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April 10, 2009
Washer/dryer installation
I want to buy and install washer/dryer in my basement soon. There is no washer/dryer ready situation. Who should I call to make w/d ready? plumber? Please recommend someone who can do this with reasonable price. BTW How much does it cost approximately? Gas dryer is better and economical than electric one?
Please give me your thoughts. Thanks!
Comments
Plumber's supposed to do it. I had a good handyman do it. I paid $700 for a concrete pad and gas piping. Of course the piping was already nearby.
Posted by: denton at April 10, 2009 11:23 AM
gas dryer is 1/3 running cost of electric. but needs external vent (i won't say anything else)
i got plumber to cut into main sewer pipe (that 6" one) for drain, and run a gas extension for $500. Strangely, there was a hot/cold water hookup already.
Posted by: cmu at April 10, 2009 11:26 AM
I'm not going to comment on the "economy" of gas dryers... but they are usually more expensive up front to purchase. Mostly because there is less choice. (supply/demand)
However, if you don't have 220v service, gas may be a cheaper option if your gas lines are readily accessible... but there are lots of variables there. Adding a 220v line might be easier than running a gas line.
All-in-all... you need the following:
Electrician -- if you need a plug. (If you already have a 120v plug there, replace the outlet with a GFCI outlet. But I think code might require the plug to be high up on the wall to prevent water shorting out the plug) The electrician would install the 220v service if you decided to go with an electric dryer.
Plumber -- installs the drain "system" (see below), runs the hot and cold water lines, and could also install the dryer vent... though a handy man would probably be cheaper than a plumber for that -- the key there is to find someone that will do it right and make sure rain and critters don't come in. The plumber would also run and connect the gas line if you decide to get a gas dryer.
Also, since you're going with a basement, you may need to install a "lift station" (a sump pump) to "lift" the wastewater up to the drain -- it all depends on how high your sewer line to the street is... this isn't *particularly* expensive, but it's just another item you'll need to find space for. (2ft x 2ft to be safe - though they're pretty compact)
Also, if you're gonna get a plumber and all this... you might as well install one of those plastic laundry sinks. They're pretty handy and it would be a really cheap add-on to the plumbers day. (home depot sells 'em for $50 plus a cheap $30 utility sink faucet.)
Posted by: tybur6 at April 10, 2009 11:28 AM
(And by the way, I just dropped off my laundry this morning.... so I am very jealous of your plan here. I wish I had or could have a proper laundry room!!)
Posted by: tybur6 at April 10, 2009 11:32 AM
momo, if you have gas, do not even think about an electric dryer. I have one in my upstate home and they are horrible. They take forever to dry things.
Posted by: denton at April 10, 2009 3:14 PM
Denton-- Unless you have a 120v dryer (and I don't know why they even make those), there's no marked difference between the performance between an electric and a gas dryer. Both can cook your clothes. Cost/Efficiency is another question.
You probably just have a crappy dryer. You should get a new one.
Sure, heating elements go bad... that's the case for gas too (though I would assume they would last longer) That being said, it's pretty average to see a brand new washing machine next to an ancient electric dryer -- dryers last a long long time.
Posted by: tybur6 at April 10, 2009 3:56 PM
And make sure to situate the whole thing near an external wall for venting.
Posted by: MR at April 13, 2009 3:20 PM
denton, i think there's something wrong with your dryer. i've had gas and electric and there's not much difference in terms of performance.
Posted by: geekspice at April 13, 2009 4:18 PM
The most common problem with dryer problems gas or electric is a stopped up vent hose or the mesh screen outside over the flap cover if it has one. Check for kinks in the vent hose, bird or mouse nest, screen clogged with lint, etc.
Posted by: williamsburgguy at April 13, 2009 6:24 PM
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