Washing machine in a cloakroom / WC - what are the rules? What do regs say?

DIYNotIan · 31 Jan 2020

Hi all

As per the title really. The WC is just toilet and small sink. Is it allowed? Are there minimum distances, or any of that business? Can there be a plug socket or would the cable need to be routed elsewhere? Anything else to consider.

Many thanks and have a great weekend DIYnoters!

Tigercubrider · 31 Jan 2020

Dunno about a small cloakroom but a couple of friends have had washing machines in upstairs bathrooms, possibly due to space or access to drains.
I would assume that "normal" rules applied so that the electrical outlet can't be touched simultaneously with taps etc ?
I think the distance needs to be 3 metres?

EFLImpudence · 31 Jan 2020

There are no special rules if no bath/shower etc. are involved - other than common sense.

Think kitchen.

DIYNotIan · 31 Jan 2020

Thanks for the replies

EFLImpudence said:
There are no special rules if no bath/shower etc. are involved - other than common sense.

Think kitchen.

Oh yeah, I didn't think kitchen but now you mention it that does make sense!

Someone mentioned that a socket would need to be 60cm+ from water. Is that the case?

Cheers

EFLImpudence · 31 Jan 2020

Not really, just common sense, as I said.

Some places mention 30cm. from edge of the basin.

JohnW2 · 31 Jan 2020

DIYNotIan said:
Someone mentioned that a socket would need to be 60cm+ from water. Is that the case?

Most electrical things have to be 60cm from a bath or shower, and sockets (other than shaver sockets) need to be 3 metres from a bath or shower - but there are no regs about anything else which involves water (sinks, basins, toilets etc.).

As has been said, it's just down to common sense.

Kind Regards, John

DIYNotIan · 31 Jan 2020

Well that's great to hear. Thanks for confirming. For the record, the socket could easily be situated behind the washing machine, and if so it would be around 60cm-70cm from the toilet and and more from the sink. And out of hand's reach if a sodding great machine is in the way of it! Which should comply with the common sense bit

Thanks for the help

Adam_151 · 1 Feb 2020

DIYNotIan said:
For the record, the socket could easily be situated behind the washing machine, and if so it would be around 60cm-70cm from the toilet and and more from the sink. And out of hand's reach if a sodding great machine is in the way of it! Which should comply with the common sense bit

I'd put it above it so you can get to it without moving the machine, that way
a) you can turn it off to reset the damn thing if you remember you have forgotten to put the tablet in just after your have pressed go and its locked the door
b) You have a basin overflow and need to bring in a dehumidifier or fan to help to dry things out
c) you have one of those hotpoint or indeset self destructing machines

securespark · 2 Feb 2020

Adam_151 said:
c) you have one of those hotpoint or indeset self destructing machines

Yeah, thanks, Which? magazine....
I bought one as they said it was a best buy.
Not for me.
I have been backwards and forwards to Whirlpool asking if it's OK They say yes, then I get a letter saying they need to recheck, so I ring again, "It's fine"..... After the third letter, I don't trust it, but they refuse a refund, saying it is safe.
But I don't trust them as they don't seem sure; I'm getting shot soon, but will ring them and see if they can offer me anything for it.

Please, if anyone has an affected Hotpoint or Indesit tumble dryer or washing machine, please get in touch with them and check it out ASAP.

Tumble Dryers see here: https://dryerrecall.whirlpool.co.uk

Washing Machines see here: https://washingmachinerecall.whirlpool.co.uk

conny · 2 Feb 2020

Got a washing machine that fits the criteria and we were advised before Christmas to stop using it immediately.
With 2 disabled people in the house and one of who is double incontinent that was impossible. Pleas for an immediate repair/exchange/refund, supported by medical proof, simply fell on deaf ears. We had no alternative but to buy another washing machine, (NOT Whirlpool/Hotpoint), and to put the affected one in to storage in the garage awaiting action by the manufacturers.
We are lucky in the fact we were able to afford to take this route but there must be hundreds, if not thousands, in similar circumstances who don't have the means to do it this way.

securespark · 2 Feb 2020

Sure.

diynot

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Washing machine in a cloakroom / WC - what are the rules? What do regs say?

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