Washer/Dryer Installation

I really, really, really recommend what is going to be much more expensive in the short run, but a total lifesaver in the long run:

http://www.watts.com/pro/divisions/watersafety_flowcontrol/learnabout/learnabout_intelliflow.asp

We have stackable washer and dryer by Asko. The dryer is not gas driven but electrical and is one of the few electrical ones that does not require venting. However they require a 250V source. They are about 25% more expensive than US models but one of the few with the electric but non-vent feature and a small footprint that we were looking for. Been running them almost everyday for about 2 years now with no issues.

"I really, really, really recommend what is going to be much more expensive in the short run, but a total lifesaver in the long run:

http://www.watts.com/pro/divisions/watersafety_flowcontrol/learnabout/learnabout_intelliflow.asp"

That's fine, but if the power goes out, it's useless.

Why not just install a tried-and-true manual model for a fraction of the price?

I really, really, really recommend what is going to be much more expensive in the short run, but a total lifesaver in the long run:

http://www.watts.com/pro/divisions/watersafety_flowcontrol/learnabout/learnabout_intelliflow.asp

Oops. Sorry. I meant trying THIS tried-and-true manual model: http://www.keidel.com/mech/pvf/valve-laundry.htm

I second the Asko stackable recommendation. Those Swedes designed some damn good machines--if you have any doubts, read up on the company and you too will be impressed. Mine have been running for 10 years with no service calls. They were installed by my super, who hadn't had any prior experience with european models because the building had been equipped with 'portable' GE stackable machines--which are cheap, smaller capacity and spew lint.

Several of my friends have installed the stackable Bosch washer/dryer machines (again, electric dryer) and seem to be very happy with them.

In NYC a licensed plumber must hook-up a gas line---the plumber knows how to turn off the gas source and how to do the follow-up bubble (leak) test. Also look into having a liner installed under the washer to keep (any) small leaks out of the downstairs neighbors ceiling (it can happen). I have a stackable Bosch w/d (dryer is electric ventless) great for the 'green' aspect, however I have seen the repairman too many times in the past 6 yrs.

Miele washers and dryers are suppose to be great but the capacity is too small.

One thing people neglect to do is shut off the water to the machines when they are not in use. If your water is on & the hoses fail, you're in BIG trouble. A drip pan won't help you there though they're probably a good thing in normal situations.

drdrd: you are right if the hose lets loose during the night or vacation the pan is useless, however it keeps that small unnoticed drip drip drip from soaking the floor/ceiling.

"That's fine, but if the power goes out, it's useless.

Why not just install a tried-and-true manual model for a fraction of the price?"

a) You totally fail to see the entire purpose of the device
b) If the power goes out, it still provides it's function, so it's NOT useless if the power goes out.
c) the whole point of the device is that, while very few people realize this, you are supposed to shut off the water supply at the valves EVERY TIME after you finish using your washing machine BUT NO ONE DOES IT.
d) Exactly what percentage of the time is the power out where you live? personally, I live in Manhattan, not the Dominican Republic.

But I do agree, IF YOU WANT TO REACH BEHIND YOUR MACHINES EVERY FUCKING TIME YOU USE THEM to turn the water on AND THEN AGAIN to turn it off, listen to NYCMutt. Except that you won't even save any real money, because the difference in price is that the unit which will do it automatically costs about $150 to $200 FOR THE PART and the manual, pain in the ass method Matt suggests, the part costs about $50, and the labor will probably cost you about $300 from a plumber for either, so the real difference in total is about $450 vs about $350. May be the dumbest $100 you ever saved.

"One thing people neglect to do is shut off the water to the machines when they are not in use. If your water is on & the hoses fail, you're in BIG trouble. A drip pan won't help you there though they're probably a good thing in normal situations."

See my postings above - but actually go look at what the thing does.

PS From what I've been told, the number 1 dollar amount of home insurance claims in the US annually is from burst hoses from washing machines. Remember, if you don't turn the valves off (which I never met anyone who did), the hoses are under pressure 24/7/365. And remember they are hoses, not copper tubing, so they are MUCH more prone to failure.

"but one of the few with the electric but non-vent feature"

pretty sure you have this wrong (unless you mean "built-in" no vent so it's easy to place in cabinetry): it's the gas one's which MUST be vented by NYC code. There are third party vendors who make "ventless kits" for an awful lot of the electric models. But also, if you are going to install any of these units as part of your kitchen cabinetry, you really have to look into how you are going to vent the things: without good venting, it takes MUCH longer to dry your clothes. Also, in general, the operating cost of the gas dryers is much less than the electric one's (it certainly is for me, because gas is included in my mtc... heee hee hee).

30yearsdoingwhatever, SERIOUSLY you believe this?
-the whole point of the device is that, while very few people realize this, you are supposed to shut off the water supply at the valves EVERY TIME after you finish using your washing machine BUT NO ONE DOES IT.

Is that kind of like not putting a Q-Tip in year ear? You aren't supposed to do it but everyone does?

LMAO

IF YOU WANT TO REACH BEHIND YOUR MACHINES EVERY FUCKING TIME YOU USE THEM to turn the water on AND THEN AGAIN to turn it off, listen to NYCMutt

Are you for real?

Use another sockpuppet - it doesn't change the facts of life. You're still an idiot.

angry much EGconnect?