Does a Laundry Room Need to be on an Exterior Wall? All You Need to Know!

There are a lot of factors to consider while upgrading your house and deciding where to install your laundry room. Does a Laundry Room Need to be on an Exterior Wall? And what about the washing machine’s drainage pipe?

The placement of the laundry room on an exterior wall is determined solely by your machines. Electric dryers have interior ventilation choices; however, gas dryers must always be ventilated to the exterior wall. Washing machines offer a little more flexibility and freedom of wastewater placement, so they don’t really need to be placed against an exterior wall.

If you need help designing the perfect laundry room, you have reached the right place.

In this blog post, I will discuss several types of washers and dryers, as well as is it necessary to have a laundry room on an exterior wall.

Is an Exterior Wall Necessary For A Laundry Room?

A laundry room doesn’t necessarily need to be on an exterior wall. While some homes have laundry rooms located on exterior walls for venting purposes, it’s not a strict requirement. The location of a laundry room can depend on various factors, including the design of the house, the availability of space, and the placement of plumbing and electrical connections.

If a laundry room is on an exterior wall, it may be easier to install a vent for the dryer to expel hot air outside. However, modern ventless dryers are available that don’t require an exterior vent, making it possible to have a laundry room in an interior space.

The key considerations for locating a laundry room include access to plumbing and electrical connections, ventilation options for the dryer, and the overall convenience of the space for daily use. It’s common to find laundry rooms in various parts of a house, such as near bedrooms, in a basement, or on an upper floor, depending on the home’s layout and design.

Where to Put Laundry Room Appliances?

When deciding where to put your washer and dryer, keep in mind how to correctly install the machines.

To function properly, most washers require some form of airflow, either indoor or outdoor. Washing machines usually require wastewater disposal, which you can route outside. This leads to knowing how much farther machines should be from the wall in order to support these connections.

The dryer is the primary reason why many believe a laundry room should be on an external wall. If you have a gas dryer, you will need to vent it outside to let the burning gases and heat out.

If you use an electric dryer, however, you have two options for vents.

• Exterior Rear Venting Dryers

The exhaust from the dryer is vented to the outside of your home through a pipe that runs out the back of the appliance. Because gas dryers require an external outlet, this is the most common.

• Interior Venting Dryers

The exhaust from the dryer is channeled into an indoor ventilation system or routed outdoors if your laundry room has access to the outdoors. There will be more moisture in your home if you use this type of dryer, but it is an excellent pick if you don’t want to risk bringing exhaust fumes into your home.

How Far Apart from the Wall Should the Washer and Dryer Be?

To be correctly fitted, the dryer vent will probably need about six inches of space. It is advised that the vent and the sidewall have an extra inch of space.

Nozzles for washing machines are smaller and more elastic, making them less noticeable. Allow at least an inch of space around the washing machine’s edge. The hoses might want a little more space; just make absolutely sure they have quite enough area and won’t be squashed when the equipment is ready to run.

Read Also: Can I Put Washer and Dryer In Garage?

Washing Machine Against an Exterior Wall

Washing machines don’t always have to be placed against an exterior wall. Even though a large percentage of washing machines require an exterior outflow line, certain models have included inner drainage as well.

If you don’t want to relocate your old washer, make sure the new one has an interior drain. Because of this, you won’t have to run a drainage pipe through a window or door.

Interior drainage hoses work on the gravity principle, releasing water into a basin or drainage system underneath the washer. If you are utilizing an interior drainage hose, place your washing machine on a high platform or use stairs to create a suitable gradient for water to flow freely.

Debunking Myths and Ensuring Efficiency

A common debate revolves around whether it’s advisable to install a washer and dryer on an exterior wall, especially in regions with colder climates. Here’s what you should know:

1. The Climate Factor:

For those living in colder regions, like the Midwest, the concern often revolves around the potential for pipes to freeze and other issues related to exterior walls. While it’s true that cold temperatures can pose challenges, modern construction techniques offer viable solutions.

2. Insulation Matters:

Builders often recommend a 2×6 wall with foam insulation to address the potential challenges associated with exterior wall placements. This helps create a barrier against the cold and ensures that the laundry room remains a functional and comfortable space year-round.

3. Strategic Pipe Placement:

To mitigate potential freezing concerns, it’s advisable to have water lines positioned closer to the interior of the wall with proper insulation. This strategic placement can help maintain the integrity of the plumbing even in colder climates.

4. Ventilation Solutions:

One crucial aspect to consider is the ventilation of the dryer. While some traditional dryers require exterior venting, modern ventless dryers offer an alternative, making it possible to have the laundry room in an interior space. Proper venting strategies, whether straight out the wall or up to the roof, should also be taken into account.

5. Additional Construction Measures:

Some homeowners opt for additional measures, such as building an extra 2×4 wall or ensuring that the pipes are visible inside the house rather than concealed within the wall. These steps can further enhance insulation and make maintenance more accessible.

6. Real-Life Experiences:

Several homeowners in diverse climates have successfully placed their washer and dryer on exterior walls without significant issues. Their experiences underscore the importance of proper insulation, strategic construction, and thoughtful planning.

Placement Suggestions for the Laundry Room

There are several measures you could take to get the most out of your laundry room, irrespective of its location:

• Insert an exhaust fan in the room to effectively eliminate humidity and odors. This will keep your clothes smelling good and keep fungus away.
• Make sure there is floor drainage or that your washing machine can be placed near a basin so that dirty water can be conveniently thrown off.
• Include a sink and a counter where you can fold and store dirty clothing. This will give you a dedicated space for your laundry while also keeping the rest of your home clutter-free.
• If you have the space, create a cupboard, drawer, or storage area for soaps, fabric conditioners, and other supplies. It will keep everything in order and accessible.
• Simply add a window to a basement laundry room for ambient lighting. It will give the room a more secure atmosphere.

Is it possible to install a washing and dryer outside?

You can definitely install your washer and dryer outside if you have a covered location that is completely protected from the natural elements. A screened porch is a great place to keep your washer and dryer.

Consider buying or building a shed to convert into a separate laundry room with easier access to clotheslines. In the new location, only plumbing and electricity will be required. To guarantee there are no issues, double-check your strategy with your building management authority.

Conclusion

The location of the laundry room is determined by your appliances. Keep the distance to the exterior wall in mind while deciding where to put the dryer’s exhaust. When it comes to drainage, washing machines appear to have greater freedom, so they don’t always have to be next to an exterior wall.

Hence, there are several alternatives for building your ideal laundry room. Now that you have learned about all the various alternatives for making your laundry room safe and functional, you are ready to start planning.

Always verify your local building codes and secure the required permissions before undertaking any alterations because the most important factor is to keep yourself, your family, and your home safe, so try to follow all safety instructions while installing or operating a washer and dryer.

FAQs

What tends to happen if you don’t have ventilation for your dryer?

Although an electric dryer does not need ventilation, its efficiency will be harmed, making it wasteful, resulting in faster depreciation and the possibility of overheating. When put inside, gas dryers require ventilation; the inability to ventilate a gas dryer can result in carbon monoxide accumulation inside the space.

What is the location of my exterior dryer ventilation?

Put a damp towel in your dryer, turn it on, and wait a few minutes for the steam to fill your home. The dryer vent may have been clogged by previous repairs or construction. Check to see if you can follow the pipe back to its original location from the bottom.

What Is the Best Way to Clean My Dryer Vent?

To prevent dust from gathering and causing a fire, clean your dryer vent. It is advised that you clean your dryer vent at least twice a year. Remove the dust trap and expose the exhaust pipe to clean the vent on your drying machine.

With a cleaner, remove any dust that is impeding airflow. Take care not to damage the pipe while cleaning it. If you can’t reach the exhaust pipe in your laundry room, you may need to use a stool or hire a professional cleaner.