(Updated May 25, 2022)
Although it may not be as glamorous or talked about as a master suite or chef’s kitchen remodel, a laundry room makeover can help in the day-to-day activities of you and your family members. Those households with a couple of kids can attest to that: if you don’t stay in front of it, the laundry can really stack up!
Laundry rooms are one of the busiest, most used rooms in the home. They also may act as a mudroom, featuring a large laundry sink to wash the dog or clean off paintbrushes, among many other things. And like a master bath or kitchen, having access to water when you need it is very important.
When it comes to a laundry room design, you’ll want to think about more than just adding subway tile along the back of the counter space. A laundry room renovation should take into account water sources, drain lines, and how to make the most of the existing space.
Sure, a drying rack, a place to fold laundry, a place for an ironing board, and open shelving for cleaning supplies and laundry supplies are all important. In a small laundry room, you’ll need to make space-saving decisions as well. So moving the plumbing may be a consideration, especially if it also acts as a utility room.
Laundry Room Remodel Considerations
If the water heater is located in the laundry room, there’s also the potential for catastrophic water issues because it can hold 40 to 120 gallons of water. Imagine what a mess that would be to clean up – and what damage it could cause – in the event of an emergency.
That is why it is critical to stay on top of plumbing maintenance, especially in the laundry room! Doing so will save frustration, money, and time, helping you avoid the headache of costly repairs or even replacing items lost due to water damage. If you take the time to tackle problems early, you’ll nip issues in the bud and may be able to avoid repairs that negatively impact your pocketbook.
It takes just a handful of simple procedures to ensure your water supply lines, tanks, fittings, and even washing machine drains are in good working order. Follow these easy tips to ensure that your laundry room plumbing is in tip-top shape, no matter how much use it gets every week.
Make a List, Check It Twice
Your washing machine is one of the most important appliances in your home. And while these machines are a lifesaver for busy families, they can be complex, with more plumbing than actually meets the eye. It is very important to make sure the hoses are securely always connected to the water main.
Sometimes the hoses can loosen over time or movement, so checking this periodically is key. This is one of the easiest – and most obvious tasks – on the preventative maintenance checklist. Here are a few more things to check regularly to make sure your machine is ready to take on your family’s piles of dirty laundry.
- Inspect your washing machine for signs of wear, including loose joints and leaks.
- Check exposed pipes under the drain sink for signs of leaks.
- Pour a bucket of water down the drain to keep the trap seal full.
- Check the temperature setting of your water heater to make sure it’s not over 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Check for puddles or small pools of water on the floor. Try to find the source of the water. You could have a leaking water heater, or there could be a problem with your washing machine.
Give Your Laundry Room Makeover an Eco-Friendly Nod
Laundry rooms are often the most neglected rooms in the house, simply because they are mostly working areas that are not a place to show off to guests or entertain. However, this room in your home is one of the biggest places where you can save energy. Energy conservation is not only good for your budget, but it helps the environment, too.
By adopting an environmentally friendly mindset and replacing old, energy-inefficient machines in your laundry room with new Energy Star-rated products, you’ll cut down on energy use. This translates to significantly reduced power and water bills. These are a few of the simple steps you can take to reduce waste in your laundry room.
- Replace rubber hoses with stainless steel braided hoses that last longer and are resistant to leaking and cracking.
- Install strainers on your washing machine hoses and drains to keep hair and debris from entering or clogging your drain lines. Physical barriers are effective and don’t require harsh chemicals.
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when choosing laundry detergent for the washing machine. High-efficiency machines often use a concentrated formula that can cut down on how often you need to buy soap.
- Consider replacing your washing machine with an up-to-date, high-quality, front-load model. Choose a high-efficiency model to maximize savings.
- Consider replacing your dryer, too. The washer and dryer use a lot of energy so it’s important to have energy-efficient models.
Being Diligent Pays Off
Be conscientious about maintenance and you’ll reduce the risk of problems down the road. With well-maintained plumbing and appliances, you can focus on getting your laundry clean instead of worrying about the pipes. In addition to checking sink drains and your plumbing system supply pipes, make sure to check the dryer vents, too.
Lint, hair, and other debris build-up in those vents which can negatively impact energy efficiency. Not to mention, dryer vents that are full also create a greater risk of starting a fire. Making sure you check everything out will give you the peace of mind you need knowing everything is running as it should at peak efficiency.
Work With Local Laundry Room Makeover Professionals
The average person spends hundreds of hours each year washing clothes–that’s a lot of laundry baskets! That’s why it’s important to make sure your laundry plumbing is functioning exactly as it should. At Meticulous Plumbing, we understand the inconvenience that plumbing issues cause. So, if you need help with a repair, or want help with plumbing maintenance, we are the experts you can trust.
With more than 30 years of experience in the Portland Metro area, we know exactly what to look for if your laundry room plumbing has sprung a leak. Whether it’s loose lines, a clogged drain, a water heater replacement, or a combination of all those things, we have the resources to get you up and running again.
In the middle of a home renovation and need help plumbing for a new laundry area? Or perhaps you simply need help installing your new laundry room appliances. We also provide plumbing installation services and are adept in moving pipes to fit your specific remodeling needs.
Perhaps you are also remodeling other parts of your home, too. We also install, service, and repair plumbing for your entire home, whether it be a new half bathroom off the kitchen, the entire kitchen itself, or a brand-new en suite master bathroom. We also provide an inspection service where we look at the entire system, from where it comes into the house to where it finally exits the structure.
Meticulous Plumbing can help you with any of your plumbing needs. If you’d like to replace any of your appliances with new, high-efficiency models, contact us or give us a call: 503.208.2812
