Having a utility sink in your laundry or backyard is an excellent addition to your washing or household needs. A utility sink in your home can handle small laundry tasks like handwashing to save energy. You can also use it to clean yard tools, gloves, boots, sneakers, pets, garbage bins, and large household items.
Besides, utility sinks are especially useful for pre-laundry soaking, bleaching, or scrubbing. The sinks are deep enough to hold tall or bulky household items. They are versatile and available in many modern designs and finishes to suit any style. Here’s a good resource to find the best utility sink.
What Is A Utility Sink?
A utility sink is an additional wash station or tap usually in the laundry or backyard. It’s useful for working along with your washer and dryer to complete extra laundry chores. It has a spacious basin that can hold items that may not be suitable for the machine.
If you need pipe fitting assistance for your utility sink, it’s crucial to hire a qualified professional to do the job. In this way, you ensure proper installation of utility sink and won’t face leak and other plumbing issues sooner than expected. Hiring a plumber from a trusted company is highly recommended to benefit from the service warranty and insurance it provides.
Types of Utility Sinks
Utility sinks come in a few styles, shapes, and sizes. The basins usually measure between 10 and 25 inches deep.
Free-Standing Utility Sinks
These models stand on four legs that bolt to the floor or some frame for additional support. It is fully portable, and some brands are available with drainboards for extra workspace. Free-standing utility sinks are easy to move around when necessary.
Wall-Mount Utility Sinks
You set up these sinks on your wall and leave extra floor space for storing other items. Wall-mount utility sinks come in materials like stainless steel, enamel, plastic, and cast iron.
Under-Mount Utility Sinks
Under-mount sinks sit underneath your countertop and present a continuous flow of workspace.
Agitator Utility Sinks
These sinks have washer tubs that allow for cleaning fragile or small items of clothing or household linen. They operate on a jet stream with gentle cleaning action.
Self-Rimming Drop-In Utility Sinks
Self-rimming drop-in sinks fit into your countertop slot with no additional fixtures. They are affordable and affordable, with minimal maintenance needs.
Apron Front Utility Sinks
The front of the sinks sits like an extra strip around the front of the existing cabinet space. They are ideal for preventing water from spilling onto the floor area.
Sink Materials
You have lots of choices when considering materials for your utility sink. They are available in styles that will match your décor or personal style.
Solid Surfacing Material
The material offers a sturdy, heavy-duty, durable surface that’s tough for any household job. It’s also ideal for preventing scratches and stains.
Stainless Steel
Laundry room with stainless steel utility sink is the ideal choice for long-term utility needs. The material is super-sturdy, stain-resistant, and holds up well with wear and tear.
Cast Iron Enamel
Cast iron and enamel offer a super-durable material for all your heavy-duty utility needs. The materials are water-proof and will hardly chip or scratch. The design has a smooth, attractive finish.
Installing A Utility Sink
You can install or change your utility sink in a few minutes with a lot of patience and the correct tools and fittings.
Tools And Materials:
Pliers
Washer valves
Bucket
Faucet
Compression nut
Screwdriver
Lead-free solder
Propane torch
Slip coupling
Tubing cutter
Plumbing cement
PVC handsaw
Primer
PVC pipe
Plumbing fittings
Plumbing putty
How To Install
- Prepare The Lines
Have all your pipes and fittings on hand. Ensure you have the correct plumbing lines and attachments in place before you start.
- Turn off the main water line.
- Set the new sink close to the laundry appliances to make it convenient to carry items back and forth.
Start To Cut
Cut a piece from your present plumbing to set up the new PVC pipeline. It will connect to the utility sink to bring water into the tap. If you’re installing the new PVC line from parts of your old pipe:
- Match a piece of the new line with the old one
- Measure and mark the points along the pipe to cut
- Use a hacksaw and cut the lengths you need.
Assembling
- Gather your new pipeline and all the fittings to install the line.
- Make a few marks with some plumbing cement to the ends of the old pipes.
- Apply some cement to the inner parts of the new PVC line.
- After applying the cement, join the two pipes at once.
Connect The Fittings
Attach the remaining pipe fittings to the new PVC line.
Insert The Sink
- Connect the faucet and sink.
- Look underneath the sink and find the plastic rod or chrome end.
- Join both fittings with a compression nut.
Sealing The Water Lines
After you install the faucet, attach the utility sink to the plumbing line.
- Make some cuts in the hot and cold plumbing lines.
- Weld the on and off switches together by marking the cuts for the tee fixtures.
- Cut each slot with a tube cutter.
- Ensure the tee fittings are free from dust or other particles before attaching them.
- Put some solder on the two pipe fittings, seal with a blow torch.
- If the hot or cold water fittings are not in place, insert them, and secure them with the wall hangings.
Connect The Hot And Cold Lines
Use pliers and connect the hot and cold water lines to the tee fixture.
Test Them Out
- Reconnect the water supply lines.
- Test to ensure both lines are working correctly.
- Check to ensure the pressure is well-balanced on each side.
- Repair or replace any faulty nuts, bolts, or pipe fittings if there are any leaks.
How To Clean And Maintain Your Utility Sink
Here are some cleaning and maintenance tips after you install your utility sink:
- Keep the sink dry between uses. Shut off the faucet and repair any leaks when this problem occurs.
- Scrub your fiberglass utility sink using a soft nylon scrub brush with a gentle disinfecting cleaner. This step will help prevent pink mildew stains. Make sure to rinse the disinfectant properly and dry it thoroughly.
- If you have a stainless-steel utility sink, clean it after each use and dry it using a towel to avoid mineral deposits. Don’t let food, cast iron items, or metal cans sit in the sink. Never allow cleaners or soap to dry on the sink’s surface.
- Rinse and dry composite, concrete, or natural stone utility sinks between uses to avoid stains. Clean composite stone utility sinks with lime, calcium, and rust remover, preventing calcium build-up.
Conclusion
In less than thirty minutes, you can install a utility sink in your backyard or laundry area. Utility sinks are versatile for handling bulky and delicate household items that may not suit the washer. They come in various styles, shapes, and materials that can blend in with your present style and preference.
You can clean various garden tools and everyday items like sportswear, boots, and delicate personal items with a utility sink.
Finishes like stainless steel, enamel, cast iron, and stone surface are sturdy and reliable. With all the fittings, tools, and some effort, you can have your new sink set up in a few minutes.
