How to Remove & Replace a Laundry Tub

Replacing a laundry tub can be surprisingly simple because most tubs connect to standard supply and drain pipes. Laundry tubs typically are freestanding, so making the connections are easier than if you had to hook them up inside a sink cabinet. To make the process as simple as possible, measure the fittings on your existing laundry tub and buy a replacement that uses pipes of the same size.

Things You'll Need

• Bucket
• Crescent or pipe wrench
• Hole saw or utility knife
• Hacksaw
• Fine-grit sandpaper

Instructions

Removal

1. Locate and shut off the valves on the water lines that connect to your laundry tub. Look for a spigot wheel or a straight handle. Turn the spigot wheel until the water is off; if your valve is a handle, push it until it is perpendicular to the line. Confirm that both the hot and cold lines are turned off.

2. Open the hot and cold water knobs on the tub's faucet. Allow as much water as possible to drain from the line.

3. Place a bucket beneath the tub. Use a wrench to loosen and disconnect first the nut holding the hot water line to the faucet. Repeat the process for the nut on the cold water line. Catch the residual water from the lines in the bucket.

4. Place the bucket below the drain pipe that extends from the bottom of the sink. Loosen and remove the connector surrounding the drain pipe, using your wrench.

5. Loosen or remove the nuts or wing nuts on the underside of the laundry tub's faucet fixture. Lift the now-free faucet from the top of the tub.

6. Remove the laundry tub, being careful not to jostle or damage the water and drain lines that remain behind. If the tub does not lift easily, make sure that it is not screwed or bolted to the floor.

Replacing

1. Cut through the perforated or marked "knockout" holes on the top and bottom of your replacement tub, using a hole saw or utility knife. These holes are the places the water and drain lines will connect.

2. Turn the laundry tub upside down. Connect the legs and base. If the legs need to be hammered into place, put a piece of wood or other scrap material between the leg and hammer to avoid causing damage.

3. Stand the tub up on its legs. Place the faucet in the area marked for it, placing the hot and cold water lines through the correct holes. Tighten the nuts or wing nuts on the underside of the faucet to secure it to the tub.

4. Reconnect the faucet's lines to your home's water supply lines. Slide the compression nuts back into place. Tighten them with your wrench. Do not overtighten, especially if your faucet's lines are plastic.

5. Connect the drain assembly from the tub to the home's drain line. If the drain pipe does not line up with the new drain assembly, cut off the excess with a hacksaw. Sand off any pieces or clinging plastic around the cut, using fine-grit sandpaper. Slip the ring nut back around the threads of the drain trap. Tighten the nut with your wrench. Reopen the valves on the water lines.

References

• Overstock.com: How to Remove a Bathroom Sink
• Do It Yourself or Not: Replace a Laundry Tub