Outside utility room

tinkerbelluk

Apologies if this is in the wrong place but am at a loss as to where to put it.

Basically are current kitchen is tiny and we’re looking to create as much space as possible. At the moment we have our washing machine in the kitchen and our tumble dryer and freezer is a stone build shed with a solid concrete roof.

As we’ve got to go back and forth anyway we thought it would be better to turn the outside shed into a utility room and move the washing machine in. Obviously I know I will need to get someone in, but my question is do you think this is possible?

At the moment we have electricity running to the shed but no water. Is this possible to get done and do you think this is a good solution?

ckerrd

It is possible.

Our shed/outhouse had electricity and water put into it before we moved in.

It will depend on how far away it is and access.

I suspect the main problem will be connecting the drainage.

Someone will give you a quote.

One thing to watch is the temperature in the shed. First year we had burst pipes in ours as it was a pretty harsh winter.

tinkerbelluk

Thanks ckerrd - I think the main thing was I didn't want to call anyone out if it wasn't at all possible.

ckerrd

Everything is possible, it is just the price tag that makes it not so.

HugoSP

Ideally you should run the water pipe between the house and the shed at 18" below ground to stop it freezing in winter. However there maybe other options for you. If any of the outside pipe is above ground it would be a good idea to insulate it, plus it may pay you to insulte the pipe within the shed. You can get pipe insulation material from any merchants.

MDPE pipe is perhaps the best material for you to use, copper is inadvisable for outside for the reason above. However there is no reason why a DIY effort cannot be made with JG Speedfit or Hep2O plastic pipe with a shut off valve on the house side (in case you get a leak from freezing etc).

Perhaps the hardest part is working out where the exit point in your house for the pipe would be and where the entry point in the shed for the same would be.

Plus you only really need cold water. These days many washing machines are supplied with a cold inlet only and even if yours has both you can buy a Y connector from any plumbers merchant for a couple of quid.

jackieb

My in-laws put a sink and washing machine in the garage. Not sure how he did it but I know there was no water in there when they moved into the house.

Poppycat

Yes it should be possible and quite easy to do but make sure the pipes aren't exposed and are well lagged, its very cheap to get some lagging for it

tinkerbelluk

Thanks all - so do I just need a plumber rather than a builder? and I should be able to do the rest myself?