How to Install a Utility Sink | Shelly Rhoades’s Guide

The process of installing a utility sink is similar to plumbing a bathroom sink. Ideally, it is recommended to begin by breaking open the basement floor and installing the sink along with the necessary venting pipe. However, this extensive approach may not always be required.

If it becomes necessary, it is advisable to hire a professional plumber for the task. The complexity involved may exceed your capabilities, making professional expertise essential to ensure proper installation.

Which Tool You Need

• Crescent wrench
• Screwdriver
• Safety goggles
• Rubber gloves
• Pipe cutter
• Wood blocks
• Compression fittings
• Copper clips
• Copper tubing
• Silicone sealant
• Plumber's putty
• Hacksaw

Things to Consider

There are a few things you must consider before installing a utility sink.

• Before proceeding with the installation of a utility sink, it is important to consider the desired location. Assess whether it can be easily installed in that specific spot, as certain models may pose difficulties in certain locations. Evaluating the compatibility between the sink model and the designated area is recommended before investing in the sink or its components.
• Additionally, determine if new water lines need to be installed. In many cases, installing a utility sink involves cutting and connecting existing water supply lines to the new sink's water lines. This task not only involves purchasing new water lines but also requires knowledge of how to handle, connect, and install them. While it can be a demanding task, having the appropriate tools can make the process easier.
• It is also essential to consider equipment specifications, such as the appropriate height, size, or width of the sink. Assess whether the installation can be done independently or if professional assistance is required, such as when opening the basement floor. Additionally, ensure that the components for future fixtures can be easily obtained from a plumbing supply store.
• Lastly, it is crucial to have the necessary tools and materials for the installation. Without the correct equipment, the installation cannot be successfully completed. Consider obtaining tools such as a crescent wrench, screwdriver, safety goggles, rubber gloves, pipe cutter, wood blocks, compression fittings, copper clips, copper tubing, silicone sealant, plumber's putty, hacksaw, and other required items.

It isn't necessary to acquire all the materials. Sometimes, it depends on the model of the utility sink too. Some models don't require any kind of material at all. They come up with all the necessary materials. All you need is to get the right tools to fix them.

Steps to Install a Utility Sink

Before we explain the steps, it is imperative to mention one thing here that this task can take time. In case you are a beginner, you can expect to invest 6-8 hours of your time on it if you are installing it from the beginning.

Step #1:

Locate the main water supply line and turn it off. If you have to cut the water pipes, turn it off from the main supply area. Usually, it will be where the utility water supply lines enter your home and have a red handle as well.

If the supply valves are inside the room, and you don't need to break down the floor, you can shut off them too. However, it is not recommended when it comes to installing the new utility sink.

Step #2:

Install the utility sink. It can be done in a few simple steps. For example, attach the legs first (it depends on the model), and then set the utility sink where you want it. Once it is set against the wall, secure it with the screw and install the faucet on it.

But, keep in mind, you need to have adjustable pliers to install the faucet.

Step #3:

Cut the drain pipe with a hacksaw. If you don't know which pipe to cut, you can take the guide from you house blueprint. Usually, it is quite clear to get it as the water flows through it and you can hear too. Connect the pipeline with the utility sink. Understanding this step can be a bit tough though.

If you are replacing the sink, you will get that clearly how to connect the existing pipeline, as all you need to do is to reverse the process.

In case you are installing a new one at a new place, we won't recommend touching the pipes on your own without plumbing knowledge.

Step #4:

Now, turn on the valves and check for the leaks. If there is any leak, you need to tighten the connections of the faucet and the pipelines with adjustable pliers and screwdriver.

Concluding Thoughts

So, that's how you install a utility sink. We don't recommend pouring paint on the pipelines to make them look good if they are visible. But, if it is necessary, we recommend extra caution. Its hazardous chemicals can contaminate the water by going inside the faucet.