There are plenty of advantages of installing a utility sink next to a washer.
You will be saving yourself time, space, and effort.
Getting a utility sink beside the washer is definitely going to give a lift to the convenience of your tasks.
But if you don’t do it properly, the situation will backfire – you’ll be left wiping the floor for hours if the connections have not been placed the right way.
So, you have to know how to install a utility sink next to the washer properly.
There are steps that you need to follow very carefully.
Let’s get into it straight away.
Everything You Need
- Measuring gauge
- Flexible tubing
- Plumber’s glue
- Pliers
- Threading tools
- Wrench
- Brass splitters (2)
- Sandpaper
- PVC Y-fit
- PVC hand saw
Note: Before you get into any kind of work here, go and switch off the main line of the water supply. This is very important because without this your safety is not ensured.
How to Install a Utility Sink Next to a Washer? Read to The Installation Process.
Here, we’ll detail the entire process so that you can easily follow them.
Step 1: Secure the Fit
Check where the pipe connection to the drain runs from the floor and into the sink. Measure the space in between and then note it down. Now go over to the washer and try to find out where the drain line is located. Find out the place from where it connects to the walls and/or the floor.
Then use the measurement of the drain line in the sink and then take a measurement from there all the way up to the floor.
This drain line point is the place where the Y-fitting needs to be threaded into.
Step 2: Remove the Drain Pipe
Now trace back to the sign you had made
Now what you have to do is disconnect the drain pipe that was already there, and then keep a mark over it. Now starting from that mark go all the way up to the venting pipe.
Then, take your scissors and make a straight horizontal cut on the PVC T-fitting so that the water runs in through the exit drain effortlessly. When you are done cutting, take some sandpaper and make the edges smooth.
Your work here is not done, you need the edges to be blunt as well so that you don’t end up getting accidentally cut on them.
Step 3: Install the Y-Fitting
Take the Y-fitting directly to the available drain pipe. Attach one wing of Y horizontally to your washer at the place from which the drainpipe exists. Attach the other wing of Y to that pipe that comes out of the drain of the sink.
Finally, attach the top portion of Y to the venting drain on top.
Use plumber’s putty to seal all the connections that have been made here to avoid leaks. Make sure you are being very generous with the plumber’s putty when applying it.
Step 4: Find a Source of Water
The drains have finally been put in their proper place. Now you have to repeat the same thing for making connections with the water supply.
There will be a connection for changing the temperature of the water somewhere on the washer. If you find the connection, then remove it.
You have to make a cut on the pipe in a place that is exactly halfway between the washer and the sink. You might need to create threading in the mop. If this is the case, use your threading tools for it.
While you are doing this, there might be some water spillage. So be prepared for this by keeping a mop ready.
Step 5: Connect a Pipe Splitter to the Mixed Temperature Water Lines
You need a 2-headed splitter for this. Connect the splitter to the primary water line. Seal it up and ensure you have screwed it in very tightly.
After that, get your wrench and work on it until it is completely secure.
Once the splitter has been properly installed, it will keep hot and cold separate.
One end of the splitter will connect to your sink while the other one will connect to the washer.
After the connection with the splitter has been settled, remember to reconnect the washer and the pipelines.
If you feel that the washer will work more efficiently if you install new lines, then this is the point where you need to do so.
Step 6: Hose Connection
Now take the tubing from your set of tools. Then measure up how much length is required to connect the splitter and the water lines. Mark the water lines by choosing a red tube for warm water. Also, select a blue one for cold water.
These are all the steps right here. After this, you have to check all the tiny places for leaks and also ensure that the water has enough pressure in the taps.
How to Clean a Utility Sink
One of the problems you will face with a utility sink is that it is going to catch a thick layer of dirt very easily and become really difficult to clean.
But don’t you worry. With us here with you, this is not a problem that will plague you. We have the perfect solution for you, something that actually works.
First of all, here is a list of the things you will need.
- Soft cleanser
- Powdered cleanser
- Steel wool
- Putty knife
- Gloves
- Blade (optional)
So now that we have everything we need, let’s talk about how to use them efficiently.
Step 1: Scrape and Prepare
Take the putty knife and then scrape off the dry dirt from the surface of the sink very gently. After you’ve done what you could, and the most stubborn dirt has not budged, we need to use that soft cleanser on it. Use a little water to soak up the area and make it a bit smoother to work with.
Step 2: Steel Wool for the Mix
Take the steel wool and go at it in circular motions. You can be rough with it, don’t worry about scratches. You’re reviving the sink from the dead, so some scratch wounds are natural.
Keep scrubbing, and when you see that the dirt is changing color and turning murkier, you know it’s working.
Step 3: Use Blade for Spot Action
If you now see that some dry and hard patches have remained, then take a blade and then spot target the dirt to get it out manually.
Step 4: Wrap It Up with the Powder
Now you can finally pack up the cleaning process by using that powdered cleanser on the sink. This cleanser is a bit stronger than the soft one and will get more of the dirt out. It will also work well to revive areas that have started to rust.
Yes, you read it right. Something can be done to the brown rusty spots too! If you are patient enough, your sink will look good as new again. Or it will at least be usable.
Conclusion
The advantages of installing a utility sink right beside the washer are quite a lot. You will get to work in a more organized manner and save more time there for sure.
But after you are done working, you must remember to switch off the water supply otherwise there will be a chance for disaster.
Hope now you know how to install a utility sink next to washer.
Be careful and be safe!