Unusual Laundry Room Layout

10 years ago

I've never seen a laundry room that doesn't have the washing machine next to the dryer. In my laundry room, oddly the 3-prong outlet and exhaust for the dryer is on the exterior wall yet the hot / cold water fixture for the washer is on the interior (plumbing) wall. Not sure why. I was told washing machines aren't supposed to be installed on exterior walls - and maybe the dryer was installed on the exterior wall so there wouldn't be any angles in the exhaust line. I guess these decisions (which were made by the original owner) make sense but I think it makes for an odd cabinet layout. The old dryer ran on gas, I'm wondering if it was on the exterior wall for that reason, there is also a gas hookup fitting on that exterior wall. Maybe I could move the (new electric) dryer to the interior wall. That would require moving the wires and exhaust (inside) and adjustments to the vent and siding (outside). Houzz thoughts, suggestions?

Featured Answer

PRO

Lampert Dias Architects, Inc.

10 years ago

Of course you can move it. The venting will be the trickiest thing and you and a creative contractor should be able to figure that out. It can go up and into the attic and out or through a cabinet and out.........or..........??

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Comments (7)

PRO
Dytecture
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Just be aware the longer the exhaust from the dryer to the exterior, the more chances of lint getting caught in between.
User thanked Dytecture
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PRO
Lampert Dias Architects, Inc.
10 years ago
Generally codes allow around 11 to 14 feet of hose to the outside... Your installer should know the local codes but you might ask at the building department .. Just to be safe
User thanked Lampert Dias Architects, Inc.
apple_pie_order
10 years ago
Having a dryer on an exterior wall is usually the first choice because the duct work is very short with few bends. Clothes dry quicker, too. If the laundry room layout is workable, I'd leave it like that. If you are in the US, the new electric dryer will require a different electrical hookup than the three prong "regular" outlet the gas dryer used.

If you are considering other changes to the laundry room such as hanging rods or pull down drying racks, please post again. Posts with photos get more responses.
User thanked apple_pie_order
User
Original Author
10 years ago
Thank you for the responses! Moving the dryer sounds doable especially since electrical work is needed to update the connectivity and the exhaust would be within 14 feet. Plumbing might be in the way (going up) since this is the main plumbing wall of the house but running the exhaust through the wall cabinets (going out) smart. Thanks again!
apple_pie_order
10 years ago
Check with local building code before planning the new electrical and venting. It's a safety issue.
User thanked apple_pie_order
User
Original Author
10 years ago
Absolutely! Our pros have advised us that the more elbows / turns there are in a dryer exhaust pipe, the greater risk of fire hazard. You'd mentioned "hanging rods or pull down drying racks" which is smart to check out at the start of a laundry room remodel. Thanks for the tips!