Connecting the dryer with your own hands

In order to streamline and expedite everyday household tasks, individuals often rely on the assistance of household appliances. In addition to washing machines, appliances for efficiently and effectively drying freshly laundered clothing have become essential in homes. These devices are capable of thoroughly drying large quantities of wet garments in a short amount of time.

Once the laundry drying machine has been purchased and delivered to the specified address, the next step is to install it in the appropriate location and make the necessary connections. This will ensure that the machine functions smoothly and properly carries out its designated tasks. There is no need to hire specialized companies for these tasks, as they can be easily accomplished by the homeowner. Connecting the dryer is a straightforward process that simply requires following a sequence of steps.

Principles of operation of drying devices

The method of installation is determined by the specific type of dryer. Manufacturers offer three different types of devices on the market:

1. An extractor dryer, which functions by drying the laundry and expelling the air through the home’s ventilation system.

An appliance for extracting moisture from clothes

Condensing clothes dryer

Heat pump drying machine

In a flat or private residence, it is recommended to utilize an exhaust dryer that necessitates connection to a ventilation duct and an electrical grid. In case a duct outlet is unavailable, it is suitable to install a condensing unit that discharges water directly into the sewer or a designated tray. Let us focus on two known alternatives for connecting the dryer: to the ventilation duct and to the sewer. Firstly, it should be noted how to position the drying apparatus within the room.

There are various ways to install the dryer. When it comes to residential properties, you can choose one of the following installation methods:

• Vertical placement on top of the washing machine;
• Positioning the dryer next to or in line with the washing machine;
• Installing the appliance inside a cupboard or a custom-made plasterboard niche;
• Embedding the dryer under the kitchen worktop.

Here’s a helpful tip: If you have limited living space, consider installing the dryer on top of the washing machine in a column-like configuration to save space.

In order to mount the dryer on top of the washing machine, it is recommended to utilize the provided set of custom fasteners. Alternatively, there are pre-made stands available for purchase specifically designed for certain dryer brands to be installed on top of washing machines.

It’s important to point out that it’s ideal to have a series of devices from the same manufacturer installed together, as their sizes are perfectly matched and the mounting fasteners fit well. Furthermore, having two machines of the same manufacturer will create a harmonious appearance, enhancing the overall design of the room.

A collection of appliances from a singular brand adds an elegant touch.

If it isn’t possible to acquire a dryer of the same brand as the washing machine, it’s important to select one that matches closely in width and depth. The dryer should not surpass the washing machine in size, as this can compromise the stability of the collection. Another crucial point is that the dryer can only be placed above the washing machine, not vice versa, due to its lighter weight and reduced vibration.

The installation process is simple. The washing machine housing is equipped with special anti-tipping components that have special caps. These caps securely hold the dryer in place, and by adjusting the legs, the appliances can be perfectly leveled.

To ensure safety, it is important to avoid starting the washing and drying process simultaneously on stacked machines. Instead, they should be operated alternately.

Please note that it is strictly prohibited to install the drying machine on top of the washing machine without using specific fixing and balancing components. These parts are essential as they protect the washing machine from the harmful impacts of vibrations and maintain stability of the dryer, preventing it from collapsing onto the floor.

An easy and convenient way to connect a dryer is by placing it on the floor next to the washing machine, in a straight line configuration. While this method does require more space, it provides stability and eliminates the risk of the dryer affecting the washing machine negatively. Typically, this approach is chosen in spacious houses or apartments with large bathrooms or utility rooms. The installation process is simple, involving placing the unit in the desired location and adjusting its level by unscrewing the legs.

Yet another notable mounting option is to install the technique under the sink or countertop. If the appliance is compact, it allows for efficient space-saving and can be cleverly concealed within a kitchen set. This approach is highly favored, particularly when opting for a condensation type dryer, as the proximity to the sewer simplifies the process of connecting to the drainage system.

How to connect the dryer to the communications with your own hands

Once the installation of the drying unit is complete, it is important to proceed with connecting it to either the ventilation system or the drain pipe while considering the device’s operational principle.

Ventilation

A straightforward solution to the issue with ventilation exists. The unit body has an opening specifically designed for ventilation, where the flexible duct needs to be connected. This connection is secured using a special clamp that is included in the kit. In cases where there is no ventilation opening, the opposite end of the flexible pipe should be directed towards a ventilation shaft or a vent. It is not recommended to have 90-degree bends in the flexible pipe, as this would decrease the efficiency of the hood. The goal should be to keep the number of bends and turns in the duct to a minimum.

It is important to take note of another vital aspect. If your intention is to set up the dryer in a warm room, it is not advisable to position the corrugation at the top, as this will result in the buildup of condensation and create a barrier to the flow of air. In such situations, it is prudent to explore an alternative approach, for instance, creating an opening in the wall at the point of departure from the machine, thus allowing for a horizontal section of corrugation.

Sewerage

The condensing type equipment has a feature that allows it to collect the liquid produced during the drying process into a designated tray. This tray needs to be emptied manually on a regular basis. To make your life easier, there is an option to connect the dryer to the sewer system. This can be done by utilizing a special drain hole that is connected to the sewer pipe using a standard hose. The installation process for this connection is similar to how a washing machine is connected. The hose can be directed into the drain or attached to the toilet, bathtub, or sink.

A diagram illustrating the process of connecting to the sewage system

Electricity

The last point of connection is the electrical network of the house. There are two methods to connect the dryer: you can either connect it directly to a separate line taken from the junction box or use a socket. The latter option is considered more practical, especially since the power of household appliances usually does not exceed 2.5 kW. The outlet used for the dryer must be grounded, which is a mandatory requirement. Additionally, the electrical network supplying the dryer should have RCD protection and be equipped with an automatic circuit breaker to prevent overloading and current leakage. In most cases, a 16 Ampere RCD and circuit breaker in the switchboard are sufficient for this purpose.

Installing a circuit breaker in the switchboard

Caution: It is crucial to avoid connecting the washing machine and dryer to the same double outlet. Running both appliances simultaneously can lead to overloading and melting of the outlet, resulting in a hazardous short circuit.

The process of installing, securing, and connecting the dryer in your household does not present any significant challenges and does not demand extensive expertise. You have the option to save expenses on hiring a professional and perform the task independently.