Laundry Tubs, Sinks and Taps

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Laundry tub. Utility tub. Laundry sink. Laundry taps. Laundry tub cabinet
Every laundry room has, or should have, a laundry tub. They can also be very useful for clean-up tasks in places such as the garage or workshop.
There are many materials and styles to choose from. The single or double tub made of plastic is very popular. They are inexpensive and easy to install. The four adjustable legs are inserted in pockets. Once installed they are hard to remove. They usually come with knockouts for 2 holes on 4" centers for a set of laundry taps.
Many older homes, including my house which was built in 1969, had the standard double concrete laundry tub supported on a steel frame. These tubs had a very smooth surface. The tubs had a tendency of developing cracks in the area around the drain opening. When it was time to replace my old concrete laundry tub I discovered that they were extremely heavy and very slippery to handle. When I took the sledge hammer to it I found that the concrete was reinforced and I needed a bolt cutter as well. The old concrete tubs and white baked enamel laundry sinks are once again gaining in popularity. They can be restored to its former lustre or are used as is (minus the supporting frame or legs) for use as flower/plant displays.
WARNING. Plastic laundry tubs, should be properly fastened to a wall. A fully filled plastic laundry tub can be very unstable. I discovered this when I used the tub for cleaning and rinsing the large central air conditioning filters.

This double sink concrete laundry tub is showing its age

MATERIALS
Concrete and enamel tubs can still be found in older homes. Today, plastic laundry tubs whether as a single unit or as a drop-in sink for laundry cabinets, are by far the most popular choice. However, there are other choices. Laundry tubs or deep sinks are also made of slate, soapstone or stainless steel.

LAUNDRY TUB CABINETS
For a more finished look you may be interested in a laundry cabinet with drop-in sink. As a rule drop-in sinks are not as deep as a regular free standing plastic laundry tub. This may be OK if the sink is used for regular laundry room tasks and as an outlet for draining the washing machine. However, if you want the use the sink for cleaning the CA filters, measure the filters before purchasing a laundry cabinet.
behind the double doors is ample space for storing laundry and cleaning supplies which makes for an uncluttered look.
Tub cabinets are usually made of particle board or MDF (medium density bibreboard) with a wood veneer, or a laminate finish.

LAUNDRY TAPS
If the laundry tub is installed against a wall or partition in an unfinished area of the basement, the hot and cold water lines are usually dropped from above and you will need laundry tub taps with top connects. If the lines come in from below you can use basically any type of taps but the standard laundry tub set of taps look like the one shown.
WARNING. Back-siphoning of waste water. Plumbing fixtures are designed so that waste water cannot return to the supply lines. Plumbing codes require an air gap between the tap end and tub overflow point. Depending on where you live the required air gap is 1" to 2" (25 to 50 mm) or three times the diameter of the water supply line to the laundry tub. If you have been using a faucet attachment (like a handheld sprayer to clean the dog) make sure to remove it after use.

CAPACITY
Laundry tubs or utility sinks come in all sizes and you should choose one that is suitable for your needs. Laundry tub capacity can be as low as 50 liters and up to 140 liters (14.5 to 39 gallons).

MAINTENANCE
Plastic or acrylic laundry tubs.
Never use abrasive or corrosive cleaners on plastic (acrylic) laundry tubs or sinks. Use only foam or liquid cleaners.
If, over the years, the surface gets dull or scratched the tub may be restored by rubbing with an automotive rubbing compound, followed by a light application of liquid or automotive car wax.
Stainless steel laundry drop-in sinks.
There are some wonderful products available to restore a dull or scratched stainless steel sink laundry sink.
The old concrete laundry tubs.
These tubs can be painted but because of their extreme smooth finish the surface has to be etched so the paint will stick. Mix 1 part of muriatic acid and 10 parts of water and brush on. This mixture will slightly pit the surface enough for paint to adhere.

WARNING ABOUT THE USE OF MURIATIC ACID
Muriatic acid fumes present a significant risk to the health of the user. Always use appropriate safety equipment such as rubber gloves and boots, goggles. Before you start handling muriatic acid read this fact sheet about concrete etching.