Maybe you’ve been told that you need to install a washing machine outlet box, but you’re not sure what that is or what it does.
OR
Maybe you know you need one but you’re not sure where to put it or how high to mount it.
In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about washing machine outlet boxes, what they are, what they do, and how high you should be mounting them.
Here is what this article covers:
- What is a washing machine outlet box and what does it do?
- Do I have to cut the back wall to install a laundry box?
- How high should you mount the washing machine outlet box?
- Benefits of mounting the washing machine outlet box at the correct height
- Other factors to consider when mounting the washing machine outlet box
- Final thoughts
- Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s get started.
What is a washing machine outlet box and what does it do?
A washing machine outlet box provides a watertight connection between your washing machine’s water supply lines and the shut-off valves. It provides quick and safe water supply shut-off access.
To have easy access to water supplies and a secured drain line, one should opt for a washing machine outlet box.
These Outlet boxes are also known as “Laundry boxes” and are installed usually while you set up your washer.
Installing a washing machine outlet box or a laundry outlet box gives a neat appearance to your laundry area by covering the water pipes and the hoses.
A solid box frame is concealed on the wall, usually behind the washer. This solid concealed box includes the water supply valves.
Apart from offering a neat appearance to the laundry rooms, the inclusion of shutoff valves becomes useful, especially when dealing with leakage problems or a burst hose.
Laundry outlet boxes also come with a single supply and a common shut-off for both hot and cold supplies.
Do I have to cut the back wall to install a laundry box?
No, you don’t have to cut the back wall to install a laundry box if you are not planning to conceal it within the wall.
There are many different types of laundry boxes available on the market that can be surface mounted on the wall as well.
If you are not planning to get the box concealed in the wall, you can Install the box by drilling the wall and then installing them using screws.
If you have a stud finder, you can use that to help you find the studs in the wall so you know where to drill.
Once you’ve found the studs, mark them with a pencil so you know where to drill.
Drill the holes at the marked locations, and then use screws to secure the box to the wall.
How high should you mount the washing machine outlet box?
The standard mounting height for a washing machine outlet box is anywhere between 34 inches to 42 inches and this may vary depending on your washing machine type.
In order to get the accurate mounting height for a washing machine outlet box, you may refer to the user manual.
The User manual should have the drain elevations guide that will help you to get a fair idea of how high the outlet box should be placed for your washing machine model.
The height for mounting a laundry box depends on the washer’s height and the drain outlet.
Most washers have a height of around 42 inches, accordingly, the boxes are mounted behind the wall.
The placement of an outlet box may vary if there is a pedestal or a washing machine stand placed beneath the washer.
Simply, make sure the box is installed at least a couple of inches above the washer or if it is easily accessible without moving the washer.
Also Read: How to troubleshoot a portable washing machine?
Benefits of mounting the washing machine outlet box at the correct height
Mounting the outlet box at the correct height is an extremely important step as it benefits the washer in many ways.
Here are some of the benefits of mounting the washing machine outlet box at the correct height:
Helps in easy installation of the washer
When the outlet box is mounted at the correct height, it becomes easier to install the washer as you won’t have to struggle to connect the water supply lines.
You can simply connect the hoses to the valves and then place the washer in its final position.
If the outlet box is too low, you will have to lift the washer higher to connect the hoses, which can be quite difficult, especially if you are doing it alone.
Therefore, mounting the outlet box at the correct height will make the installation process much easier.
Avoids strain on water supply lines
If the outlet box is mounted too low, the water supply lines will have to be bent sharply to reach the washer, which can put a lot of strain on the lines.
This can lead to leaks in the future as the weakened lines are more likely to burst.
Mounting the outlet box at the correct height will help to avoid this problem by keeping the water supply lines straight.
Ensures proper drainage
When the outlet box is mounted at the correct height, it will ensure that the water drains out properly without any issues.
If the outlet box is mounted too low, the water will not be able to drain out properly, which can lead to a lot of problems, such as overflowing and leaks.
Therefore, it is extremely important to make sure that the outlet box is mounted at the correct height to avoid any issues with drainage.
Clean Appearance
When the outlet box is mounted at the correct height, it gives the wall a much cleaner appearance as there are no water lines or hoses hanging down.
Other factors to consider when mounting the washing machine outlet box
There are a few other factors that you should consider when mounting the washing machine outlet box.
- Make sure that the box is made of durable material especially if you are planning to conceal it.
- It is also important to make sure that the box is properly sealed to avoid any leaks.
- You should also make sure that the box is mounted securely to the wall so that it does not come loose.
- If you are unsure about how to mount the outlet box, you can always hire a professional to do it for you.
Hiring a professional is always the best option as they will know exactly how to do it and will also be able to seal the box properly to avoid any leaks.
Final Thoughts
Mounting the washing machine outlet box at the correct height is extremely important as it has many benefits.
It is important to make sure that the box has a good build quality and is mounted at least a couple of inches above the washer.
The placement of the outlet box should be such that it is easily accessible without moving the washer.
If you are unsure about how to mount the outlet box, you can always hire a professional to do it for you.
Lastly, do not ignore the user manual there are chances that the user manual may have all the answers to your questions.
Also Read: How to clean a portable washing machine?
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the washing machine outlet box.
Where do you put a washing machine outlet box?
The washing machine outlet box should be mounted on the wall at least a couple of inches above the washer. The placement of the outlet box should be such that it is easily accessible without moving the washer.
How much does it cost to install a washer outlet box?
If you are installing the outlet box on your own, you can expect to pay anywhere between $30 to $175 per unit for the simplest and straightforward installation. Having said that, If you take a help from professional to install the outlet box, the expenditure may increase two folds.
How do you install a washing machine outlet box?
If you are unsure about how to mount the outlet box, you can always hire a professional to do it for you. Hiring a professional is always the best option as they will know exactly how to do it and will also be able to seal the box properly to avoid any leaks.
Can you install a washing machine outlet box in a closet?
Yes, you can install a washing machine outlet box in a closet. However, you need to make sure that the outlet box is mounted at least a couple of inches above the washer and is easily accessible without moving the washer.
What is the height of a washer outlet box?
There is no standard height for a washer outlet box. However, it is generally mounted at least a couple of inches above the washer.
What is the best material for a washing machine outlet box?
The best material for a washing machine outlet box is PVC as it is durable and easy to work with. However, you can also use metal or any other material that is durable and easy to work with.
What is the standard height for a laundry box?
The standard height for a laundry box is around 42 Inches. However, it is not a fixed rule and may vary according to the type and size of your washing machine. You should always check the user manual for specific instructions. As a general rule of thumb always mount the outlet box at least a couple of inches above the washer.
What is a hammer arrestor in the laundry outlet box?
When your washer operates, the hammer arrestor restricts the banging noise in the water supply lines, especially while the water valve closes or shuts off the supplies. When the water valve close or shuts off the supplies, it creates a banging noise through a loose supply pipe or other loose connections in the supply lines. In such situations, the hammer arrestors quickly come into the action and absorb the excess vibration and the banging noise.
Can I install the laundry outlet box for my washer?
If you are thorough with plumbing then you may install the washing machine outlet box in your laundry room. It is recommended, that the laundry boxes should be installed with the help of an expert because any error may lead to the malfunctioning of supplies, especially the drain system. Although the installation may look easy it requires you to follow certain plumbing techniques and codes that suit the laundry.
Can I replace the laundry box on my own?
Yes, you may certainly replace the plumbing box in the event of damage or wear-outs. Replacing the washing machine outlet box is easier than the initial installation of the entire setup.
