Should I keep the drip pan and drain pipe under the washer if I move it to stack with the dryer in my tiny laundry room renovation?
Asked by Phillip Russell 
4 months ago
Last Updated: September 6, 2024
Hey there! Just a quick question for y’all. So, my laundry room is pretty small and a bit messy at the moment, but we’ve been working on improving it. We replaced the old wire shelves with some nicer ones, added wallpaper, and built a countertop. The only issue is that the washer and dryer are really low down.
I’m thinking of stacking them on the right side of the room, moving the shelves, and shortening the countertop. But I noticed there’s a drip pan under the washer with a drain pipe running through it. I get the importance of having that in case of a leak, but do you think it’s absolutely necessary? I don’t want to mess with the washer if that PVC drain is crucial.
Any thoughts on this? Thanks in advance!
Is this laundry room on the second floor or the main floor?
It’s on the second floor. I enjoy the sound of my machines buzzing throughout the entire house haha. Maybe considering soundproofing would be a good project for me.
I’d be hesitant to move it on the second floor
Yep, that’s exactly what I was thinking too!
Can you make a shelf for them to sit on? Let me check if I can find a picture!
Do you think something like this would work?
That’s really great!
There are stands available for washer/dryers that you can purchase.
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Oh wow, that’s wonderful
This is lovely!
I purchased pedestals when I bought my washer and dryer together. It’s definitely worth it to not have to bend over all the time.
Make sure to get the pedestals.
I recommend keeping the pan and drain in place. It can prove to be a lifesaver if your washer ever leaks and prevents water damage worth thousands of dollars. If you have the necessary height, feel free to stack them. Most brands offer brackets to facilitate stacking.
Yeah, that seems like the best choice. We had a water leak incident before (thanks to a kid who wanted to shower with the curtain outside the bathtub; ended up remodeling the bathroom). We were thinking of putting them in front of the door to have more space to work around.
When stacking the washer and dryer, make sure to use the right mounting hardware. You wouldn’t want an unbalanced washer causing the dryer to fall. If you opt for a platform, make sure they are securely placed to prevent them from moving off.
Oh yeah, I’ve stacked these things before with no problem. We decided to try them separated this time, but we’re not enjoying it as much as we thought, ha ha.
That laundry room is quite spacious
The space may seem larger in the picture because of how I took it haha. It’s really cramped in there. You can barely stand in front of the machine with a basket to grab clothes haha.
I suggest putting them on pedestals or constructing a platform for them to sit on. You could even add drawers to the platform. This way, you can store extra detergent, dryer sheets, and supplies in the drawers to keep them hidden and maintain the visual appeal you desire.
I’ve always wanted pedestals for my machines. It would be a bummer to lose the counter space, though. I use that area for folding clothes and towels. But it’s definitely something worth considering!
My mine was sitting on a platform that was only about 6” high. It really made a big difference and you could still use the counter.
Yeah, that’s a really good point! Another person posted a picture of a small platform. I think that would be the best choice for me too!
The first thing I thought of was removing the counter top, taking out the 2x4s supporting it, cutting them in half, and then reinstalling them. That way they won’t be sticking out.
The countertop consists of 3 separate planks. I extended them a bit to make sure they were securely attached to a stud. We planned to paint them the same color as the wall but never got around to it.
What do you think about the washer drain needing to be 36 inches off the floor?