for leaks.

Next, run a NEW dryer-rated power cord from a NEW breaker in your fuse box. The dryer requires a special outlet box as well. The washer can plug into any outlet.

I hope this helps guy.

Answer 3

What you are wanting to do is feasible.

The hardest part is dealing with the drain. The drain hose coming out of the washer should go up higher than the washer, then go downhill from there. You may have to cut off the existing riser on the washer drain in such a way that you could restore it to its original condition if need be.

I have made extension cords for dryers using the appropriate plugs, outlets and wire gauge. You can have high-pressure hose assemblies built locally to extend the water supply, or combine washer hoses to reach.

It won't be pretty, but it will work.

Answer 4

1. Will the water be protected from freezing in the garage. 2. If you just run a hose for the drain, it will strain the pump on the washer. 3. Do you really want to go out to the garage in the winter to wash clothes. 4. You'd have to rip out the wall, extend the drain, add a plumbing vent, extend the electric box, provide a valve for the water, would it really be worth it.

Answer 5

I agree with Hank. You're going to want to install a complete new set of connections in the garage. If you try and extend drains and water lines through your house, you're asking for a flood.

Answer 6

This is all well and fine but, the big but? your going to have to install the right type of drain lines, water hook ups to prevent trouble and electrical lines. Your looking at a complete installation that could run into money. I get the drift of the idea but, you seem to think you can do it for very little and on a Saturday night, you just can't. Your looking at a big job.

Answer 7

I like the sound of my dryer way better than the washing machine sound.