[eddytheflow]

Hey all, I have a quick question. It sounds reasonable to me but I want to check with the experts first :thumbup:

I may be investing in a plumbable espresso machine that also has a drain.
There will also be a water filter + softener in the line, and obviously requires some minor plumbing on my part.

I first thought that I would just pierce into some cold water pipe with an ice-machine kit, but then realized the washer is RIGHT behind the wall where the espresso machine will sit. Does it sound reasonable to you all to splice into the cold water line at the washer to feed the espresso machine?

Also, I was thinking I could even drain to the washer, but on second thought the drain inlet may be too high up to allow for this. I may end up draining into the crawlspace "well" using pvc unless anyone has a suggestion for this.

And just one final question about aesthetics. I know if I were to install a water inlet for a washing machine they have the nice recessed cold/hot water + drain setups. (http://bit.ly/TTpxGN). Is there something like this that I could use for my purposes? I'm a bit hesitant to set up the water line like a toilet would be set up.

Thanks for any suggestions!

 

[md2lgyk]

I think draining the espresso machine to the washer drain would technically be a code violation. What is a "crawl space well?" Do you mean a drainage sump? If so, that would probably be a good option.

The "recessed setup" is called a laundry box. There is something similar that is used for the water shutoff to a refrigerator's ice maker. As for piercing into a cold water pipe, you should install a tee instead of using a saddle valve. While you can still buy them, I think they are no longer allowed by code. Even if they are, I wouldn't use one - they are notorious for leaking. And if you close one too tightly, the "piercer" can come loose from the handle when you try to open it.

 

[joecaption]

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q...F2647CA251244E6A0FB864F0EE887653B7DB5&first=1

 

[eddytheflow]

I think draining the espresso machine to the washer drain would technically be a code violation. What is a "crawl space well?" Do you mean a drainage sump? If so, that would probably be a good option.

The "recessed setup" is called a laundry box. There is something similar that is used for the water shutoff to a refrigerator's ice maker. As for piercing into a cold water pipe, you should install a tee instead of using a saddle valve. While you can still buy them, I think they are no longer allowed by code. Even if they are, I wouldn't use one - they are notorious for leaking. And if you close one too tightly, the "piercer" can come loose from the handle when you try to open it.

Thanks I think I'll avoid the washer drain then. I called it a crawl space well because it seems more like a bottomless black hole than a sump :laughing:

I definitely would like to avoid the saddles as they seem quite unreliable for sure. I've just never had to add a tee to existing copper pipe before and it seems like there might be a learning curve for something like that.

 

[eddytheflow]

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q...F2647CA251244E6A0FB864F0EE887653B7DB5&first=1

This looks more like it installs before you put up drywall? Are there any fellas like this that install afterwards?

 

[jrepp44]

Ok - I guess there's now a web site for everything:

http://www.home-barista.com/espresso-machines/plumb-in-espresso-machine-how-to-t9369.html

 

[tylernt]

I've just never had to add a tee to existing copper pipe before and it seems like there might be a learning curve for something like that.

Indeed there is a learning curve. I soldered copper for the first time not too long ago. I created assemblies in my garage before putting them into place in the wall, and I definitely trashed several fittings and had to toss 'em and start over. For your first time, you probably do not want to be working in-situ on existing pipes where the consequences of failure are much worse.

I've got good news for you though. Your local home center can sell you a brass gate valve with compression fittings and an integrated drain. You'll just need to cut a small section of copper pipe out, slide the compression nuts and ferrules onto the cut pipes, then insert the valve and tighten the heck out of those nuts (have two LARGE crescent wrenches handy). Now just remove the drain cap and screw in a fitting that adapts to your espresso machine.

No solder, no sweat. If it leaks, just tighten those nuts some more.

Note, install the gate valve the right way around. If you install it upside down, closing the valve will fail to shut off the water to the espresso machine.