Washing machine in the basement?

[RubberDicky]

We're in the process of purchasing a house with a very small kitchen that currently has the utilities plumbed in under the counters. Directly below the kitchen is a very large basement/cellar that has the gas and water pipes for the kitchen running along the ceiling.

It would make a huge difference to the kitchen if we moved the washer and drier down there. Can't see the drier being too much of a problem - there's an old bricked up window we could possibly vent out of.

Does anyone have any experience of plumbing a washing machine below ground level? Would a sanivite or similar work to pump the grey water back up? Is there any chance of this actually working or is it a terrible idea that'll only lead to endless floods?

Thanks!

I'm afraid I have no idea about the technicalities of how it's done, but my washing machine and tumble dryer are in the cellar and it's never been a problem. I have a condenser dryer, so no need to put a vent outside. There is an external door to the cellar, which is directly underneath our front door, and there is a drain there, which is where (I think, but don't quote me on it!) the water from the washing machine drains to.

Like you, my kitchen is very small so this works really well - I'd have no cupboard space at all if these appliances were under the counters!

Thank you so much for your reply, I think it's easy enough if the machine is on the same level as the drainage as it sounds like yours is, but might be problematic of its below that level. I think?

You'd need a pump but you can easily buy one for a couple of hundred quid and then it's not a big job for a plumber. My only concern is that cellars tend to be a bit damp and it could end up affecting your washer, maybe think about a dehumidifier as well. Washing machines don't often flood, do they? It's never been an issue with us and we have lived in a flat with a washing machine using an external pump to get the water to the nearest drainage outlet.

Brilliant, in the end I called a plumber to ask band he said just what you did longlegs, the saniflow shouldn't be hard to install and they dont often flood of block when used for non-toilet appliances.

And yes with regards to a dehumidifier, I recently spent a long car journey researching them in detail.

Very excited that there may well be a washing machine to keep all the wine company down there and I can say dream about having more space in the kitchen for more wine