How to Install a Basement Laundry

Watch the full episode: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/tv/ask-toh/video/0,,21001613,00.html

Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner install a washer and dryer in his basement. (See below for a shopping list, tools, and steps.)

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Shopping List for How to Install a Basement Laundry:
- Dryer vent
- Caulk
- Flexible metal dryer vent tubing
- Hose clamp
- 2-inch-by-1-inch PVC Y-fitting
- 2-inch PVC piping
- Rubber repair coupling
- Flux
- Solder
- Copper pipe T-fittings
- Stainless-steel hoses
- 1-inch PVC piping and fittings
- 1-inch PVC check valve
- 1-inch PVC ball valve
- Washing machine valve
- Laundry sink
- Laundry sink pump

Tools for How to Install a Basement Laundry:
- Drill/driver
- 2 1/2-inch hole saw
- Caulking gun
- Reciprocating saw
- Copper-pipe cutter
- Torch
- Pliers

Steps for How to Install a Basement Laundry:
1. To install the dryer vent, use a small drill bit to drill through the side of the wall of the house. Pick a spot that’s near the base of the home and free from obstructions.
2. With the small hole as a guide, use a 2 1/2-inch hole saw to saw through the house siding and into the basement.
3. Place a bead of caulk around the dryer vent where it connects to the building. Then screw in the vent using a driver.
4. Connect the flexible metal dryer vent tubing to the dryer vent using zip screws and a driver.
5. Use an elbow fitting to connect the dryer vent tubing to the back of the dryer.
6. Connect the dryer vent tubing to the back of the dryer using a hose clamp.
7. Plug the dryer into a 240-volt receptacle.
8. Next, to connect the washtub and water pump, use a reciprocating saw to cut out a piece of old galvanized pipe.
9. Replace the pipe section with a PVC Y-fitting and connect it to the old galvanized pipe using a rubber coupling.
10. Ensure the water supply is off, then, using a copper-pipe cutter, cut the existing hot and cold water lines.
11. Replace copper pipe connections with copper pipe T-fittings.
12. Then connect new copper pipes to T-fittings that will lead to the washer.
13. Apply flux to each joint and solder the connections with a torch.
14. At the washing machine supply location, install a washing machine shutoff valve.
15. Attach stainless-steel hoses to the washtub and faucet supply line. Hand-tighten and then snug them up with a pair of pliers.
16. Connect 1-inch PVC pipes from the washtub to the PVC Y-connection and drain line. Ensure you install a check valve to prevent discharged water from returning to the pump and a ball valve to control the flow.
17. Move the washer into place and connect the stainless-steel supply hoses.
18. Be sure to throttle down the water pump until it continuously stays on while water is being fed. Otherwise it will short-cycle, shortening the life of the pump.

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