How To Add Sink Valves to Laundry Supply Lines

Adding sink valves to laundry supply lines is a practical home improvement project that can enhance your laundry area. This modification allows you to easily connect a utility sink to your existing laundry plumbing, providing a convenient water source for various tasks. In the video above, This Old House plumbing and heating contractor Richard Trethewey walks through the process as he runs hot- and cold-water lines from a clothes washer to a basement laundry sink.

Basics of a Sink Valve Project

Adding sink valves to laundry supply lines involves tapping into the existing hot and cold water pipes that feed your washing machine to create additional outlets for a utility sink. This makes a big difference in how you can use your laundry room.

Benefits of Adding Sink Valves

Installing sink valves to your laundry supply lines offers increased functionality in your laundry area. You’ll have easy access to water for hand-washing delicates, a convenient water source for cleaning tasks, and water access for filling cleaning buckets or rinsing paintbrushes.

Assessing Your Current Setup

Before beginning the project, take a close look at your existing laundry plumbing. Identify the hot and cold water supply lines and ensure there’s enough space to add the new valves and piping. If you have water hammer arrestors installed, work around them. Assess any obstacles that might make the installation challenging, such as limited space or existing fittings.

Gathering Necessary Tools and Materials To Add Sink Valves

To successfully add sink valves to your laundry supply lines, you’ll need the following tools and materials:

• 90-degree elbows
• Adjustable wrench
• Ball valves
• Carbide-tipped masonry bit (if working with concrete walls)
• Close-quarters tubing cutter
• Copper fitting brush
• Copper tubing
• Drill/driver
• Emery cloth for cleaning pipes
• Pipe hangers
• Propane torch
• Shut-off valves
• Solder and flux
• Tee fittings
• Wall anchors

Preparing for Installation of Your Sink Valves

Take the time to prepare for a successful and safe installation. Follow these steps:

1. Turn off the main water supply to your home.
2. Disconnect the washing machine hoses from the hot and cold water pipes.
3. Open the valves to drain any remaining water into a bucket.
4. Ensure your work area is clean and well-lit.
5. Prepare all tools and materials to be within reach.

Installing the New Laundry Supply Line Plumbing

Now that you’re prepared, it’s time to begin the installation process. This section will guide you through the steps to add sink valves to your laundry supply lines.

Cutting and Preparing the Pipes

Cut and prepare your pipes for a secure and leak-free installation:

1. Use a close-quarter tubing cutter to remove the existing ball valves from the ends of the water pipes.
2. Clean the cut ends of the pipes with a copper fitting brush and emery cloth, then apply flux to prepare for soldering.
3. Ensure the ends are smooth and free of debris, as a clean surface is crucial for a good solder joint.

Adding Tee Fittings

Add your tee fittings correctly to ensure a stable connection for the new valves:

1. Solder tee fittings onto the existing water pipes where you removed the ball valves.
2. Attach short lengths of copper tubing to the tee fittings, creating vertical extensions for the new valves.
3. Make sure the fittings are securely soldered and aligned properly.

Marking and Drilling Wall Anchors

Follow these steps to secure wall anchors for longevity and stability for your new sink valves:

1. Hold the soldered assembly against the wall and mark its location.
2. If working with a concrete wall, use a carbide-tipped masonry bit to drill holes for wall anchors.
3. Insert plastic wall anchors into the drilled holes to secure the assembly.

Securing the New Plumbing

Securing the plumbing correctly helps maintain a neat and functional installation:

1. Screw copper pipe hangers to the wall using the installed anchors.
2. Solder the vertical tee-and-valve assemblies to the existing water pipes.
3. Add 90-degree elbows and horizontal lengths of pipe to reach the location of your new utility sink.
4. Ensure all connections are secure and properly aligned to prevent future issues.

Installing Shut-Off Valves

The final step in adding sink valves to your laundry supply lines is installing the shut-off valves. This process requires careful attention to detail for proper function and to prevent leaks.

Preparing the Valves

Preparation helps prevent damage and ensures a reliable connection. Follow the steps below:

1. Remove the stem units from the shut-off valves before soldering to prevent damage from heat.
2. Clean the valve bodies and pipe ends with a copper fitting brush and apply flux.
3. Ensure all parts are ready for soldering to avoid delays during the process.

Soldering the Valves

Follow these soldering steps for a leak-free and durable installation:

1. Carefully solder the shut-off valves to the ends of the horizontal pipes.
2. Allow the solder joints to cool completely before proceeding with the reassembly.
3. Check the solder joints for any signs of weakness or gaps.

Reassembling the Valves

Valves should function properly and provide a reliable water source. Here’s how to reassemble them:

1. Once cooled, reinsert the stem units into the shut-off valves.
2. Tighten the stem units securely using an adjustable wrench.
3. Make sure the valves operate smoothly and are leak-free.

Testing and Finalizing the Sink Valve Installation

After completing the installation, test your work to check that everything functions properly, there are no leaks, and the system operates as expected.

Restoring Water Supply

Restore the water supply carefully to help prevent stress on the new plumbing:

1. Turn the main water supply back on slowly to avoid pressure surges.
2. Open the newly installed shut-off valves gradually, allowing water to flow through the new connections.
3. Monitor the system for any signs of leakage or issues.

Checking for Leaks

Thorough leak checks ensure the reliability of your new installation:

1. Carefully inspect all solder joints and connections for any signs of leakage.
2. If you notice any leaks, turn off the water supply immediately and repair the affected areas.
3. Ensure that all connections are dry and secure before proceeding.

Connecting Appliances

After you’ve confirmed your installation is working without leaks, you can connect your appliances so your new setup functions seamlessly:

1. Reconnect your washing machine hoses to the appropriate hot and cold water valves.
2. If you’ve installed a utility sink, connect its supply lines to the new shut-off valves.
3. Check the connections to ensure they are secure and free from leaks.

Maintenance and Care of the Sink Valves for the Laundry Supply Lines

Regular maintenance helps extend the lifespan of your plumbing and ensures it remains in good working order. Here are some tips to keep your system in top condition:

• Address any issues promptly to avoid more significant problems and maintain optimal functionality.
• Clean the area around the valves to prevent debris accumulation and ensure easy access.
• Exercise the valves occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure they operate smoothly.
• Periodically check for leaks or signs of corrosion, especially around solder joints.
• Keep a record of any maintenance or repairs performed for future reference.