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It’s convenient to have your own laundry room—everything you need is in one place, from detergent to fabric conditioner and flat iron. Your home also looks organized and tidier with dedicated laundry space.
Read this article if you need help in organizing and setting up your laundry room. We’ll also give you helpful tips on maintaining your washing machine, what washer to purchase for your home, the benefits of smart laundry and how to prevent flooding.
Speak with a plumber in Mansfield, TX, if you need more assistance.
Setting Up Your Laundry Room Plumbing
It’s not enough to buy a washing machine and then use it right away. It’s important that you place them in a good area and hooked up to your water supply and draining system.
There are steps involved in setting up your laundry room. You’ll need several plumbing materials and then install the washing machine. If you don’t have experience, it would be best for you to contact a plumber in Mansfield, TX, for assistance.
Avoid doing DIY, especially when it comes to plumbing. When the washing machine isn’t properly installed, there might be leaks. Keep in mind that repairing water damage in homes is costly, but you can avoid this when you always work with a licensed plumber during installation.
Washing Machine Maintenance Tips
Like the rest of your appliances, your washing machine also needs maintenance. Below are some tips to help you properly maintain your washers.
Inspect the Hoses for Wear and Tear
What type of washing machine hose do you have at home? If you still have the rubber ones, make sure that you periodically check them for wear and tear and or cracks. When you fail to check them, chances are they may leak and damage your home. When you schedule plumbing maintenance, ask the plumber in Mansfield, TX, to check your washing machine. Better yet, consider upgrading from rubber to stainless steel hoses for your washer. During installation, make sure that you only work with a licensed plumber in Mansfield, TX, to ensure the proper installation of your hoses.
Use the Right Detergent
Before using your washer, ensure that you have fully read and understood the manufacturer’s instructions on proper maintenance and what detergent to use. Energy-efficient washers use a different type of detergent and may not be that efficient if you use something else. If you have questions, ask the manufacturer or a licensed plumber in Mansfield, TX. They may be able to give you advice on what detergent to use for your washer.
Note: Remember to use the right amount of detergent, or it’s going to leave residue, and your washer will suffer. Follow directions all the time.
Never Overload It
Make sure you know the amount of load your washing machine can carry and not overload it. You won’t be able to save time as the washer may not perform well with oversized loads. Also, you will only damage your washing machine. To avoid costly repairs and replacements sooner, break up your laundry and avoid oversized loads.
For damaged washers, only work with a licensed plumber for repairs.
Clean the Dispensers and the Interior of the Washer
To properly maintain your washing machine, clean it regularly to keep it smelling fresh. What you can do is run an empty load of hot water and then 2 cups of vinegar. After a few minutes or in the middle of the cycle, add about one-half cup of detergent and complete the cycle.
Leave the Door Open After a Cycle
Have you noticed a smell after opening the washer? That’s because you keep it close while it’s still wet. Leave it open and close only when everything has dried. Doing this can prevent unpleasant smells. Also, make sure that you clean the gasket and the door with equal parts water and vinegar. Cleaning your washing machine is done every month.
If you’re having problems with the washer, either call the manufacturer if you have a warranty or try calling a plumber in Mansfield, TX, especially when the problem is on the plumbing side.
Do a Deep Cleaning
After using your washing machine for several years, it will start to lose its efficiency. You may notice that your clothes are no longer that sparkling clean. This is due to the scaling that occurs, but you can remedy this by deep cleaning your machine. Ask the manufacturer or a plumber what cleaner is used to remove all the scaling without damaging other components of your washer.
Clean the Filter
Some washing machines are equipped with a filter that collects dirt and other debris inside. It’s important that you clean this regularly, or it won’t be able to collect dirt. As a result, the debris remains in the water and may get stuck on your clothes. It will also buildup in the machine and may reduce the washer’s efficiency.
Be Mindful in Using the Washer
Washing machines are not cheap. To avoid buying expensive replacements, make sure that you are always careful with them. If you’re not familiar with how a certain washer works, make sure that you read the manufacturer’s instructions before using it.
During installation, it’s imperative that you only work with a licensed plumber to ensure the proper installation of your appliance. Some homeowners may also attempt a DIY —this is okay so long as you actually know what you’re doing. Otherwise, call a plumber instead.
Should You Buy a Top Loader or a Front Loader?
When it comes to convenience in loading and unloading clothes, top-loaders are the winners. With a top loader, you won’t have to keep bending to load and unload your laundry. It’s ideal for people with joint issues. Also, you can add other clothes during mid-cycle with the top loader. You won’t be able to do that with a front loader.
Which one cleans better?
There are two types of front loaders: a washer with an agitator and one that doesn’t have any. An agitator helps the washing machines wash the clothes quickly. High-efficiency top-loaders can clean better than their counterparts.
Front-loaders, on the other hand, are gentler on clothes but careful not to overload the machine. If you’re washing comforters and pillows, the best would be to get a front loader as they can wash better than the top loaders when it comes to bedding.
Which has a water-saving feature?
When it comes to water-saving features, front loaders are better. They use less water compared to the top loaders.
How much do they cost?
When it comes to price, front-loading washing machines are more expensive. This is because they can clean better and are more energy-efficient compared to top loaders.
Also, front loaders have extra features and are quieter than top loaders. They cost more, but you actually can save money in the long run as they’re energy-efficient.
During installation, make sure that you only work with a licensed plumber.
Mold problem?
When it comes to mold problems, front loaders will be the ideal choice. For front loaders, you can minimize mold problems when you leave the door open after each cycle.
What washer to purchase for your home depends on your needs. If you prioritize water-saving features, then you definitely must go with a front loader.
Benefits of Smart Laundry
Some homeowners prefer to have smart laundry as it offers convenience and loads of benefits to them. Below are just some of the advantages you get with smart laundry.
Notifications
With smart laundry, there is no need to set the alarm on what time you need to take out the laundry to your dryer. Some homeowners may even do a re-run because they forgot to remove their clothes to be dried. You will never have this problem with smart laundry. As soon as the cycle is finished, you get notifications on your phone. You can do your other chores without worrying if you’ll forget to take out your clothes.
You Can Operate from your Device
With smart laundry, there is no need to be in your laundry room to start a cycle. You can operate your washer and dryer from your phone. It’s so convenient as you can place your laundry in the washer and then operate them before heading home. Everything will be ready when you get home from work.
Connect It to Your Virtual Assistant
Do you use Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant? You can connect your smart washer and dryer to your device and operate it via voice activation. It’s really convenient.
If you have questions about smart washers, you can either contact your manufacturer or speak with a plumber in your area. For installation, work only with a professional to avoid problems down the road.
How to Prevent Flooding in your Laundry Room
Water damage is a real problem and a costly one. Your home’s foundation will suffer when there are leaks. You can avoid this with our helpful tips below:
Install an Automatic Shut-off Valve
Contact a plumber to install a water shut-off valve to be placed near or under the washing machine. When it detects water, it will automatically shut off your main water supply and prevent flooding in your homes. This device protects your home 24/7 and even while you’re away. You can consider installing this device not just at your washing machine but also for your water heater, sump pump, dishwasher, garbage disposal, and near your pipes.
Put a Washer Tray Under the Washer
Leaks or drips go to the tray and not to the floor when installing this under the washing machine. It’s an inexpensive way to avoid leaks and water damage in your home.
Upgrade Your Water Hose
If you’re still using rubber hoses that are susceptible to damage, we would recommend you upgrade to braided stainless steel hoses equipped with auto-shutoff. They will automatically shut off when they detect water. Also, stainless steel hoses last a lot longer than rubber hoses.
During installation, make sure that you only work with a licensed plumber.
Turn Off Water When Not Using the Washer
If you’re not using the washing machine, turn off the water to the supply hoses to avoid leaks and other water problems. When you’re away from home or at work, make sure that they’re turned off to avoid flooding in your homes.
Schedule Routine Maintenance
For maintenance, always refer to the manufacturer guidelines or speak with a plumber for assistance.
While you can periodically check your appliance, a plumber would be able to do a thorough inspection of your laundry room.
Check the Laundry Sink
One source of blockage or clogs is your laundry drain. Make sure that you install a filter or a strainer to catch dirt and other debris. Clean the filter at least once a week to avoid unpleasant smells in your laundry room. If there are clogs, avoid chemical-based cleaners. Use a drain snake instead or call a professional.
Set Up Your Laundry Room Properly
To avoid water damage, don’t put your washing machine too close to the walls. Allow room for the water supply lines at the back of the washer to avoid leaks. If you need help, always call a professional.
Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth
If you have plumbing-related problems in the laundry room, don’t hesitate to call one of our plumbers. Our expert team is more than happy to assist you with any plumbing-related issues at home. We specialize in helping homeowners with plumbing repairs, installations, and maintenance. Contact us today for an appointment.