Well, first of all: manufacturers usually don't allow a stacked washer/dryer set to be installed on a pedestal. I'm not quite sure why - but I guess it's something to do with the pedestal not being able to support all that weight. So I think a (very) sturdy custom made pedestal is the way to go in case you need to raise the appliances. However, keep the overall height of a stacked washer/dryer PLUS a pedestal in mind - I mean, you still want to be able to reach the dryer's control panel, right?

BTW: I'd recommend a "moveable" pedestal: have the pedestal build, place the washer on top, level the washer. Then install the stacking kit and the dryer and push/slide everything into its final position.

There is also a mounting kit available for custom made pedestals. This kit prevents the washer from falling off the platform. However, since the washer is in a tight space and there is the additional weight of the dryer on top you might not need it. I'll give you the item number anyway: from what I understand it's called "Fixing Kit" Product WMZ2200(00), Part No. 080451, list price: 24.90 USD.

As far as running the three hoses through the pedestal: that should be okay. I've checked the installation instruction for the Axxis and it does not give any specific minimum height for the drain hose. I think the washer has a built-in siphon break, so it won't empty itself.

The only other thing to think of, besides building a sturdy pedestal, is the length of the water hoses. The inlet hoses are approx. 39" long and the drain hose is 35". You might have to get extension hoses.

See the Installation manual for more details.

HTH, Alex

What size drain line are you running this to? A kitchen drain line is usually only sized to the requirements of the kitchen, i.e., sink, disposal, and DW. Adding in a stand pipe for a washer most likely will exceed the DFU rating of your kitchen drain. Not to mention that the lint from the washer and the grease residue from the sink's washing will make one heck of a pipe plug. Hope you have a decent snake and know how to use it.

I have no idea what size drain line, but when the plumber was here he clearly saw that he'd be hooking it up under a kitchen sink (dishwasher is next to sink but no disposal), and he said he could do the hook-up, so I hope it won't be so much of a problem. However, I willl pose this question to him next time. How do so many people have washer dryers in their kitchens then? Do they build separate sinks just for the washer?

Laundry drain pipes are required to be 2", and you are required to drain the laundry through the use of a standpipe or another indirect method like pumping into a properly plumbed laundry tub. Because of the height requirements of a laundry standpipe, the best location for it is usually directly behind the laundry equipment. A properly sized laundry standpipe would be tall enought that it would get in the way of your kitchen counters. The separate standpipe is required. You can't just join a drain line to your sink drain. Additionally, kitchen sinks are usually plumbed with 1 1/2" sized pipes, which are too small for use with a washer. And, 2" drain lines are only approved for 6 DFUs. Your washer is 3, your DW is 2 and your kitchen sink is 2. That's one over, even with a 2" drain. Too much water draining on too small a line is a recipe for total disaster.

As to how "other" people have laundry in their kitchens, they usually spend the money up front to plumb it with the correct sized pipe, or they retrofit and spend the money to bust open the walls and put in new pipes correctly all the way back to the main drain.

Well, I don't understand any of this, but I take it that our building's plumber, which is one of the most respected in this part of NY city, is failing to tell me that I have to chop up the kitchen counter and cabinets in order to fit the laundry pipes into the plumbing. I will mention this all to him and to the building and see what they think. Maybe he was planning to retrofit the under the counter pipes? I can't see how he would bust open the wall, as it is concrete.

Oh - this is an apartment! Things may be plumbed a bit differently then. How old is the building?

The building was built around 1924. There are 6 floors of apts. and about half hae washer dryers already. When you said "Oh- this is an apt." do you agree with live wire's negative posts or do you think it's possible to install the washer dryer in an apt. kitchen. We are on the fourth floor, by the way. Thanks.

live wire oak said:

Laundry drain pipes are required to be 2", and you are required to drain the laundry through the use of a standpipe or another indirect method like pumping into a properly plumbed laundry tub. Because of the height requirements of a laundry standpipe, the best location for it is usually directly behind the laundry equipment. A properly sized laundry standpipe would be tall enought that it would get in the way of your kitchen counters. The separate standpipe is required.

noopsifer:

I'm planning on an undercounter washer and dryer in my kitchen too. Did you have the problem of the standpipe being taller than your counters? If so, what did you do?

Hello: Hopefully someone can help me with this situation. I live in a 1 bed/1 bath condo in Los Angeles without a laundry hook up. I am in the process of remodeling my bathroom. When talking to various contractors, I spoke about wanting to hook up a washer/dryer combo in the bathroom area. They had this suggestion that I put the unit in a front hall closet that backed up to the shower area & then piped it from there. I was not really sold on the idea, but decided to go for it & do it right with getting a new Bosch Axxis washer & dryer set. My contractor does everything by the book & pulled a permit on the job (big mistake in LA for something like this remodel as I have been without a shower to use for almost a month!!). When the plumbing inspector came out, he said he would never approved of a washer & dryer in the unit cause I do not have 2 inch piping to support the washer. Here is my question to you all out there:

1. Is there anyone out there that has put this unit into a apartment/condo that had a 1 1/2 inch pipe to drain the water.

2. If so, have you had any problems.

I know that the law requires a 2 inch pipe for a washer, but these are supposed to be for situations like mine since they don't use as much water.

Bosch is NO help with all of this after calling a few times. They said they will never give out a minimum requirement due to being liable if something happens.

If anyone has any suggestions on how to get around this, I would really appreciate it. I don't want to cancel the order. Everyone told me to just get the shower passed in the inspection, they repipe in the washer & dryer after the inspector leaves.

Thanks in advance,

Karen

dear noopiser - I live on the 4th floor of a NYC coop - I am planning on installing a bosch axis next to my sink - what plumber did you use and was it successful? Please help.