Pros and Cons of a Utility Sink in the Laundry Room

Utility sinks in the laundry room help out, but at a price. When you have to pre-soak an item, or just wash one or two pieces, they are a great aid. However, extra plumbing is needed to attach utility sink, and the issues of space become important, especially if your home is small. By understanding what these pros and cons are, you can make an informed decision about having a utility sink in the aundry room.

A utility sink is useful fixture that comes in handy if you have just one or two articles to wash. You don't have to waste electricity running the washing machine, or waiting for a full load. Furthermore, one can clean very dirty objects in the sink in order to avoid filling a bathroom or kitchen sink with grunge.

Convenience is a plus with a sink in a laundry room. If you have to soak a piece of clothing for a few hours, you don't have to use the kitchen or bathroom sink. Since these are high-use sinks, they are disabled while you are soaking the item. Having a utility sink negates the inconvenience of family members having to brush their teeth in the kitchen sink while the bathroom sink is being used.

Large objects can be washed in a laundry sink. For example, the kitchen sink may be too small to wash a large roasting pan. If you cook for a large family, washing pots and pans in a utility sink is a lot easier.

Extra space is needed in a laundry room for a sink. If you live in a small house the laundry area may become cramped with the addition of a sink. This may violate building codes, which may specify sizes for laundry rooms.

Extra plumbing is needed for a sink. A sink needs hot and cold water supplies, and a proper drain with a vent. If the house does not have this, it will have to be installed. Walls may have to be broken out to run the pipes, and then repaired. If a plumber does all this, the cost can be considerable. Furthermore, Consumer Reports Magazine states that a vent must be installed on the drain pipe as well. This can be a considerable cost, since a vent has to penetrate the roof to be in code compliance. Another concern is electrical code compliance, since a tub cannot be installed too close to an electrical panel or outlet. .