How to install a new laundry tub: Abey’s tips
Laundries in Australia have developed over time from rooms that were once purely functional and hidden from sight, to integral spaces within our households.
Their new found centrality to our homes has meant that we’re all much more aware of the quality of the fixtures and fittings we include in our laundries, and nothing is more central than our laundry tub.
Whether you’ve bought a new tub to replace the one showing signs of age, or as part of a broader renovation, we know a lot of thought goes into these decisions, meaning you want to get the installation right. We’ll be discussing drop-in tubs only here, as undermount options require professional installation.
How do you install a laundry tub?
1. Get the right safety gear and tools
Even with a straightforward DIY project like installing a new laundry tub, it’s important you keep yourself safe and have the right tools. For a laundry tub install, you’ll require the following:
- Protective glasses
- Ear protectors
- Gloves (optional)
- A pencil
- A tape measure
- A drill
- A jigsaw
- A hole saw
- A tub template
- A screwdriver
- The screws and brackets that come with the tub.
2. Centre your tub
To centre your laundry tub, you’ll need to find the midpoint of the unit it’s going to sit within. This is a simple case of measuring it up with your tape measure and marking the centre with a pencil.
Next, you’ll want to take your tub template and line it up over the centre you’ve just located. When it’s all lined up, check your tub placement isn’t going to get in the way of the doors on your unit. If you think it might, it’s generally a good idea to push the template back a little from the front edge of the counter.
You’ll also need to consider the type of laundry taps or mixers you’re going to use with this tub, as their size and shape might impact how close to the wall your tub should be.
3. Cut out the space for your sink
Once you’re happy with the location of your laundry tub relative to the counter, draw around your template with a pencil. Take your time with this, as you’ll be using the markings as your guide for sawing. Of course, you’ll want to remove anything that’s currently in the unit prior to starting, and perhaps lay down some towels inside for ease of cleaning up.
You’ll start by using the drill to create a pilot hole, which will then allow you to use the jigsaw for the majority of the work. However, if you have any tight corners, particularly near the back of the unit, you’ll need to use the hole saw so that the jigsaw can get around them.
4. Install the brackets
Each laundry tub model comes with different brackets to help it stay in place. This means you’ll need to carefully read the manual that came with your tub. Once the brackets are in place, use your screwdriver to get them good and snug.
5. Connect the water
Once your laundry tub is in place, you’ll have to connect it to your home’s water supply. This is simply a matter of taking the flexible tubes at the wall, and connecting them to the tub’s pipes by tightening the collars at their ends. The first time you turn the valve back on, we recommend putting a small towel underneath the connection point, just in case you haven’t got the collars quite tight enough.
With these five easy steps, your new laundry tub should be good to go. For more advice on selecting the right unit for your laundry, get in touch with the helpful team at Abey Australia today.
