The correct height of your washing machine tap in a cabinet prevents hose tension, leaks, and inaccessible shut-off valves. Focus on accessibility above the appliance, a safe drain height, and neat pipe routing behind the cabinet. Below you'll find practical guidelines you can follow immediately, plus tips for situations with a plinth or stacking arrangement. Always check your appliance's manual. Also see our washing machine (cabinet) installation guides: tap height & connections for step-by-step instructions.
Guidelines for the height of the washing machine tap
Position the washing machine faucet so that you can easily reach and close it with the door open. In practice, a height of 110 to 120 cm above the floor works very well. If your washing machine is on a plinth or in a stacking configuration, add the required height. Also, consider the distance to the top of the appliance: if you use an aerator faucet, ideally place it at least 25 cm above the machine. If you don't have an aerator, install a non-return valve to prevent backflow. Preferably choose a vented faucet with a built-in non-return valve for maximum safety.
Don't mount the faucet directly behind the appliance where it's inaccessible, but rather on the side of the cabinet or in an accessible compartment. Allow the hose's swivel connection to hang without tension and avoid sharp bends. Finally, ensure the faucet plate or wall plate is securely mounted so that turning the faucet doesn't strain the pipe. Practical tips for ergonomics and accessibility can be found in Laundry Room Design: Optimal Faucet Position in the Cabinet .
Drain height and placement of the siphon in a washing machine cabinet
A properly adjusted drain prevents siphoning and backwash. Position the standpipe inlet 60 to 90 cm above the floor where the machine is positioned. When raising the machine, this area will also move upwards. Ideally, keep the upright section of the drain hose 50 to 60 cm long and secure it securely to prevent deformation during hot washing.
Place the siphon as low as possible to gain sufficient height for the standpipe, but still make it accessible for maintenance. Avoid tight bends, ensure a suitable hose grommet or clamp for the drain hose, and secure the hose so it can't slip out of the standpipe. If your cabinet is shallow, choose a flat wall box or a shallow siphon solution that fits behind the appliance. For existing pipe heights or limited cabinet space, we offer solutions through custom laundry room solutions .
Electricity and space for pipes
- The socket should preferably be located 10 to 20 cm above the tap, not directly under a water point, and always earthed to a residual current circuit breaker.
- Allow sufficient pass-through and slack space behind the cabinet for water, drainage, and cables to prevent kinking.
- Use clean feedthrough holes and cable entries. For custom work, you can pre-position feedthrough points or drill them yourself later.
Looking for a cabinet that neatly fits your faucet and plumbing? Browse our washing machine cabinets with space for a faucet connection to find the perfect model.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my washing machine is on a plinth or drip tray?
Always measure from the actual floor level where the machine is located. Add the height of your base or drip tray to the guideline. A tap 110 to 120 cm from the new zero line and a drain 60 to 90 cm away remain a safe choice. Is your tap higher due to a dryer setup? Then check out the Stapel series: cabinet solutions for higher tap positions .
Is there an official standard for the height of tap and drain?
There's no hard and fast standard that applies to every situation. Manufacturers sometimes provide margins. As a practical guideline, 110 to 120 cm for the tap and 60 to 90 cm for the drain work very reliably. Use an aerator or check valve and follow your appliance's manual. For single-unit setups with dedicated tap space next to the machine, consider the Single series: layout and tap space next to the machine .
