How to Install the Piping for a Single-Bowl Utility Tub

Install your own piping and drain with confidence.

Placing a utility tub in the laundry, garage or garden creates a functional and work-friendly environment. Installing the piping for a single-bowl utility tub is simple, requires few tools and offers a great project for the beginning plumber. With basic do-it-yourselfer skills and a willingness to get under the sink, anyone can finish off the piping for their utility tub.

Things You'll Need

• Pipe-thread seal tape
• ABS pipe
• ABS adaptor
• ABS glue
• ABS coupling (if applicable)
• Sink drain kit (includes all fittings)
• Hacksaw or chopsaw
• Tape measure
• Pencil

Instructions

1. Connect the adaptor to the drain lines. Attach a coupling and small length of pipe if you require the pipe to protrude farther from the wall. The adaptor converts the drain line from ABS to 1½-inch or 1¼-inch drain line. Clean and de-burr the drain line and adaptor fitting. Glue the slip fitting side of the adaptor to the drain line and allow the connection to cure according to the glue manufacturer's instructions.

2. Measure and mark the cut for the pipe that runs from the sink strainer to the P-trap, using a measuring tape and pencil. Attach the pipe to the strainer and place the P-trap at its side. The vertical position of the P-trap determines the slope of the pipe that runs from the ABS adaptor to the P-trap. Position the P-trap so that the slope will be at least ¼ inch per foot. Mark the location, remove the pipe and cut it.

3. Measure and mark the cut for the pipe that runs from the ABS adaptor to the P-trap. The P-trap must rest directly beneath the sink's strainer. Attach the pipe that you cut in Step 2. Attach the P-trap to the installed pipe. Measure the distance from the open end of the P-trap to the ABS adaptor. This measurement, plus the portion of pipe that must enter into both the adaptor and the P-trap, is the final length of the pipe. Mark and cut the remaining pipe to this length.

4. Dry-fit all pieces to ensure that they end up in the proper positions. Remove all of the pieces.

5. Reinstall the sink drain pieces, using thread seal tape. Wrap a double-thick layer of thread seal tape around each threaded connection. Tighten compression fittings 1/8 turn beyond hand-tight.

6. Turn on the tub's faucet and check for leaks.

Tips & Warnings

• There are many sizes of drain pipe--save a return trip to the hardware store by measuring pipes before purchasing a sink drain kit.