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HOME > Planning Guide > Getting Started
What Every New Home Should Have
.... and probably won't, unless you ask
The Laundry Room:
- Automatic Washing Machine Water Shutoff Valves
It's easy to forget that the only thing separating a homeowner from a flooded house is a rubber hose.

But all too often, people will leave the water turned on to a washing machine, leaving the hose to hold the water under pressure.

Should either hot or cold water hose fail, the house can be flooded quickly.

A burst washing machine hose can discharge 500 gallons of water in one hour!

The Watts Intelliflow valve eliminates this hazard by sensing when the washing machine is on or off, and then opens or closes the hot and cold inlet valves as needed to allow or prevent water from flowing to the washer. If a leak is detected, both the hot and cold water valves are immediately closed.
Learn more 
- Laundry Room Floor Drain:
Some builders site the washing machine in a shower pan with a floor drain. This may help if the washer leaks from directly underneath, but it will not take care of water gushing from a burst hose.

Even with the use of automatic shut-off valves, a certain amount of water will be released into the room and elsewhere before the valves are turned off.

A floor drain in the laundry room will help minimize the amount of water damage, and help clean up after a leak occurs.
- Utility / Laundry Sink with pull-out spout:
Thankfully, gone are the days when clothes needed to be pre-washed in a laundry tub, before washed in a wringer washer.

And while it is true that laundry sinks today aren't used as much as before, every laundry room should have a sink in it.

A sink, such as a lavatory basin, is too shallow to soak clothes without some degree of splashing. However, think twice before choosing a sink that is over 11" deep. Chances are it will end up being used as "storage space".

A sink 18" wide by 9" deep is generally adequate for use in the laundry room.

Standard laundry faucets are generally smaller in size, offer less flexibility in use, and usually get in the way when trying to access the sink.

If at all possible, choose a single lever, high neck, kitchen or prep-sink faucet with a pull-out spout.

Learn more about: Laundry Rooms and/or Laundry Sinks
What Every New Home Should Have
(Room by Room)
1. GENERAL PLUMBING
Water Heater Pan
Insulated Lines
Recirculating Pump

2. GARAGE
Freezeless Faucets
Utility Sink
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3. MUD ROOM
Utility Sink
Mop Sink

4. LAUNDRY ROOM
Automatic Shutoff Valves
Floor Drain
Sink with pull-out spout
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5. BATHROOM
Grab Bars
Fan/Light Over Tub/Shower
Hand Held Spray at Tub
Body Spray Shower

6. KITCHEN
Pot Filler
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See Also:
Laundry Room Planning Guide
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