Is there such a thing as an apartment that a washer/dryer cannot somehow be hooked up in?

Question

I've noticed that apartments are cheaper when there's a laundry room (no washer/dryer hook-ups) in the units. I plan on hooking up my own with the bathroom or kitchen sink. And will vent the dryer out the window. I've never done this before but heard it's possible. Is it ALWAYS possible? Or is there something I need to look for when I choose an apartment? The only thing I think could be a problem is the size of the faucet -- the ability to fit the hose onto the faucet. Will an adapter take care of that? Or is it possible that things just won't fit? I haven't bought the washer or dryer yet, so that side of things is flexible. I'm willing to buy an older or newer one if the hose will fit better with my plumbing. Thanks for any advice or tips!

Answer 1

An electric dryer will require a certain amoumt of voltage/type of wiring and a special plug/outlet. As long as there is enough ampage to the building, you can install your own plug. Check with your landlord first!

Answer 2

DO NOT attempt this potentially disastrous installation!

Apartments are not required by the National Electrical Code to provide the wiring required for laundry facilities; therefore, there is not much of a chance that this can be done safely.

FIRST, the wiring for the dryer is not there. SECOND, in most states, you are not allowed to do electrical in a building you are not the Owner & Sole resident of (an apartment building is a multi-family dwelling, therefore a Licensed Electrical Contractor should do the work, even if not required by state law).

The NEC says that it is not intended as a design or specification manual for untrained persons; and this is a stellar example of why that statement is included [Article 90.1 (C)]. Work done by an unqualified individual in this case would jeopardize the safety of everyone in the building. NOT ONE of the previous answers makes this point!

THIRD, it would require that you access the inside of the electrical feeder panel for your apartment; this is not something you should do without authorization of the Owner or Property Manager. It is also something you should not do without proper training and Personal Protective Equipment.

FOURTH, I doubt you would get an adequate water supply volume for the washer from any faucet, most have a flow-restrictor installed. FIFTH, I don’t know of any dryer vent outlet that is listed for this type of use, and SIXTH; this type of use would probably find you wanting to use flexible vinyl for the dryer vent. This material is not listed for use with clothes dryers because it presents a serious fire threat.

SEVENTH, you would probably overload the feeders to your unit, since they were not sized to accommodate an additional electrical load of this size.

Give up this silly idea before you kill yourself, or several innocent co-tenants.

Shame on anyone encouraging this dangerous activity!

Answer 3

First of all, and no offense, since you rent, I suspect you should get approval from a landlord to do what you suggest, most especially in any liability issues that are involved.

   Others suggest valid thoughts about 220 Dryers, and I am sure there are 110/20 dryers as well. It's highly unlikely your apt. has a 220 receptacle if it wasn't in the build stage, and YIKES go into your breaker, add a line, and a receptacle? YIKES.  I have no clue as to portability of any appliances like you want, or storage space you have, or again, any issues with a landlord.

   Even an empty washer, is certainly going to weigh over 100 lbs., Dryers less, and drainage is far more an issue you should consider, than filling from a kitchen faucet, with an adapter.

just my two "sense"

Answer 4

the above answer is correct. the dryer needs a 220v plug. It is possible the apartment in question does not have one installed. If the breaker box is in the apartment and there is room for a dryer and vent, I would ask to have one installed. (although this may be unlikely to happen).The washer only needs a regular 110v plug and you can actually put the drain hose in the sink if it is close .

Answer 5

The plug is a 220v the rest of your plugs are a 110v. So they wont work. The wire is very expensive but if you want to run a line to the breaker box you can install a wire that will carry a dryer. If you are looking at an apartment then you need to ask the person showing you the place if there is a washroom or a place for a dryer. you will also need a drain and water hookups for the washer.