How to Install a Laundry Room Sink

1. Assess Your Layout

   The placement of the utility sink within your laundry room is based both on where you want it and where it will best fit. In terms of logistics, laundry room utility sinks should be placed close to work areas. The best fit for the sink is usually close to the washer since this is a source of hot and cold water and a drain point.

2. Remove the Drywall

   If drywall is covering the wall behind the washer and dryer, concealing the plumbing lines, you will need to remove key sections of drywall. It is not necessary to remove drywall on the entire wall. With the stud finder, locate the position of the studs extending from the current supply and drainage points to the area where you intend to locate the laundry utility sink. With the utility knife, slice through the drywall tape joining full sheets of drywall to each other. Remove the sheet by turning out the drywall screws and then prying back the sheet.

3. Drill Through the Studs

   With your 5/8-inch auger bit, drill two holes in each stud leading to the intended location of the utility sink. Cover the front of each hole by hammering metal stud protector plates into the studs.

4. Tap Into the Water Supply Lines

   Cut into the washer's hot and cold copper and PEX supply lines with the copper pipe cutter. After cleaning the burrs from the copper pipes, insert a tee on each line, running two PEX lines through the holes in the studs to the utility sink location. Replace the two severed lines (hot and cold for the washer) on top of the tees, first sanding off the burrs from the copper pipe.

5. Tap Into the Drain Line Standpipe

   Depending on how your washing machine drain line is set up, you may be able to tap into your existing drain line with a waste Y-fitting and extend a PVC pipe to the utility sink area. Alternatively, your local code likely will allow you to make the utility sink drain line the only drain for both the sink and the washer. The washer drain hose is then hooked over the wall of the utility sink. When the washer expels water, the water flows into the sink and then back down to the standpipe.

6. Attach the Copper Stub Outs

   Attach the hot and cold supply lines to the copper stub outs. Use bend supports to direct each pipe at a 90-degree angle. Nail each pipe onto the side of the studs with fasteners. Use the Speed Square to square up the pipes, ensuring that they extend directly from the wall.

7. Assemble the Utility Tub

   Turn the utility tub upside-down, and attach the four legs to the bottom of the tub basin. Many brands of freestanding utility tubs require only that you tap the legs into place, with no additional fixtures required. Add the included leveling feet. Turn the utility tub upright again. Level the basin with the bubble level or a laser level.

8. Add the Sink Faucet and Trap

   Install the drain trap under the utility sink, and then attach it to the drain line. Add the faucet to the two stub outs. Turn the water back on, and test all connections by running the water.

9. Install the Drywall

   After any required plumbing inspection, install drywall over the open wall. Make cutouts at all plumbing entry points.

When to Call a Professional

Plumbing work has a learning curve. If you are not inclined to learn or do not already possess basic plumbing skills, including working with PEX and copper pipe and installing fixtures, have a licensed plumber install the utility sink.