When it comes to fitting a washing machine in the bathroom, there are certain building regulations you need to adhere to in the UK. Read this post to find out more.

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Short on space and wondering whether your washing machine can move into the bathroom?

It's not illegal, but UK wiring regulations put strict limits on where electrical appliances can sit near water. Here's what those rules actually mean for your bathroom, plus some ideas if your layout won't quite allow it.

Not confident and want some expert advice? Why not contact a tradesperson first?

Is a washing machine in a bathroom actually legal?

Yes, in principle. There's no law that bans washing machines from bathrooms outright.

What actually restricts most homes is BS 7671, the UK wiring regulations, which divide bathrooms into "zones" based on distance from a bath or shower. These zones control what electrical equipment can go where, and a washing machine's power connection is where most bathrooms run into trouble.

Bathroom electrical zones, in plain English

BS 7671 splits the space around a bath or shower into zones:

• Zone 0: inside the bath or shower tray itself. Only very low-voltage equipment is allowed here.

• Zone 1: the space above the bath or shower, up to 2.25m high. Equipment here must be RCD-protected and properly water-rated.

• Zone 2: a further 0.6m out from Zone 1. Similar restrictions apply.

• Outside the zones: beyond that, standard wiring rules apply, including standard socket outlets.

A washing machine can be installed in a bathroom, but its flex outlet must sit outside these zones, be a switched, fused connection (not a standard plug and socket), and be protected by a 30mA RCD.

A standard 13A socket is only allowed if it's at least 3 metres from the edge of the bath or shower, which rules it out in most UK bathrooms simply on space grounds.

Is your bathroom in desperate need of a freshen-up? From bath re-enamelling and regrouting, to a complete bathroom remodel, we've got all the key jobs and costs ticked off.

Why the rules exist

• Water and mains electricity are a dangerous combination

• Bathrooms see regular steam, splashes, and condensation

• A leak from a badly sited washing machine can cause damage to floors below

• Leaks from upstairs bathrooms can be particularly bad

• Any new circuit or fixed wiring changes in a bathroom count as notifiable work under Part P of the Building Regulations

• Work needs to be signed off by a registered electrician or your local council

How to wire a washing machine into a bathroom safely

If your bathroom has the space, here's what compliant installation generally looks like:

1. The washing machine is hardwired to a fused connection unit (FCU), not a standard plug, sited outside Zones 1 and 2

2. The circuit is protected by a 30mA RCD

3. The isolation switch is either outside the room or a cord-operated pull switch if it must be inside

4. The whole job is tested and, where notifiable, certified by a registered electrician

This isn't a DIY job. Get it wrong and you risk invalidating your home insurance, breaching building regulations, and creating a genuine safety hazard.

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Small bathroom? Ideas for fitting a washing machine anyway

If a full-size bathroom washing machine feels ambitious, there are a few common workarounds:

• A washing machine cupboard or housing unit: boxing the machine into a ventilated cupboard, ideally one requiring a tool or key to open, can help keep it classed as outside the electrical zones, plus it hides the appliance from view.

• A slimline or integrated washing machine: designed to fit into narrow gaps, these are popular for small bathrooms and utility-style cupboards.

• Plumbing it into an airing cupboard just off the bathroom: this sidesteps the zone issue altogether by keeping the appliance out of the bathroom proper, while still being close to your pipework.

If you're planning a bigger reshuffle, such as turning a utility room into a bathroom or vice versa, it's worth reading up on the building regulations around converting a utility room into a downstairs bathroom first.

Can I put a washing machine under the stairs?

Thinking about putting a washing machine under the stairs? Our guide looks at all the practicalities involved and how to hire an expert for the job.

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What about the plumbing side?

Getting the electrics right is only half the job. Your washing machine also needs a water supply, waste connection, and enough ventilation to cope with condensation in a room that's already damp-prone.

A plumber can plan the pipework, and it's often worth checking our guide on plumbing in a washing machine to see what's involved.

How much does it cost?

Costs depend on how much new wiring, plumbing, and joinery are needed. As a general guide:

• If you need a new socket or fused connection unit fitted, our cost guide for adding a plug socket is a useful starting point.

• For the plumbing side, our plumber cost guide and plumber call-out fee guide cover typical rates.

• Building a bespoke cupboard or housing unit adds joinery costs on top.

Hiring a reputable local plumber

When it comes to fixing leaks, upgrading a boiler, or installing a new bathroom or heating system, you want to use a plumber you can rely on. In this guide, we look at how to find a good local plumber in your area.

Learn more

Finding the right trade for the job

Because this job touches both plumbing and notifiable electrical work, it's worth booking a plumber and a registered electrician who are used to working together, or a multi-trade company that covers both.

Ask to see evidence of electrical scheme registration before any wiring work starts.

Before fitting a washing machine in your bathroom...

• Measure the distance from the bath or shower to your proposed spot

• Check whether a cupboard or housing unit is realistic

• Book a registered electrician for any new wiring

• Confirm ventilation and drainage with your plumber

• Get written confirmation the work meets BS 7671 and Part P

On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.

Frequently asked questions

Can you put a washing machine in a bathroom in the UK?

Yes, but only if the electrical connection sits outside the bathroom's zoned areas and meets BS 7671 wiring regulations, typically via a fused connection unit rather than a standard plug socket.

Do I need planning permission to put a washing machine in my bathroom?

No, this isn't a planning permission issue, but any new electrical circuit is notifiable under Part P of the Building Regulations and needs proper certification.

Can a washing machine be plugged into a normal socket in a bathroom?

Only if that socket is at least 3 metres from the edge of the bath or shower, which is rarely achievable in a typical UK bathroom.

Is it safe to have a washing machine in a bathroom?

It can be, provided the installation follows BS 7671 zone rules, uses RCD protection, and is signed off by a qualified electrician.

How do I hide a washing machine in a small bathroom?

Common options include a ventilated cupboard or housing unit, a slimline or integrated appliance, or relocating it to a nearby airing cupboard just outside the bathroom.

Does a washing machine in a bathroom affect my insurance?

It can, if the installation doesn't meet current wiring regulations. Always keep your certification paperwork in case your insurer or a future buyer asks for it.

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