Plumbing in a Zanussi washer/dryer

[Jules2]

The machine has been in storage for some months but we now need to use it. The old out-going machine has 2 water hoses but this one only has one and presumably draws only from the cold water (hope this is ok as it was a present!!). 2 copper pipes are connected to the incoming pipe under the sink, to which the existing hoses are connected - how do we close off the hot one? Someone's mentioned capping it off - how do we do this or do we really need a plumber?

 

[breezer]

have you not got

that the washing m/c pipe connects to

 

[Jules2]

No, don't think so. Should this have come with the machine? There's just one hose with one attachment as far as I can make out. Or is this something I can buy easily enough?

 

[breezer]

the tap shown should be on thepipe work that the (old) washing machine red / blue pipes connect to. have a look

 

[Jules2]

It's not as far as I can see. There are just 2 copper pipes, totally separate running up under the sink and out behind, obviously to wherever the in-pipe is, but behind the sink unit and it's not possible to see. The pipes don't join each other at any point this side of the wall.

 

[breezer]

try looking from the other end, the taps shown are how the red / blue pipes join to the copper ones

(yours may have no red / blue handle or even have a small screw but they do the same job)

 

[Jules2]

It's not possible to see either end of the pipes completely because it's all behind built-in worktops. My partner bought this flat with the washing machine in it - left behind from the previous owner. We reckon the washing machine was there first and they've built the kitchen since. There are a few things here which look a tad cowboy-ish - even though we're obviously not experts ! But I can't see the connection you're talking about.

 

[breezer]

you should (will have to) pull the washing machine out then look

 

[Jules2]

We did that first of all to see what the score was. All you can see is the 2 hoses disappearing round the corner at the back, behind the unit. Next to it, is the under-sink cupboard so I stuck my head in there as that's where they led to and that's where I saw the 2 copper pipes which the hoses bolt onto. The pipes disappear out the other side of the cupboard, but it's the external wall side and not possible to get behind at all.

 

[breezer]

you need to look closey at as you put it I saw the 2 copper pipes which the hoses bolt onto what do the hoses "bolt onto" ?

 

[AdamW]

If you can't see where the hoses meet the copper pipes, then you would do well to consider the following:

1) Find out what length the hoses are from the manual if possible (Isn't 1.5m the norm?)

2) measure, and figure out where behing the units hose meets copper.

3) take the dishes out of the cupboard and cut a hole (carefully, VERY carefully, hole in hose wouldn't be fun) in the back of the unit.

4) Inspect, see if your hole is in the right place and if there is a washing machine tap there. If not, stick your hand in and feel around to see if you are near the mark, cut new hole appropriately.

Now, I think this set-up is foolish if there is no access to a shut-off valve as it would be a bu**er if your washing machine starts to flood. Shutting off all hot water isn't great if you want to shower whilst machine is still out of commission.

 

[Jules2]

A friend called round yesterday and more or less sorted it for us - it's being finished off today. So thanks everso for all the help and suggestions.