Move Your Washer & Dryer to the Other Side of the Wall? Yes, You Can!
Is your laundry room layout driving you crazy? Maybe the constant noise from the washer and dryer is right next to your living room, or the current setup creates an awkward, inefficient workspace. You’ve looked at that adjoining wall and thought, “If only I could just move them over there.”
Good news: moving a washer and dryer to the other side of an existing wall is not just a dream. It’s a surprisingly common and achievable home improvement project that can revolutionize your laundry routine and reclaim valuable space. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make it happen.
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Why Your Current Laundry Setup Isn’t Working
Many homeowners find themselves stuck with a laundry room designed without much thought for ergonomics or acoustics. The problem often isn’t the room itself, but the placement of the appliances within it. Shifting them to the opposite side of the same wall can solve a host of common issues.
Perhaps moving them creates a better workflow, opening up space for a folding counter or storage. Or maybe it moves the noisy machines away from a quiet area like a bedroom or home office. Whatever the reason, this seemingly small move can have a big impact on your home’s functionality.
Is It Even Possible? Key Factors to Consider Before You Start
Before you grab a sledgehammer, a careful assessment is crucial. A successful move hinges on your ability to relocate three essential services: plumbing, venting, and electrical. You need to understand what’s inside that wall and how you’ll extend these connections.
This project is more than just sliding appliances; it’s about safely and effectively rerouting the vital hookups they need to function. A quick inspection of your current setup and the target wall is the first step.
Plumbing: The Heart of the Matter
Your washing machine requires both hot and cold water supply lines and, most importantly, a drain. The drain system, which includes a standpipe and a P-trap, is critical for preventing sewer gases from entering your home. These components are typically housed within the wall in a recessed washer box.
Moving them involves tapping into the existing water lines and drain stack and extending them through the wall studs to the new location. Proper slope for the drainpipe is non-negotiable to ensure water flows away correctly and prevents backups.
Venting: Getting the Hot Air Out
Your dryer needs to expel hot, moist air and lint to the outside. This is handled by a dryer vent duct, which should be as short and straight as possible for efficiency and fire safety. A long, convoluted vent run reduces dryer performance and can become a fire hazard due to lint buildup.
When moving the dryer, you’ll need to create a new path for the vent. Since you’re moving it along the same wall line, you might be able to reroute the existing ductwork inside the wall or attic to the new position before it exits the house.
Electrical: Powering Your Appliances Safely
Washers typically use a standard 120-volt outlet. However, most electric dryers require a much more powerful 240-volt outlet, which is larger and has a different plug configuration. Gas dryers, on the other hand, use a standard outlet but also need a dedicated gas line.
You’ll need a licensed electrician to safely extend the existing circuits or run new ones to the new location. This is one area where DIY is strongly discouraged due to the significant risks of electrical shock and fire.
Structural and Code Considerations
Is the wall you’re working on load-bearing? While you’re likely only drilling holes through studs rather than removing them, it’s something to be aware of. More importantly, all plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work must adhere to local building codes.
These codes dictate everything from the type of wire and pipe you can use to the required spacing and installation methods. It’s always wise to check with your local building department to see if your project requires a permit. Failing to do so can cause major headaches later on.
Step-by-Step Guide: Moving Your Laundry Hookups Through the Wall
With a clear understanding of the core requirements, you can start planning the actual job. This process involves careful preparation, precise execution, and a focus on safety at every stage. Follow these steps for a successful relocation.
Breaking the project down into manageable steps makes it far less daunting. From planning and demolition to the final hookup, a methodical approach is key.
Step 1: Planning and Preparation
First, map out exactly where the new hookups will go. Use a stud finder to locate the studs in the wall cavity. Plan your new layout to work with the existing framing as much as possible. You want to drill through studs, not remove them.
Gather all your tools and materials in advance. This includes plumbing supplies (PEX or copper, drainpipes, washer box), electrical supplies (wiring, outlet boxes), venting materials, and drywall repair supplies. Having everything on hand prevents delays.
Step 2: Shutting Off and Disconnecting
Safety is paramount. Before you do anything else, shut off the water supply to the washing machine at the source. Next, turn off the electricity to both the washer and dryer circuits at your home’s main electrical panel. Verify the power is off using a voltage tester.
Once everything is safely powered down, disconnect the water hoses, drain line, power cords, and dryer vent from the appliances. Move the washer and dryer completely out of the way to give yourself ample room to work.
Step 3: Opening the Wall
Now it’s time for some light demolition. Carefully cut away a section of drywall on both sides of the wall where the old and new hookups will be located. This will expose the studs, existing plumbing, and electrical wiring.
A clean, rectangular cut is easier to patch later than a jagged hole. Use a utility knife and drywall saw for precision. This will give you the access you need to reroute all the necessary lines.
Step 4: Rerouting the Utilities
This is the most complex step. Start with the plumbing. A plumber will cut into the existing hot and cold water lines and the drain stack. They will then run new pipes through holes drilled in the wall studs to the location of the new washer box.
Next, the electrician will extend the electrical circuits. This may involve running new cables from the existing outlets to the new outlet locations. Finally, reroute the dryer vent duct, ensuring a secure and well-sealed path to the exterior vent.
Step 5: Closing the Wall and Finishing
Once all the new hookups are in place and have been inspected (if required), you can close up the walls. Install new pieces of drywall, securing them to the studs. Apply drywall tape and joint compound to the seams, feathering it out to create a smooth surface.
After the compound dries, sand it smooth and apply primer. Once the primer is dry, you can paint the wall to match the rest of the room. This is also a great time to consider upgrading finishes, perhaps with stylish cabinet pulls that offer a Buster and Punch alternative for a high-end look.
Step 6: Connecting Your Appliances
The final step is to move your washer and dryer into their new home. Connect the new hot and cold water hoses to the washer and the new shutoff valves. Secure the drain hose in the new standpipe. Attach the new dryer vent duct.
Plug in the power cords, turn the water and electricity back on, and run a test cycle on both machines to check for any leaks or operational issues. Once you’ve confirmed everything is working perfectly, you can enjoy your new and improved laundry space.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro: Making the Smart Choice
While some aspects of this project may seem straightforward, it involves licensed trades. Working with plumbing and electrical systems without proper knowledge can lead to leaks, fires, and costly damage. It is highly recommended to hire professionals for this work.
A handyman might be able to handle the drywall and painting, but for the core utility work, you need licensed plumbers and electricians. Discussing your project with a plumber is a great first step; they often have experience with other home installations and can provide valuable insight, similar to how one might research the Kohler shower installation cost before a bathroom remodel.
To help you decide, here is a breakdown of what to consider. Knowing the specifics can help you determine the overall how much to move washer and dryer costs associated with your project.
| Factor | DIY Approach | Hiring Professionals |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower material costs, but high risk of expensive mistakes. | Higher upfront cost for labor, but ensures the job is done right and to code. |
| Time | Can take several weekends depending on skill level and unforeseen issues. | Typically completed in 1-2 days by an experienced crew. |
| Skill Level Required | Advanced. Requires knowledge of plumbing, electrical, and carpentry. | Professionals are licensed, insured, and experienced in this specific work. |
| Tools & Equipment | Requires specialized tools like PEX crimpers, pipe cutters, and electrical testers. | Contractors arrive with all necessary professional-grade tools. |
| Risk & Safety | High risk of water damage, electrical shock, fire, and failing inspections. | Low risk. Professionals are insured and guarantee their work meets safety codes. |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even a seemingly simple move can go wrong if you’re not careful. Being aware of common pitfalls can save you from major headaches, costly repairs, and dangerous situations. Pay close attention to these critical details.
From improper drain slopes to unsafe electrical work, a single mistake can compromise the entire project. Do not cut corners on safety or code compliance. Here are the top mistakes to steer clear of.
Incorrect Drain Slope
One of the most common DIY plumbing mistakes is failing to create the proper downward slope for the washer’s drain line. The standard requirement is a minimum slope of 1/4 inch per foot of pipe to ensure gravity can effectively pull the wastewater away.
An improperly sloped drain can lead to slow draining, backups, and standing water in the pipe, which can cause clogs and odors over time.
Unsafe Electrical Work
Electricity is not forgiving. Using the wrong gauge wire for the circuit, failing to properly ground the outlets, or making loose connections are all serious fire hazards. An electric dryer’s 240-volt circuit carries a significant amount of power and demands professional installation.
Always hire a licensed electrician for this portion of the job. They will ensure the new outlets are wired correctly, meet all code requirements, and are protected by the proper circuit breakers.
Long or Kinked Dryer Vent
The shorter and straighter the dryer vent, the better. Every bend and extra foot of length adds resistance, reducing your dryer’s efficiency and increasing the risk of lint buildup. Using flimsy, foil-style flexible ducts inside a wall is often against code and is a known fire risk.
Use smooth, rigid metal ducting inside the wall cavity whenever possible, and ensure all joints are sealed with aluminum foil tape, not duct tape.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to move a washer and dryer to the other side of a wall?
The cost can range from $500 to $2,000 or more. The price depends on labor rates in your area, the complexity of the plumbing and electrical work, and the extent of the drywall repair and finishing required.
Do I need a permit for this project?
It’s very likely. Most municipalities require permits for projects that involve altering plumbing or electrical systems. Check with your local building department before you begin any work.
Can I run plumbing and electrical wires in the same wall cavity?
Yes, it is generally permissible to have plumbing and electrical lines in the same stud bay. However, codes often specify separation requirements to ensure safety. For instance, wires should not be run in a way where they could be damaged by a pipe leak.
How long does this project typically take?
If you hire professionals, the core work of relocating the hookups can often be completed in a single day. The subsequent drywall repair, finishing, and painting will take additional time due to drying and curing periods.
Can I do this myself?
While a skilled DIYer with significant plumbing and electrical experience might tackle this, it is strongly recommended to hire licensed professionals. The risks of leaks, electrical fires, and code violations are too high for a novice.
