How to Install a Laundry Sink Faucet

After installing your washing machine, you will need a laundry sink faucet to connect your washer to your large laundry tub. Follow the directions below to install a laundry sink faucet to manage your laundry water needs.

Step 1 - Choose the Best Location for the Laundry Tub and Faucet

Set the laundry tub under a basement window to allow natural light in and put it as near the floor drain as possible, to permit safe drainage of overflow. Install the laundry tub support frame and set the laundry tub into it.

Step 2 - Turn Off Water Supply to the Laundry Area

Find the shutoff valve nearest the washer and turn it off. If the washer does not have a separate water shutoff, turn off the water supply to the house at the main valve.

Step 3 - Cut the Main Water Pipe and Insert "Y" Fitting

Use the PVC pipe cutter to cut out a 3-inch wide section of the main water supply pipe and insert the "Y" fitting. Coat each branch of the "Y" fitting with pipe primer and glue and attach 1 branch to the left and right sides of the cut-out pipe section to allow passage of waste water out of the laundry sink. Seal the joins with plumbers putty to prevent leaks.

Step 4 - Install Vertical Copper Pipe

Connect two lengths of copper pipe to the existing hot and cold water piping coming down into the basement from the kitchen. Cut and insert "T" valves into these pipes near the faucet attachment to serve as air chambers, preventing water hammer noise and vibration. Run the two copper pipes parallel to each other. Provide room for insertion of the laundry faucet.

Step 5 - Install the Laundry Faucet

Install the bypass valves for the water supply to the washing machine and attach the flexible tubing for them to the faucet, and to the back of the washer. Secure the tubing with adjustable tube fasteners snugly but not crimping the tubes. Insert the laundry faucet, connecting the hot and cold tap valves to the correct pipes. Seal the connection to the pipes with the propane torch and non-leaded solder.

Step 6 - Attach the Tap Handles for the Laundry Faucet

Screw the tap handles onto the union connections for the faucet and fasten securely with the center screw. Insert fiber washers where needed.

Step 7 - Restore the Water Supply and Test all Taps

Turn the water supply to the washing machine back on and test the bypass valves and the laundry faucet. Check that the correct water temperature is being supplied by each valve and tap. Leave the bypass valve tap handles open, as they will only draw water when the washing machine is turned on and in the appropriate cycle function, either wash or rinse.