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AR15.COM
12/31/2010 11:02:51 AM EDT
We are planning on moving the washer and dryer inside the house.   It is currently in the garage.  A few questions:

Are there building code requirements on how much clearance is needed in front of a w/d?

Is a floor drain required?
12/31/2010 11:59:30 AM EDT
[#1]
I dunno about your area. A call to the local building inspector would be best for you.

I can tell you there are best practices (and codes) regarding the wiring/outlets for both those appliances, as well as how the dryer is vented. That last part is very important, as improper dryer venting accounts for a good number of house fires, and can also cause moisture damage to your walls if not done correctly.
12/31/2010 12:11:48 PM EDT
[#2]
Electrical and gas supply has to be code worthy. Many municipalities require washers to be in a pan.
Dryer:
gas connection must be metal -NOW stainless

no screws in vent-vent must be smooth inside

4" minimum vent duct

vent must have outside backdraft damper

Max run on vent 20'

No combining vent with other systems

Electric dryers need dedicated 30a circuit

Not much on washers but you do want to obviously run lint traps

but you need a 30" minimum stand on the drain

NO traps in a floor drain

Some municipalities still allow drainage into sump pit-storm sewer, you need to check.

You also need dedicated 20a circuits for laundry

All I remember right now, look it up to be certain
12/31/2010 12:13:27 PM EDT
[#3]
Also, make sure you add hammers to the water supply for the washer.
12/31/2010 12:16:42 PM EDT
[#4]
Quoted:
Also, make sure you add hammers to the water supply for the washer.


Are brass hammers better than steel?

12/31/2010 12:17:44 PM EDT
[#5]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Also, make sure you add hammers to the water supply for the washer.


Are brass hammers better than steel?



Smart ass
12/31/2010 12:20:03 PM EDT
[#6]
Quoted:
Electrical and gas supply has to be code worthy. Many municipalities require washers to be in a pan.
Dryer:
gas connection must be metal -NOW stainless

no screws in vent-vent must be smooth inside

4" minimum vent duct

vent must have outside backdraft damper

Max run on vent 20'

No combining vent with other systems

Electric dryers need dedicated 30a circuit

Not much on washers but you do want to obviously run lint traps

but you need a 30" minimum stand on the drain

NO traps in a floor drain

Some municipalities still allow drainage into sump pit-storm sewer, you need to check.

You also need dedicated 20a circuits for laundry

All I remember right now, look it up to be certain


Thanks for those tips.  Electrical and plumbing as critical as it is, I don't have many questions about.  The one thing I need to know is if there is a minimum clearance in front of the w/d.  And if there is no code, what is the best practice?
12/31/2010 12:24:35 PM EDT
[#7]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Electrical and gas supply has to be code worthy. Many municipalities require washers to be in a pan.
Dryer:
gas connection must be metal -NOW stainless

no screws in vent-vent must be smooth inside

4" minimum vent duct

vent must have outside backdraft damper

Max run on vent 20'

No combining vent with other systems

Electric dryers need dedicated 30a circuit

Not much on washers but you do want to obviously run lint traps

but you need a 30" minimum stand on the drain

NO traps in a floor drain

Some municipalities still allow drainage into sump pit-storm sewer, you need to check.

You also need dedicated 20a circuits for laundry

All I remember right now, look it up to be certain


Thanks for those tips.  Electrical and plumbing as critical as it is, I don't have many questions about.  The one thing I need to know is if there is a minimum clearance in front of the w/d.  And if there is no code, what is the best practice?


I don't believe so for a w/d. Usually clearances are for furnaces (12" from a wall) electrical panels, B Vents etc.

Make sure you can open the dryer door and work comfortably in-front of it, I doubt you will fail an inspection.

Usually, blueprints lay out the laundy area, and I have neevr thought about this.

I can go pull a set of drawings out of the shop and scale off a wall and w/d if you really need to split hairs.
12/31/2010 12:32:53 PM EDT
[#8]

Max run on vent 20'

I don't know if this requirement is that common.  In 2000 at work we had a 50' vent approved for a pair of dryers.  A little over four years ago my condo had a 150' vent approved by a city with very stringent inspections.z
12/31/2010 1:19:32 PM EDT
[#9]
NO traps in a floor drain


Every drain that empties into the sanitary system MUST have a trap.

It may not look like a regular p-trap arm, but a trap is required.