How to Add a Sink to Your Laundry Room

Adding a sink to your laundry room can be a game changer when it comes to keeping this busy space clean and functional. With a sink on hand, you’ll have a convenient spot to pre-treat stains, hand wash delicates, fill a mop bucket, and more. But before you start drilling into the wall to install one, there are some important factors to consider. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to successfully add a sink to your laundry room.

The main benefits of installing a laundry room sink include:

• Convenience – A sink provides a handy spot to pre-treat stains, hand wash items, fill cleaning buckets, and more, right within the laundry workspace. This saves you trips back and forth to the kitchen or bathroom sink.
• Cleanliness – Laundry rooms tend to get dusty and dirty. Having a sink here helps contain messier tasks like hand washing muddy clothes to this one room, rather than tracking it throughout the house.
• Increased functionality – A laundry sink expands what you can use the room for, like washing pets, cleaning tools, or preparing craft projects.
• Added home value – Upgrading to include a laundry sink improves your home’s features, which can increase resale value down the line.

Things to Consider Before Adding a Sink

While the benefits are plentiful, installing a laundry sink is no small project. Here are some key factors to consider before diving in:

Space and layout – Take measurements of the room and available wall space to ensure there’s enough room for the size and type of sink you want. Consider traffic patterns as well so the sink doesn’t interfere.

Plumbing requirements – You’ll need access to hot and cold water supply lines, plus drainage. If laundry plumbing is on an outside wall, adding a sink there is typically easiest. If not, you may need to cut into walls and floors to add new pipes.

Budget – Costs for adding a laundry sink vary widely based on the sink, faucet, plumbing complexities, permits needed, and if you DIY or hire a pro. Generally $200-$1,000 is common.

Permits and regulations – Most areas require permits for plumbing work like adding a sink. Research your local regulations. Some neighborhoods or homeowners associations have rules about exterior venting as well.

While the project may take some planning, the payoff of extra convenience can make the sink a welcome addition. The next key step is picking the right sink and faucet combination for your needs and style.

Choosing the Right Sink

There are several sink types and materials to consider:

Drop-in sink – This style rests above the vanity or countertop. The rim sits on the counter surface while the sink bowl drops below into a pre-cut hole.

Undermount sink – As the name implies, this sink mounts underneath the countertop, attached from below. The bottom of the countertop is cut out and finished to seamlessly integrate sink and counter.

Vessel sink – A vessel sink sits on top of the counter like a bowl. The counter doesn’t need to be cut. Vessel sinks come in a wide array of shapes and materials.

Materials:

• Stainless steel – This material is highly durable and easy to clean. Stainless comes in a range of thicknesses and grades. Higher grades have greater corrosion and scratch resistance. Sinks are commonly 16 – 20 gauge stainless.
• Porcelain – Porcelain enamel sinks offer a glossy, attractive finish that resists stains. But the surface can chip over time. Porcelain costs less than stainless but requires more care.
• Solid surface – These sinks are made from resin-based materials like acrylic or quartz blended with other compounds to create a durable, seamless sink. Lots of color options are available.

When selecting a sink:

• Choose a material that fits your laundry room’s vibe – utilitarian stainless or stylish porcelain?
• Make sure the size and depth work for your purposes, like filling buckets. Standard single bowl sizes range from 18″ to 33″ wide and 6″ to 10″ deep.
• Determine the faucet style that suits your needs, like a pull-down faucet for rinsing sinks.
• Consider added features like an extended backsplash to protect walls or a built-in soap dispenser.

With research and planning, you’ll be able to find the ideal laundry room sink setup to install. Next comes the fun part – time to put that sink in!

Installation Process

Once you’ve selected the perfect laundry room sink, it’s time for installation. Follow these key steps to safely and successfully add your sink:

Prep the space – Clear the install area and gather your tools. Turn off water supply lines and disconnect plumbing connections under the existing counter if removing a sink.

Shut off water supply – Locate the shut-off valves for the hot and cold water supply lines and turn them off. This prevents water from spurting out of open pipes later.

Install shut-off valves – Add new shut-off valves on the hot and cold lines. This allows you to easily turn water on and off to the new sink as needed.

Make plumbing connections – Using elbows, tees, and other fittings, route water supply pipes up to the sink location and drain pipe down to an existing drain or out an exterior wall.

Secure the sink – Set the sink in place per manufacturer instructions and secure it from below or above as needed with mounting brackets, screws into studs, or epoxy.

Apply caulk and sealant – Caulk around the sink top perimeter and base where it meets counter or wall. Caulking prevents water seepage to vulnerable areas.

Turn water on and test – Turn shut-off valves back on. Check for any leaks at fittings and pipes. Let the sink fill and drain to verify proper operation.

Finishing touches – If needed, attach the faucet, handle, and drain components. Make any final adjustments to ensure proper sink operation and no leaks.

Put it to use! – Once installed securely with no leaks, your new laundry room sink is ready to tackle any cleaning task.

With the right planning and preparations, installing a sink can take your laundry functionality up a notch. Next we’ll go over how to care for your sink so it stays looking like new.

Maintaining Your New Laundry Sink

To get the most out of your laundry room sink, be sure to clean and care for it properly. Here are some tips:

Clean regularly – Wipe the sink basin with a soft cloth and mild soap or non-abrasive cleaner. Rinse thoroughly. For porcelain sinks, avoid harsh cleaners which can damage the finish over time.

Check/clear the drain – Periodically remove the drain stopper and use a zip tool to pull out any accumulated hair and debris that can slow drainage.

Inspect plumbing – Check undersink connections and supply lines regularly for potential leaks, just in case. Tighten connections or replace worn washers if needed.

Protect the finish – For porcelain and acrylic sinks, avoid scouring pads or abrasive cleaners which can wear down the glossy surface over time. Use non-scratch sponges.

Prevent clogs – Never pour grease or harsh chemicals down the drain. Use a strainer when washing paint brushes. Minimize hair and debris from going down the drain.

Know shutoffs – Keep the hot and cold water shut-off valves accessible in case you need to quickly turn off the water supply to the sink.

With occasional cleaning and maintenance, your laundry sink should provide years of handy service. For more details on costs, potential issues, and additional tips, read on.

Cost Breakdown

The total cost to add a laundry room sink can range from $200 on the low end for a basic drop-in sink up to $1000 or more for a large undermount sink with new plumbing lines required. Here are the main elements that factor into the overall budget:

Sink and faucet – Budget $100-300 for a quality sink basin and matching faucet set. The style, size, materials, and features impact the price point. Porcelain and stainless steel sinks are commonly the most affordable options.

Plumbing supplies – Expect to spend $50-150 on pipes, shut-off valves, elbows, tees, and other fittings to hook up the sink. Copper, PVC, and CPVC are common pipe materials. Supply line hoses also needed.

Drain components – A basic sink drain kit will run around $20-50 depending on plastic or metal pop-up stopper mechanisms. Connecting to existing drain line is cheapest.

Plumbing connections – If you can simply tie into existing nearby plumbing lines this will minimize this cost. But running all new drain and supply lines can add $200 or more in labor and materials.

Labor – If hiring a plumber to install the sink, expect to pay $50-$100 per hour. The project may take 3-6 hours for basic installations up to 8-12 hours for more complex plumbing.

Permits – Building permits for plumbing work can range from $50-$150 depending on your municipality. Research permit costs in advance.

With some smart planning and cost-saving steps, you can install an incredibly useful laundry room sink without breaking the bank.

FAQs

Do I need a permit to add a laundry sink?

In most areas, yes. Permits are required anytime you modify existing plumbing. The permit process ensures code compliance.

Where is the best place to locate the sink?

Ideally on a wall with accessible plumbing lines. Common spots are near the washer hookups, below a window for ventilation, or on a laundry room island.

What about a utility sink vs. regular sink?

Utility sinks are larger, deeper sinks made from enameled steel or stainless. They’re ideal for laundry rooms but cost more and require extensive counter space.

Can I install my laundry sink outside?

Yes, exterior laundry sinks are handy for hose connectivity. Be sure to get weather-resistant materials and place the sink under an awning or eave for protection from the elements.

What if my water lines freeze in winter?

Exposed pipes can freeze. To prevent this, use foam insulators around supply lines. You can also shut off and drain pipes seasonally. Consider a frost-proof faucet.

Should I install a water softener with the sink?

In areas with hard water, a whole house or point-of-use water softener helps reduce mineral buildup on fixtures. This can maximize the life of your new sink.

Conclusion

Adding a sink to your laundry room takes a bit of work, but the payoff in convenience and utility makes it well worth the effort. By carefully considering your needs, space and plumbing factors, you can select the ideal sink and faucet to match your goals. While hiring a professional plumber is recommended to ensure proper installation, a capable DIYer can also tackle the project with proper planning and preparation.

With a shiny new laundry sink installed, you’ll wonder how you ever functioned without one! It will quickly become indispensable for pre-treating stains, hand washing delicates, filling cleaning buckets, and all kinds of other laundry tasks. Just be sure to properly clean and maintain your sink so it stays looking fresh and functions properly for years to come.