Washing machine for giving drum type. Choosing a washing machine for a summer residence
Many city dwellers still prefer summer vacations to popular foreign resorts. And they are quite understandable because, in addition to the minimum financial costs, village life has many other advantages. In addition, modern summer residents have all the benefits of civilization - now a TV, a water heater or a computer with a modem in country house surprise no one.
However, there are still technological achievements that are very difficult to use in the country, for example, a washing machine. If a country house equipped with modern plumbing and sewerage, then connecting the unit will not be difficult. But if there is only “summer” water in the house, you will have to look for other solutions.
Great solution if there is no running water
Fortunately, manufacturers of washing machines did not ignore summer residents, because they make up a significant category of the population of our country. If you have a more or less stable supply of electricity in your country house and it is possible to drain water, then you can easily choose a device that will work properly in country conditions.
For the normal functioning of such machines, a centralized water supply system is not needed, it is enough that water enters the house from a well. However, you can carry water for washing and buckets, as our not so distant ancestors did.
Factors and Requirements
The choice of a washing machine for use in the country is influenced by two main factors, the first of which is the presence or absence of a centralized water supply. If it is connected to the house, then you are practically unlimited in choosing a washing unit. Otherwise, the number of considered options is reduced by several times.
The second factor is what requirements you place on the unit. If you live in the country for a long time and with a large family, then you will wash as often as in a city apartment. From this it follows that the washing machine must have a full range of functions. If you are in the country only on short visits, then the most primitive typewriter will be enough for you.
Usually, a washing machine for a summer residence has several standard requirements:
- small dimensions - so that the machine is convenient to transport;
- not very high power - so as not to overload the country wiring;
- low energy consumption - so as not to overpay for electricity on vacation;
- low water consumption - especially important if you have to fill the tank with water yourself.
Kinds
Washing machines suitable for use in country house are divided into two groups. Consider each of these varieties in more detail, examine their advantages and disadvantages. With this useful information, it will be easier for you to make a choice in favor of one or another option.
Automatic
Automatic washing machines are also called drum washing machines because they are equipped with a rotating drum. In order for such a device to work properly, it is necessary to ensure the appropriate pressure in the water pipes, and this is possible only if the house is connected to a centralized water supply. However, an alternative to the central water supply can be a water tank located at a certain height, due to which the desired pressure level is created.
In most city apartments, automatic washing machines are installed. They are convenient in that they independently perform the entire washing cycle, including heating water, rinsing and spinning. You only need to load the laundry, add the powder, start the washing program, and at the end of it, pull out clean and fresh laundry from the drum.
Activator
A semi-automatic or activator washing machine is a close relative of those devices on which our mothers had to wash clothes. It does not have a drum, but is equipped with a rotating ribbed disc that mixes water and washing powder and kneads clothes. To connect such a unit, you only need an electrical outlet, and you need to pour water into the tank yourself - through a hose or, in the old fashioned way, with buckets.
The set of functions of such a machine is limited only by washing and automatic shutdown. You need to wring out the laundry yourself or using a special device resembling a mechanical press. Among the advantages of such washing machines, it should be noted low cost, small size, low energy and water consumption.
With a water tank for a summer residence
An incredibly convenient device that provides the comfort of village life is a washing machine equipped with a water tank. Such a device is still considered an innovation, but you can be sure that summer residents will soon appreciate this type of washing machine.
Such units are equipped with a water tank, which can be built-in or attached. They can be connected to the water supply, but they can also work autonomously, since the water from the tank comes under pressure. Such machines form independent system, since they do not require either plumbing or sewerage (water is drained into a separate container).
The water tank is large enough for several washes. However, you need to ensure that the water does not stagnate, otherwise the laundry will not be fresh even after washing. Such machines consume water very economically, as they independently determine the required amount of water for washing.
To give with spin
Spin function in washing machines- a thing, of course, useful, and in the conditions of urban life one cannot do without it. However, even living in the country, many of us would not refuse such amenities. But, if for a city apartment it is better to choose appliances with a high spin class, then choosing a machine for a summer residence, you can save on this parameter.
It's very simple: living in the city, we strive to minimize the time for homework, so it is important for us that the linen dries as quickly as possible (largely, for the reason that there is simply nowhere to hang it). In the country, we have a lot of free time, so the laundry after washing can calmly dry in the sun for a couple of days - a place on suburban area for this can be found without problems.
Mini
If you are not used to spending a lot of time in the country, and you visit there only a couple of times during the summer, there is simply no point in purchasing a full-fledged washing machine for giving. However, I do not really want to carry dirty clothes home for washing. This is where miniature washing machines, designed specifically for such cases, come to the rescue.
Washing machines "Malyutka" are a product of domestic production. They have very small dimensions and a tank with a capacity of about 20 liters. This will be enough to quickly wash a few medium-sized things. But bed linen, jackets and other bulky items will still have to be taken to the city to be washed.
Do all models have heating?
Water heating - very important function, which is equipped with all modern washing machines. With semi-automatic units, the situation is more complicated: most models of this useful function are deprived. However, there are several manufacturers that produce activator washers that can heat water.
The water is heated during the initial washing phase and then maintained desired temperature. Washing in warm water is certainly more effective, which is especially important in the country, since there we often have to wash work clothes soiled in the ground.
Overview of popular models
Prices
As you can see from the previous section of our article, the prices of washing machines that are suitable for use in the country can vary significantly. The difference between the simplest and the most "fancy" model is more than ten thousand rubles.
The cost of the device will depend on many factors, including:
- manufacturer's reliability;
- type of control (automatic or semi-automatic);
- dimensions;
- tank capacity;
- the presence of extraction and heating of water;
- availability of additional functions;
- washing class;
- energy class;
- water tank, etc.
How to connect?
- If there is no sewerage in the country house, it is necessary to provide a pit into which water will be drained. The depth of the drain pit should be at least 150 cm. At the same time, make sure that dirty, soapy water does not harm the country plantings.
- If your home is not connected to running water, a water tank can make your life a lot easier. Its function can be performed by a plastic or metal tank of suitable volume, installed in the yard or in the attic.
- It is better if the water tank is located as high as possible above the ground (ideally, it should be at a height of 10 meters) - in this case, the pressure necessary for the normal supply of water to the washing machine will be provided.
We bring to your attention two ideas for using a washing machine in country conditions. Watch the following videos.
- In the store, tell the seller that you are choosing a car for a summer residence. He will offer you compact top-loading models that can work without plumbing and sewerage. Such units are much cheaper than conventional washing machines.
- Do not overpay for unnecessary features: this is a parameter on which you can and should save. For example, a washing machine for a summer residence should not be able to wash delicate fabrics or dry clothes. After all, we mostly wash simple clothes made of undemanding materials there, which can dry out in the fresh air.
- Washers with the highest performance are not suitable for summer cottages: the highest class of washing and spinning is good for a city apartment, but in a summer cottage, where power outages and network overloads often occur, it is better to use devices that do not load the wiring so much.
A modern person is accustomed to comfort, escaping from the bustle of the city to nature, he wants to breathe fresh air, take care of the garden and enjoy the silence. But not everyone is ready to give up the blessings of civilization. Washing machine to the dacha is now as necessary as a stove or TV.
Indeed, sometimes people, and especially pensioners, spend the entire summer season on their site.
What is needed for the operation of the machine
- Let's start with the fact that a washing machine for a summer residence needs a stable drain. It is not necessary that it be a central sewer, in this case, a drain pit is enough for you.
- The next thing to ensure is a stable supply of clean water.. Unfortunately, not every site has running water, but it turns out that a washing machine in the country without running water can also be installed, we will talk about the intricacies of such an installation a little later.
- And finally, the most important thing is to connect the washing machine in the country to a stable power source.. No equipment will work without electricity. If your suburban area is not yet connected to a fixed network, then the only way out may be to rent a diesel generator for a summer residence or buy such a generator, but the price of decent units is high.
What are the units
There are 2 types of units on the modern market - these are drum and activator washing machines. It so happened that drum machines are in great demand, they are equipped with rather complex and capricious electronics, which is not always acceptable for a summer residence. An activator washing machine for giving without running water is more suitable, but first things first ().
Drum type units
The principle of operation of drum-type units is based on the rotation of a drum filled with water. As a rule, a metal or plastic drum rotates on a horizontal axis, mixing and washing clothes.
As needed, the automation feeds into the container clean water, detergents and regulates the number of wash and spin cycles. All machines of this type come with a wringer, which allows them to work according to the principle, loaded, added powder, pressed and forgot.
Tip: if you still want a complete cycle unit, you should not choose an overly equipped machine. Electronics can be capricious, plus they are designed for urban conditions, with sewerage, water supply and stable voltage.
It would be more reasonable to take the old model with automation operating on a mechanical principle.
activator type machines
This type of units can be called pioneers. After they stopped washing with their own hands, this principle appeared first. The design here is extremely simple, a fan is built into the lower or side part of the working container, which has streamlined blades so that linen does not cling to them.
The instruction manual, they also do not differ in complexity. In a nutshell, then it is poured into the working tank hot water and pour the powder. After that, the engine turns on, the clothes are washed from the rotation of the fan.
Mini washing machines
Mini washing machines for summer cottages are currently in great demand. Despite their compact size, they have a complete linen processing cycle built into them. country houses from block containers or other small-sized buildings have a limited usable area, so here, the smaller the unit, the better.
Another significant advantage of these units is their mobility. The fact is that not every washing machine can be stored in the country in winter.
The equipment is quite delicate and it is not advisable to leave it for a long time in an unheated room. With "babies" everything is much simpler, they can be taken away by car or in hands in the spring, and taken back in the fall.
Important: they are available with front and horizontal loading, they can be drum or activator type. Plus, semi-automatic options are produced, with a spin, taken out separately from the main erasing container.
Little tricks
As mentioned earlier, a washing machine for giving without running water can be installed. True, such little tricks only work in old units that have mechanical system programming.
Let's talk about the simplest and almost automatic option. The vast majority of units have only a container filling sensor, and how long it will be filled is not so important. And for us, this is what we need.
The device itself can be placed in the pantry and a barrel of water can be installed above it, in this case, not only water from a well or a well, but also rain water is suitable. Just the barrel is installed above the level of the machine and is substituted under the drain from the roof. Water is collected by gravity and as it fills, automatics are turned on.
Important: when choosing a container, you do not need to focus on passport data. They indicate a water consumption of 40 - 50 liters. To be honest, they are deceiving you, from experience it is known that at least 2 times more.
Therefore, it is better to immediately install a standard two-hundred-liter barrel. Also be prepared for the fact that the washing time will increase by 2 to 3 hours.
If from a well or, then it can be tied into a single circuit with a simple float-type limit switch that will stop the water supply as our reserve tank is filled.
You can approach this issue even more radically. Until you have a makeshift water tower, you can pour water in a bucket through the trays designed to fill the powder. Of course, this will no longer be a full automatic, but it doesn’t matter to the machine how water is poured into it, the main thing is that it gets to the desired level.
Ideally, of course, it is better to buy an autonomous pumping station, but it will cost several thousand. For those who are not ready for big expenses, we can advise a more affordable option.
You will need a pump, a pressure switch and several valves. Any pump can be used, the price of everything else is no more than 500 - 700 rubles.
The principle is simple, a sensor is introduced into the system from a pressure switch tied into the same circuit with the pump, while there is this very pressure in the pipe, the pump is turned off. As soon as the washing machine opens the valve to fill the tank, the pressure drops and the pump starts.
Tip: if it is possible to choose a unit model, then pay attention to the number of revolutions. The most durable machines are designed for 400 - 600 revolutions. In more powerful devices, a collector engine is used, it is capricious and does not differ in durability.
Watch the video in this article for more helpful tips.
Conclusion
In the case when the old drum machine has nowhere to put it, it can be quite adapted to work in the country. But if you decide to buy something new, then for country house an activator machine will be more reliable and durable, plus the price for them is an order of magnitude lower.
If you need a washing machine for a summer residence, you should choose a model based on the arrangement of your suburban area. The simplest case is when you have running water, electricity, and there is a sewerage system. Then you can safely buy any model (CMA), connect it and use it without problems. In a situation where there is no water supply or no sewer drain, you have a choice between the types of washers:
- activator type;
- semi-automatic washing machine;
- tank automatic machine.
The most inexpensive option for a washing unit for a summer residence is. The supply of preheated liquid to the tank is done manually. The device is controlled by a timer that turns it off after the set time has elapsed. Water is drained into a suitable container, without using a pump (drain pump). For rinsing, it is required to drain the liquid, fill it with clean water, and start the unit again using the timer.
In some models, for spinning clothes, it is provided centrifuge. Otherwise, everything will have to be done manually or using a special device with two rubber rollers.
Semi-automatic washing machine
The process of washing is slightly facilitated when using. For example, the figure shows two versions of the Slavda machine - single-tank and double-tank.
Over a simple activator machine, semi-automatic machines have a big advantage:
- some models can be connected to the water supply;
- there are semi-automatic machines with a built-in tubular electric heater(TEN) for liquid heating;
- in a washing machine of this type, you can already choose;
- the activator in them rotates in different directions;
- a centrifuge is provided for spinning clothes;
- pumps water out of the unit water pump.
Although there are fewer drawbacks, they are still present: constant participation of a person in the washing process is necessary (turning on, switching modes, shifting laundry from tank to tank, manual water supply, if there is no sewerage, water has to be taken out manually).
Automatic machine with tank
can work independently of the water supply. The washing process starts with filling reservoir liquid to the required level manually or using an irrigation hose connected to a pump in the well. Then you, as usual, select the desired program, and press the “Start” button. After the start, the machine will begin to supply water from the tank.
In the future, the operation of the machine is no different from the operation of a conventional SMA. At the end of the wash, you need to take care of where the water will drain. This may be a special container, or a connected irrigation hose brought out into the street.
The water tank comes with the unit. There are options when the container is installed near the unit.
This type of machine has a full-size drum into which you can load a large amount of laundry. AT narrow models the water tank is located behind the case and becomes less noticeable. This design is more compact, but the volume of washing at a time is reduced. Tanks can be made of plastic or of stainless steel. The second option is more expensive, but also more durable.
Advantages of CMA with water tank
For summer cottages without running water, they have undeniable advantages over the above-described options for washing equipment.
- All devices of this type have reinforced pump version(to compensate for the lack of pressure), forcibly pumping liquid into the drum tank.
- In most, machines are automatic machines with a container for liquid universal, can be autonomous (have containers for supplying water and draining) or connected to a central water supply (the pump should automatically reduce pressure when pumping).
- Large tank dimensions- from 50 to 100 liters, allow you to add water infrequently.
- Some models have tanks with built-in pump for pouring water.
- All new models are equipped electronic system to control the use of liquid, in order to save money (some manufacturers have achieved an indicator of 39 liters of water per wash).
Connecting a conventional SMA without plumbing
Alternatively, if you have a regular one, it can also be adapted to give, even if there is no central water supply. To use the machine fully, you will need to purchase water and drain tanks. It can be any container with a volume of at least 50 liters. In order for the CMA to collect liquid and not give an error on the display, it must be minimum pressure incoming liquid - 1 bar. This can be achieved in two ways:
- The container should be at a height of about 10 meters, in which case the pressure will be - 1 bar.
- A pump can be used to raise the pressure.
water pump installed between the CMA and the fluid tank. For the correct operation of the entire structure, the synchronous operation of all elements (inlet valve and pump) is necessary. When the machine program signals that water is needed, the inlet valve is energized and opens. If the pump is connected to the valve contacts, it will start to work with it synchronously. When you need to draw liquid, the valve will open and the pump will start working. When enough liquid is collected, the valve will close, and, accordingly, the power to the pump will be turned off.
All connections must be sealed and electrical contacts insulated. The pump must have the same power (model) as in your washer, in order to avoid damage to the unit due to overpressure.
As a result, it becomes clear that any type of washing machine can be adapted for a summer residence, and the choice is limited only by your financial capabilities.