Set up a utility area

Set up a full utility area by plumbing in appliances, venting the dryer outdoors, and fixing shelves and furniture safely to the wall.

Guides in this project

01Plumb in a washing machine 02Run a new waste pipe for a washing machine or dishwasher 03Fit a tumble dryer vent kit through an outside wall 04Fit an isolating valve under a sink 05Put up a shelf with brackets 06Anchor tall furniture to a wall

UA-01Plan the space and buy what you needMeasure the area and decide where the washing machine, dryer, sink and any tall cupboard will go. Check there's a water supply, a waste route, and a nearby external wall for the dryer vent before you commit to a layout. If the area needs an extra socket for the appliances, you'll need a registered electrician partway through, so book one now rather than mid-project. Buy appliances, plumbing fittings, vent kit and shelf brackets up front so you're not stopping for shop runs.

RULES

1 each · Tape measure

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1 each · Pipe and cable detector

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1 each · Spirit level

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KNOW THE RULES

Adding a socket to an existing circuit isn't notifiable under Part P in England, but can be notifiable in Wales. Either way, use a registered electrician for any new socket or circuit work.

UA-02Fit an isolating valve for the washing machine feedFollow the HomeGraft guide 'Fit an isolating valve under a sink' to add a dedicated shut-off for the washing machine's cold supply. Doing this before you connect the machine means you can isolate it for servicing or a leak without turning off water to the whole house. Check for pipes with a detector before drilling any pipe clips to the wall.

1 each · Isolating valve

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1 roll · PTFE tape

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4 each · Pipe clips

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UA-03Plumb in the washing machineFollow the HomeGraft guide 'Plumb in a washing machine' to connect the hoses using the isolating valve you've just fitted. Run a full cycle once connected and check every joint for drips after 10 minutes and again after an hour. A slow weep at a hose connector is the most common fault at this stage, so don't skip the recheck.

1 each · Washing machine inlet hose

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1 each · Washing machine

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UA-04Run the waste pipeFollow the HomeGraft guide 'Run a new waste pipe for a washing machine or dishwasher' to take the drain hose to the stack or an external gully. Get the fall right along the whole run, or water will sit in the pipe and smell. Leave joints to cure for 24 hours before running the machine, then test again with a full cycle and check for leaks at every joint.

1 set · Waste pipe and fittings

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1 tube · Solvent weld cement

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UA-05Install the dryer and vent it outsideCheck for cables and pipes with a detector before drilling the wall for the vent, and still expect something to be there. Core-drill or hire a core drill for a clean hole through an external wall, fit a vent hose and outside vent hood, and keep the run as short and straight as possible. Never vent into a loft, cavity or any enclosed space: this can cause damp and mould that's hard to fix later. If you'd rather avoid wall drilling altogether, a condenser or heat pump dryer needs no outside vent, only a condensate drain or tank to empty.

1 set · Dryer vent kit (hose and external vent)

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1 each · Core drill hire (half day)

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1 each · Tumble dryer

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UA-06Put up storage shelvingFollow the HomeGraft guide 'Put up a shelf with brackets' to add storage above or beside the appliances for detergent and baskets. Check with a detector before drilling, and keep shelves clear of pipework and the dryer vent run so nothing is blocked. Leave enough headroom for lifting the washing machine or dryer lid, or for loading the machines comfortably.

4 each · Shelf brackets

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1 each · Shelf board

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1 pack · Wall fixings

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UA-07Anchor any tall cupboard or unitFollow the HomeGraft guide 'Anchor tall furniture to a wall' for any tall cupboard, shelving unit or airer stored in the utility area. This matters even more in a utility room, where children or pets may pull on doors or climb to reach stored items. Check for cables and pipes with a detector before fixing into the wall.

1 set · Anti-tip furniture strap or bracket

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1 pack · Wall fixings

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UA-08Final checks and snaggingRun a full wash and dry cycle together and check nothing trips or overloads the circuit, then check every plumbing joint again once everything has cooled and settled. Confirm the dryer vent is clear, sits outside, and isn't blowing back into the room or a neighbouring space. If an electrician added a socket, keep their paperwork with your home records. Expect the whole project to take two weekends for a confident DIYer, or three to four days spread over a week if you're newer to plumbing and drilling.

RULES

1 set · Spare washers and PTFE tape

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KNOW THE RULES

If an electrician carried out new socket or circuit work, ask for their electrical certificate and keep it with your home documents.

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