washing machine in carport

nursemolly

hi,
is it safe to keep a washing machine in the carport. i have an outside tap and a drain.
i really want to have a dishwasher in my kitchen and thought it would be a good idea to have the washing machine in the carport.
the carport doesn`t leak and is enclosed apart from at each end. but have to admit am a bit worried incase of damp.
greatful for any advice.
thanks
molly
xx

Avoriaz

It is probably OK but you do run the risk of frost damage in very cold weather. Water may freeze and destroy the pump or burst the water pipes inside. If a long cold spell is forecast it might be advisable to cover it with a few blankets or something else to try and stop it freezing. Or you could drain it as much as possible but that would be a bit tedious.

The internal parts are obviously designed to cope with water but damp might affect the electronics or rust the casing or other metal parts.

Personally I would chance it.

Avoriaz

edit double post

flang

Like Avoriaz said the damp might get into the electronics, however if its an old washing machine that your not to worried about give it a try!
Make sure the machine is connected to an RCD though
!

tawnyowls

I have a friend who keeps hers in a similar thing - sort of cheapie plastic lean-to at the side. She's never had a problem - it is against the house wall, though, so there's a certain amount of heat from that, and it's built into a cupboard with insulation.

BANANABUS

Chain it up! or the scrap man will have it!

nursemolly

flang wrote:

Like Avoriaz said the damp might get into the electronics, however if its an old washing machine that your not to worried about give it a try!
Make sure the machine is connected to an RCD though
!

thanks for the replies.
whats an RCD???
cheers
molly
xx

tawnyowls

Residual circuit device - if there's a current leak, it'll stop the current getting to the item to stop you electrocuting yourself. If you've got a new house, it should be built into the board, but if not, they're cheap to buy (this sort of thing: http://www.tooled-up.com/Product.asp?PID=109944&Referrer=ShoppingCom), and you just plug the item into it, then plug the RCD into the socket.

windym_2

When we were converting our barn, I had mine in the shed. Despite living in the sunny south west, we still get cold weather and the frost got to a valve and caused damage that resulted in a new machine. I would not put one outside now. Is there any way you can alter your kitchen around to accommodate both items?