Help! integrated washing machine too deep

jacky_d

Our old washing machine has finally given up. Luckily we were covered by a policy which replaces with new if the old one is irreparable. They sent a replacement but it is too deep for the gap by about 15mm. Looking online it seems machines are deeper nowadays.
We wonder about removing the plaster from behind the cabinet so it will fit. It appears to be thick enough from the hole made around a pipe at the back. Does that sound feasible? Is it possible to do it without damaging surrounding areas?

Tom99

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Will it look that bad if it sticks out 15mm, that's not much?[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]If you remove the plaster behind you need to make sure that the whole machine will slide back a further 15mm. Its usually pipes and plugs at the back of the washing machine which limit how far back it will go.[/FONT]

jacky_d

Thanks for replying Tom. Problem is, it's an integrated appliance so nothing will line up if it doesn't slot completely back! I'm worried that removing plaster might cause problems e.g. cracking on walls above worktops.

Tom99

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]I think you would cut a groove around the edge of the plaster you want to remove using say a special drill bit, then knock out the plaster from the centre. That way you won't damage the plaster you want to leave alone.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]You might need to test an area to see how deep the plaster is.

Something like this maybe:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Faithfull-Masonry-Mortar-Router-MMR-10/dp/B00862Y4VU
[/FONT]

LandyAndy

Would it be possible to fit a free standing machine? I did this when an integrated fridge failed. The free standing one I put in instead looked fine.

FreeBear

Free standing appliances are more often than not, a little bit deeper than integrated ones.

Whilst it would be possible to hack the plaster off the wall in order to gain an extra bit of depth, it really depends on how thick the plaster is and if there is any cement render behind it. Then there is also the problem of where the pipes & electrics are placed - If directly behind the appliance, then hacking plaster off is only the start of the problem. A picture or two of the space may elicit further advice.

Pdbaggett

What type of wall is it? Plastered brick or plasterboard? Either way I would image you could chisel it out to that depth without to much trouble.

cranford

I recently spent days trying to find a single electric oven that would fit but after looking at the AO web site (Currys web site not so good) and downloading the installation manual managed to find one. Otherwise an expensive job moving the gas pipe to the hob.
So looking at the AO web site integrated washers have a depth of between 54 and 58 cm. Before knocking off the plaster check the size of yours and have you a tap at the back that could be moved?

dunroving

Can you not just ask the company to replace it with one that actually fits?

Or did you tell them which one to get?

If they chose it, surely they are responsible for replacing it with one that *works*?