Bringing a laundry tub into your home isn’t just about adding another sink. It’s about making the everyday jobs—like soaking muddy sports gear, washing dog bowls, cleaning paintbrushes, or hand-washing delicates—so much easier. In New Zealand, where many homes juggle compact laundry spaces, the right laundry tub offers form, function, and a clean, reliable workhorse for years.
Maybe you’re giving your laundry a total revamp, or just replacing an old cracked tub. Either way, if you’re keen to try your hand at installing a laundry tub or sink yourself, the great news is that with a few tools, the right know-how, and a steady Saturday morning, an installation guide makes it absolutely manageable. This tutorial breaks down each step so you’ll know what to expect—from positioning to plumbing, including those little Kiwi tips that matter when dealing with New Zealand homes and water regulations.
Why a laundry tub is so handy
A laundry tub, sometimes just called a utility sink, does more than its name suggests. Apart from standard laundry uses, New Zealanders often use their tubs to clean hiking boots, wash small pets, or even chill drinks at a backyard barbecue. With a deep basin, sturdy build, and positioned waist-height, it saves aching backs and sore knees.
Here’s a quick comparison of common uses for a laundry tub:
|
Job |
Standard Basin |
Laundry Tub |
|
Soaking large items |
✗ |
✓ |
|
Hand-washing delicates |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Cleaning gardening tools |
✗ |
✓ |
|
Rinsing paint rollers |
✗ |
✓ |
|
Pet washing |
✗ |
✓ |
|
Quick cleanups |
✓ |
✓ |
In short, if your laundry room doesn’t have one yet, you’re missing out on a real time-saver.
Choosing the best spot
Start with where you’ll actually put the tub and consider the necessary fixtures. Most New Zealand homes have the laundry room organized with the sink and laundry tub close to the washing machine, often sharing the same plumbing. This makes sense for a few reasons:
● Proper drainage to the same waste line reduces costs.
● Hot and cold water lines are already nearby.
● It’s easier to wash and transfer items between machines and the tub.
If you’re working with a small or awkward space (think inner-city apartments, older bungalows, or garage corners), a slimline model might be perfect. Measure your available floor space and leave room to walk past and swing cupboard doors open. Standard laundry tubs are around 600mm wide, but compact or slim tubs can be less than 450mm—handy for tight laundries.
Prepping for installation
Check what’s included with your laundry tub and sink by referring to the installation guide. Most models sold in New Zealand, like those from Domenic Bathroom Ware, come with a full kit: tub, cabinet, waste and overflow, and sometimes even tapware. You’ll need a few extra tools and supplies:
● Adjustable spanner & pliers
● Pipe wrench
● Tape measure
● Spirit level
● Pencil or chalk
● Bucket
● Plumber’s tape (Teflon tape)
● Silicone sealant (sanitary-grade)
● Drill and masonry/wood bits (if fixing to a wall)
● Hacksaw (for cutting plastic waste pipe)
It pays to check if your DIY work needs to be signed off by a certified plumber. In New Zealand, the likes of connecting the waste or hot-water lines often need a professional touch for safety and to meet council inspection rules.
Step-by-step: How to install a laundry tub
1. Get your plumbing sorted
First off, switch the water off at the mains. Open a tap to relieve any pressure left in the pipes. Pop a bucket under the old sink’s trap, then disconnect both water supply lines and the waste. Take care—there may be water left in the lines.
If you’re installing the tub in a new location, you’ll need to tee into the existing supply lines and the waste drainage. For this part, copper or PEX pipes are both common in New Zealand. If you’re not confident working with these, or if you’re tapping into the main house drain, it makes sense to get a plumber in.
2. Remove the old sink or tub
Unscrew any brackets or wall fixings. Gently cut through any silicone around the old tub with a utility knife, then lift it out from the sink area. Clean the floor so your new tub sits perfectly flat.
3. Mark out the position
Move the new laundry tub and sink into the laundry room so you can check the fit. Adjust its position so the tub lines up directly over the waste outlet. Use a level to ensure it’s not sitting wonky. Mark fixing holes through the cabinet onto the wall/floor with a pencil.
If you’ve got a tiled or painted laundry, now’s the best time to clean up the area. It’s much easier with the tub out of the way.
Most laundry tubs in New Zealand come with brackets or screws to secure the fixtures to the wall or floor. Drill holes in the marked positions, insert wall plugs, then fix the cabinet firmly.
Some lightweight acrylic tubs might only need to be siliconed along the back where they sit against the wall, but heavy ceramic or stainless steel tubs benefit from solid fixings—especially if people will lean heavily or fill the basin right to the top.
5. Connect the water supply
Fit the new tapware to the tub before putting it in (this is far easier than reaching up behind the sink), following the instructions in the installation guide. Use plumber’s tape on all threaded joins, and tighten with a spanner—just don’t overtighten. Flexible braided hoses, now standard in Kiwi homes, connect quickly between the tap and your hot/cold supply valves. Make sure each hose is connected to the correct supply.
If you’re using a mixing valve or have separate hot and cold taps, double-check which is which. It’s all too common to get these swapped!
6. Connect the waste
Most laundry tub kits come with a plastic S-trap or P-trap, often accompanied by an installation guide or tutorial. Follow the instructions for assembly, measuring and cutting any PVC pipe so it fits tightly between the tub waste and the wall or floor drain. Dry fit the connections before you glue or clamp them. If there’s an overflow, make sure this is attached to the right outlet.
Apply silicone around any washers or rubber seals to prevent leaks.
Some typical Kiwi tips:
● If you’re draining into an old earthenware pipe, make sure you use a slip collar or flexi coupling for a watertight union.
● For tiled floors, take care not to over-tighten flange bolts—tiles can crack under pressure.
7. Seal the edges
Run a bead of quality silicone (sanitary grade, mould-resistant) where the tub meets the wall or floor. Smooth it with a wet finger or spatula for a neat finish. Let the silicone cure for at least 12 hours before getting it wet.
8. Test it out
Turn the water back on at the mains. Open the tap to flush any air or debris out. Check underneath for leaks around the tap connections, sink, and waste pipe. Fill the basin, let it drain, and keep an eye out for any drips in the drainage system.
If you’re good at DIY, the biggest hurdles are usually connecting the waste in a confined space and manoeuvring the tub into position. Take your time—rushing leads to leaks, especially around the waste.
Common questions about laundry tubs
Can I install a laundry tub myself in New Zealand by following an installation guide? You can install a tub and cabinet, and even connect up the waste if it’s to an existing trap. For anything involving copper pipework or changes to the mains water, consult the tutorial or installation guide and check with your local council or a certified plumber.
What’s the best material for harsh New Zealand conditions? Stainless steel gets top marks for resilience and hard use. Acrylic is lightweight, affordable, and best for dry environments. Ceramic brings a sturdy traditional feel but can be heavy and less forgiving if dropped.
Is it possible to fit a tub in an apartment or small house? Yes, modern slimline tubs from brands like Domenic Bathroom Ware are designed for exactly this.
How long does it take to install a laundry tub? With all materials on hand and the waste in the right spot, expect a DIY install (including removing the old unit) to take around 2-3 hours for someone with basic skills.
How much should I budget? Quality laundry tubs in NZ start at around $180–$300 for slim styles, with full-sized or designer models going up to $600 or more. Add extra for professional plumbing if you need new tap or waste lines installed.
Upgrading your space with style and value
Fitting a fresh new laundry sink with fixtures isn’t just about function; it’s a great value upgrade that makes daily chores easier, especially when combined with a well-organized laundry room. With modern tubs available in a mix of shapes and sizes, picking one that fits your laundry isn’t hard. Slimline cabinets and deep stainless steel basins look sharp and last, making them a popular pick in Kiwi homes from Auckland to Invercargill.
If you’re handy and follow basic plumbing instructions, you can absolutely tackle this project yourself. For any mains or gas waterworks though, bring in a registered plumber—it’ll be safer and will meet building regulations.
By choosing a tub that matches your lifestyle and room size, you’ll enjoy a tidy, functional laundry that works hard all year round—whether you’re scrubbing grass stains or prepping for the Saturday rugby match. Grab your tools, measure twice, and get stuck in. Your new laundry tub will reward you with years of faithful service.