When we first moved into this house back in February '11, there was no hookups for the washing machine (most people here use a special sink, no machine). One of the first big projects that we did (with lots of help from friends!) was to plumb it in. Unfortunately, some of those friends have a typical local attitude of "that'll do" and we left the supply side like this:
Obviously not a big problem, but it doesn't look that nice, and although
we usually keep that window open, during cold season last year, it was
really nice to close that window and heat up the kitchen for breakfast!
(This time of year, it's usually between 55 and 60 degrees F in the
house when we get up). Ever since it was done, I planned to change it, but it took almost a whole year for me to get to it.
Of course, for a project like this, you need a few tools and a helper:
To start, I needed to make a hole in the glass nearer the washing machine. I started cutting out a square with my Dremel (with extension!) and was getting along well, but got it too hot and cracked it:
Note to self: take breaks to let the glass cool
Thankfully, it broke just perfectly for the hose connector to fit through!
Next up, cut and thread some pipe:
Once again, the Dremel gets things done quick and easy. Lydia (20 months old here) already knows about loud noise and hearing protection:
We added about 6 feet of 1/2" pipe to reach the corner:
The shut-off and connector are now hidden behind the herb and spice rack:
Although having an ugly gray piece of PVC passing through the kitchen isn't that great either, it actually comes in really handy! Not only can we now close the window whenever we want, we have a place to hang washcloths and it makes a great drying rack for the girls' cups as well as holding up the cutting boards!
Although Lydia likes to be with Daddy and learn about tools and fixing, she's still a little girl through and through. As soon as we finished up, she went back to being a little mommy:
