Building a New Laundry/Utility Closet

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I recently acquired a Frigidaire frost free upright freezer to replace my old chest freezer.  I placed it in the "line-up", where the laundry/utility closet is going. It just barely fit. From left to right, two stacked whirlpool dryers, the space for the Maytag A107 washer, the GE Frost Guard refrigerator, and the aforementioned Frigidaire. Because the new freezer is so wide, I no longer would have space for side walls of the new closet thus, no where to mount light switches, outlets and the intercom. 

 

So I've come to a decision. I have to let go of some of the appliances. It's gotten to the point there is simply no more room to fit so many appliances, and vintage electronics.

 

The Whirlpool portable dryers will be the first to go as soon as I find a decent Maytag DE-806 (blue panel) to replace them. Yes, gasp, I am going to live with ONE dryer. The Maytag A107 washer will be replaced with an A806 that is in comparable condition, I know, a tall order. Next the KDS 19C dishwasher. I was going to part it out, but I just don't have the time. I will swap out the upper rack with my KDS 58. 

 

So in a nutshell, one dryer, 2 washers, 2 refrigerator/freezers, one upright freezer and 1 dishwasher.

 

My husband is doing cartwheels.

[this post was last edited: 9/18/2017-00:57]

 

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A new update. I have most of my plumbing supplies ready. As I mentioned earlier, I am going with the Uponor/Wirsbo pex system. Tubing is Pex-A. I have decided to add an ice maker connection and an outdoor hose cock. The dish washer will have a hot water shut off valve since I will not be using the dishwasher everyday. Each washing machine will have individual shut off valves as well.

 

 

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It has begun. The intercom and light switch will relocated to a new stud wall.

 

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Broke through the kitchen and dining room wall. Rough in.

 

Top:  Conduit I am using to protect the PEX A tubing from the sharp metal lathing used in the walls.

 

Bottom:  Is the drain for washers. 

 

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Well, the plumbing is complete. This is the first time I've ever used PEX, simple enough, but that expansion tool is tough to maneuver in tight places like under the sink for example.

 

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First pressure test. No leaks from the PEX connectors, however, there were 2 leaks from the washer shut off valves. It was between the valve and the PEX brass adapter. All it needed was a slight tightening but, PEX is on tight, you can't twist it, so the only solution was to break the seal rings and remove the entire length of PEX pipe up to the next connector. Then tighten the adapter, and reinstall the PEX with the rings all over again. And it's a new install. Nothing can be reused.  Major pain in the ass. So that's the ugly little secret with PEX.

 

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Leak

 

 

The laundry valves and the PEX A transition fittings were NOT compatible, hence the leak. New valves and fittings installed, no leaks. Also revised the drain pipe, added a P trap. First wash using the Magic Chef (back-up) washer. Also installed the top shelf of the closet. At 10'2" in length, had a hell of a time fitting it into the elevator. Still have to do the electrical, framing work and find some affordable bi-fold doors. Doors have to be 2'3" x 96"(four of them), not a popular size.