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If you are setting up your laundry room or considering renovation, you may have also started considering adding a washing machine outlet box. The best benefit of a washing machine outlet box is that it helps provide quick and safe water supply shut-off access. It also arranges your washer’s cables, making them look organized and appealing.
As an HVAC specialist who regularly uses a washing machine, I understand the importance of installing an outlet box. I have listed some of the best machine outlet box options you can consider in this article. I will also offer tips to help you make an informed decision when choosing a washing machine outlet box.
Bottom Line Up Front
I recommend the DU-All outlet box to anyone. It is high quality and comes with multiple valve mounting options, allowing you to drain from various outlets.
Pick At A Glance
- Brass push washing machine outlet box – The most affordable.
- DU-ALL Dual-Drain Washing Machine Outlet Box – The most versatile.
- Fire-rated OxBox washing machine outlet box – Best for fire resistance.
- EFIELD washing machine outlet box – Easy to use and install.
- Eastman washing machine outlet box – Great quality, yet affordable.
What is a Washing Machine Outlet Box
A washing machine outlet box, as the name implies, is a box you can install to provide a safe water supply and shut off access. It brings your supply and drains pipes together, ensuring there is minimal strain on your overall water supply system. In the long run, this helps improve your laundry process’s efficiency.
With a washing machine outlet box, you get a clean setup for your plumbing, and you can easily control the water supply and outlet for all your washing needs.
What Does Washing Machine Outlet Box do?
Here are some of the benefits of installing a washing machine outlet box:
- Shuts off access to the water safely – The washing machine outlet box helps you safely shut off access to water in an emergency. It does this in seconds.
- Manage laundry room space for a compact feel – You no longer need a laundry sink for your washing machine to drain. The outlet box frees up space in your laundry area. If you like your space very compact and minimalistic, or you do not have ample room space, this is a great way to manage floor area.
- Less strain on your water supply lines – The washing machine outlet box helps ensure that there is little or no strain on your water supply lines, as long as you installed it correctly. It also ensures that your water drains appropriately and prevents messy environments caused by leaks and water overflow.
- Aesthetically pleasing plumbing – It gives your laundry room a clean finish and helps to get rid of unnecessary plumbing.
What You Must Know Before Selecting a Washing Machine Outlet Box
Before choosing a washing machine outlet box, you must consider some factors.
Here they are:
- Plumbing Design – The design of your water supply and drainage system will affect the type of washing machine outlet box you choose. Design differences like pipe material, pipe location, wall cavity space, etc., will determine what outlet box may be appropriate for you. Some material types and layout designs may also pose some restrictions.
- Water supply system – If your water supply system comes from above, you should choose an outlet box that can be installed inverted. The outlet box must also be spacious enough to accommodate the water supply valves above and the drainage valve below.
- Drainage system – Some washing machines may need an extra drainage line or may require the drain to be on the left, right, or straddled. Depending on the flexibility of the drains on your washing machine, you may need to select a specific configuration of the washing machine outlet box.
- Room Architecture/ Structural Design – You should also consider the architectural design of your space when choosing a washing machine outlet box. Sometimes, you may have limited space due to the size of your room or if your washer is in a tight area. You should consider washing machine outlets boxes that offer versatility and flexibility if your drainage and supply are on separate walls or varying sides.
- Other Considerations – Sometimes, you will need specialized boxes constructed with unique materials. Some may need to be fire-rated and offer special insulating material. Also, ensure that the box is made of high-quality material and is mounted securely to the wall.
Best Washing Machine Outlet Box Options
Here are the best five washing machine outlet box options you can choose from. I chose these because they are the most reliable and affordable options for your home.
SharkBite Brass Push Washing Machine Outlet Box
The Brass push washing machine outlet box has an innovative push-to-connect design. This makes it very easy to install.
The Brass push washing machine outlet box has a one-piece recessed box design, which allows quick quarter-turn shut-offs of the water supply to your washing machine. You can easily turn off water access to and from your washing machine without moving the valve.
It also has mounting brackets, which allow the box to be mounted to the left, right, or center stud bay without additional support framing. The mounting brackets also ensure a secure installation, and the design allows for draining to the left, right, or center.
Features
- Quarter-turn shut-off with 3/4 in. washing machine hose outlet.
- Snap-on faceplate, which accommodates up to 3/4 in. drywall.
- Compatible with left, right, or center drain.
- Compatible with PEX, copper, CPVC, and PE-RT pipe.
- No special tools, crimping, glue, or soldering are needed for installation.
- You can rotate it for easier and faster installation.
Pros
- Affordable options for the quality you get.
- Quick and easy installation.
- Accommodates water supply from above or below.
Cons
- You will need to buy extra parts for more features like the hammer arrestor or disconnect tongs.
Price
Shark Bite Brass Push Washing machine outlet box costs around $40 to $80. The price varies from suppliers and the choice to pay for add-ons like the hammer arrestors.
Verdict
The SharkBite Brass Push Push washing machine outlet box is a good option for anyone who needs to control water supply access easily, at a lower cost. You should get the Push washing machine outlet box if you are not looking for anything aesthetic or complex. For the price, it is value for money and will serve its purpose.
DU-All™ 10 N 1® Dual-Drain Washing Machine Outlet Box
The Water-Tite DU-ALL Dual-Drain Washing Machine Outlet Box offers multiple valve mounting options. This allows you to drain from various outlets. Dual-drain, right-drain-only, and left-drain-only installations are available, as is inverting the box for top-mount valves with a center drain.
Because the drains are positioned toward the back of the box, the forward-mounted valves and drain placement provide easy access to on/off controls.
The DU-ALL Dual-Drain washing machine outlet box has a raised drip guard, which prevents hose or valve leaks from reaching the laundry room wall and floor. It also prevents wall condensation and collection of moisture.
The big knockouts are alongside the EZ Out test caps for quick and effortless removal so that they won’t fall down the drain.
Features
- Comes with Brass 1/4 Turn Valve
- Hammer Arresters
- Available in DU-All™ Series and Econo Center Drain Outlet Boxes
- The frame accommodates up to 1″ Drywall
- DU-All™ and Center Drain Faceplates, which are interchangeable
- It also comes with a snap On Frame
- Comes with an extended mounting flange.
- Econo Center Drain & Du-All Outlet Box has a top mount valve/center drain option by simply inverting the box.
Pros
- The DU-ALL drain design saves you a ton of time during installation.
- It makes it less complicated to work around sorting your pipe access connections.
- You can also install this unit in an inverted position.
- It also comes installed with hammer arrestors and drain valves. This saves you the hassle of buying them separately.
Cons
- A bit more expensive than the average washing machine outlet box.
Price
The DU-All™ 10 N 1® Dual-Drain Washing Machine Outlet Box costs between $60 to $100, deepening on the seller.
Verdict
The DU-All outlet box comes as an all-in-one package. It is an excellent choice if you want an all-in-one outlet box and is willing to spend a little more. If you do not mind the price, I highly recommend it, especially if you want all the top features in a washing machine outlet.
The Fire Rated Sioux Chief Ox Box™ Washing Machine Box
The fire-rated OxBox washing machine outlet box has the best industry fire certification. It is a good choice for plumbing supply/drainage systems that require extra insulation. This is because it is made of fire retardant plastic resin.
Installing the fire-rated OxBox washing machine outlet box is the quickest, easiest, and strongest.The drain box on this Sioux Chief is versatile. You can install it on either the left or right side of the stud. The outlet box divides the supply and drainage systems into two stub bays.
The Sioux Chief Ox Box washing machine outlet box can also be mounted with supply lines from top or bottom while straddling the stud. It can, however, not be inverted.
The outlet box unit is supplied either with plain valves or valves with water hammer arresters. Adding the hammer arrester ensures low noise from your water pipes. The metal support bracket installed into the top tracks is handy for added support.
Features
- Stub or Stud-over box mount
- Easy to remove drain knockout
- Supply lines can be mounted from above or below
- High-quality quarter-turn 1/4 brass ball valve
- MiniRester™ water hammer arrestor (ASSE 1010 certified, UPC listed)
- Fire-rated ABS frame and frame extension
- Galvanized 18″ steel wall bracket
- Galvanized steel box clip, dow corning
- 3/4″ male garden hose thread outlet
- It can be used with FloodStops for increased flood protection
Pros
- The Fire Rated Sioux Chief Ox Box™ Washing Machine Box helps to keep you protected from fire hazards. This is because it is made with high-quality fire-protected materials.
- You also get noise and flood protection with this unit.
Cons
- This outlet box is one of the most expensive.
- You also lose the freedom of inverted installation.
Price
The Fire Rated Sioux Chief Ox Box™ Washing Machine Box costs anywhere between $100 to $150, depending on the vendor.
Verdict
Unless you need more insulation and fire protection, it may be best to go for less expensive outlet boxes that will still serve the purpose. However, this is a must-have if you live in a high-risk fire area. Depending on where you live, if your appliances or plumbing system recommends extra insulation, you should consider getting this outlet box ahead of the others.
Eastman Centre Drain Washing Machine Outlet Box
The Eastman washing machine outlet boxes provide safe water supply access for your washing machines in a simple and easy installation. This outlet box range has a raised drip guard that prevents accidental and unwanted leaks. You can also easily access Its shut-off valves, allowing you to turn off the water supply without stress.
The Eastman center drain washing machine outlet boxes are manufactured with high-quality materials suited to different needs.
You can choose from the 60249 polyvinyl chloride plastic (CPVC), 60250 and 60260 made with CPVC and crosslinked polyethylene plastic (PEX), or the 60264 made with brass. Whatever design you choose, you get a sturdy outlet box, depending on your type of plumbing.
You can easily install this outlet box range inverted, giving room for flexibility. It also comes with a support bracket and snap-on faceplate, accommodating up to 1 inch of drywall.
Features
- ½ inch inlet, either CPVC, PEX, or Push-Fit brass connection
- Quarter-turn shut-off with 3/4-inch Male Hose Thread (MHT) outlet.
- Snap-on faceplate (this accommodates up to 3/4 in. Drywall).
- Compatible with inversion.
- Compatible with PEX, CPVC, and brass pipe.
- You can rotate it for easier and faster installation.
Pros
- Affordable options for the quality you get.
- Quick and easy installation.
- Valve box made from high-impact, non-corrosive plastic
- Accommodates water supply from above or below.
Cons
- No hammer arrestors for noise control.
Price
Eastman Washing machine outlet box costs around $30 to $50.
Verdict
The Eastman Centre drain washing machine outlet box is a high-quality option at a very low cost. You should get it if you want a sturdy and durable outlet box that offers great value for money.
EFIELD Centre Drain Washing Machine Outlet Box
The EFIELD washing machine outlet box comes in a compact design, fitted with all the important features of an outlet box. It is durable and easy to install. Its brass turn valves are also preinstalled, so you can avoid the majority of the installation hassle. Due to its simple design, you can also easily switch between hot and cold water.
It also has pre-installed wall brackets for extra support and hammer arrestors to considerably reduce noise levels. The hammer arrestors are also gas-filled, so no matter the direction of installation, you are sure of complete shock and sound protection.
Features
- 1/2 inch Expansion PEX-A Inlet
- 3/4 inch Male Hose Thread (MHT ) Outlet Connection
- Lead-free 1/4-Turn ball valves (Hot and Cold)
- Water Hammer Arresters Pre-Installed
- Both Central and Side Drain Design
- Pre-installed Support Bracket and Faceplate Cover Expansion
Pros
- High quality.
- Quick and easy installation.
- Accommodates water supply from above or below.
- No need to buy extra parts separately.
Cons
- High cost
- It can only be used with PEX plumbing
Price
EFIELD Washing machine outlet box costs around $50 to $90.
Verdict
This EFIELD washing machine outlet box is for anyone looking to install a high-quality option independently without involving a professional. If you want a plug-and-play experience with no installation troubles, you should consider this Efielf washing machine outlet box.
FAQs
Question: Is a washing machine outlet box different from a laundry box?
Answer: No. Washing machine outlet boxes are also known as “laundry boxes.”
Question: Where should I install my washing machine outlet box?
Answer: The washing machine outlet box should be mounted a few inches from the top of the washer. It should be placed in an area that is easily accessible.
Question: How high should the washing machine outlet box be installed?
Answer: You should install the outlet box a couple of inches above the washer and in an area where you do not have to move the washer around to access it.
Question: Can I install a washing machine outlet box myself?
Answer: Yes. It is usually very easy to install most outlet boxes. If you are unsure, it is best to hire a professional to ensure you have it properly installed.
Question: How much does it cost to install a washing machine outlet box?
Answer: Installation of an outlet box can cost anywhere between $30 to $175. This price may, however, double if you need to hire a professional.
Question: What is the best material for a washing machine outlet box?
Answer: The best material often used is PVC. It is the most durable and offers the most flexibility. Sometimes, metal can also be used.
Question: What is a hammer arrestor?
Answer: The hammer arrestor is a device that helps to shut off the banging noise and absorb the excess vibration that comes from closing and shutting off supply and drain valves.
Best Washing Machine Outlet Box Options: Conclusion
A washing machine outlet box is convenient for a modern appearance and well-furnished laundry room. It helps to cover untidy water supply pipes and is also suitable for in-wall setup. This way, you have a clean and aesthetic finish. If you do not know which washing machine outlet to get, I have listed my top three best options in this article.
Although all washing machine outlet boxes have one goal, each has unique benefits. The Fire Rated Sioux Chief Ox Box™ Washing Machine Box is the best for fire resistance. The Brass push washing is the most affordable. While the DU-All outlet box is the most versatile.
So, depending on your home’s washing machine situation, you can choose the most suitable one.