What Moving Laundry Room Locations Involves
Many homes put the washer and dryer in a garage far from bedrooms, where most dirty clothes start. Moving laundry room locations closer to bedrooms saves trips, but it requires new drains, water lines, a dryer vent, electrical circuits and plans for noise and leaks. The cost depends on how far the new spot sits from existing plumbing.
Before choosing a spot, ask a plumber where drains can connect.
Drains and Water
Washers need a drain that handles a fast flow of water. New supply lines with shutoffs are needed too. Because drains need slope, location matters. The article on plumbing relocation costs explains why.
Dryer Venting
Dryer vents must reach outside with a short, straight run. Interior rooms far from exterior walls make venting harder. So consider ventless dryers if venting proves difficult.
Moving Laundry Room and Electrical
Electric dryers need higher voltage circuits. Washers need dedicated circuits too. In the City of Sacramento, new circuits fall under minor permits.
- Drain connection with slope
- Supply lines and shutoffs
- Short dryer vent route
- Dedicated circuits
Leak Protection
Upstairs laundry rooms can cause damage below if a hose fails. Leak pans, water sensors and shutoff valves help. Also consider a floor drain.
Noise and Vibration
Machines vibrate and make noise. Solid floors, insulated walls and a solid door help. The article on soundproofing between rooms explains methods.
Space Options
Closets, hallways or part of a bathroom can hold laundry. Stacked machines fit tight spots. The article on laundry room remodeling covers layout.
Moving Laundry Room and the Old Space
The old garage area becomes free. Plan its new use. The article on garage storage upgrade offers ideas.
Floor Structure
Full machines are heavy. So confirm the floor can handle the weight and vibration.
Costs
Distance from plumbing, venting and electrical drive cost. Get quotes for more than one location. Then compare convenience with cost.
Moving Laundry Room Permits
Moving plumbing, venting and circuits usually needs permits. So ask the building department before work begins. Also, inspections confirm that drains, vents and wiring meet code.
Because water and electricity mix in a laundry area, those checks protect the home. Then the new space works safely for years.
Moving Laundry Room Timing
Plan the move with other remodeling work when possible. For example, a bathroom remodel may open walls near the new spot. So combining projects can reduce costs. Then the disruption happens only once.
Making the Decision
Weigh trips saved against cost and risk. Careful planning makes moving laundry room locations worthwhile.