How to Disconnect Water Lines to an Old Laundry Sink

Remodeling the laundry room is a common do-it-yourself project, and often the old laundry sink can be removed to make room for more cabinets or storage. When you're removing an old laundry sink, you must cap off the supply lines rather than just counting on the shutoff valve.

• 1

  Shut off water to sink by closing the supply line shutoff valves. If there are no supply line valves to the sink, you will need to shut off the water main.

• 2

  Open the tap and allow all water to drain from the pipes.

• 3

  Remove drain pipes and set aside. Stuff a rag into the pipe that leads to the sewer line or septic tank to eliminate gas buildup.

Working With Copper Pipe

• 1

  Cut copper pipe using a tube cutter or hacksaw, whichever is easier to maneuver in the enclosed space. Cut at least two inches above the shutoff valve.

• 2

  Cap off copper pipe by soldering the cap to the cut pipe.

• 3

  Allow at least 10 minutes before turning on the house main if you shut the water off there. Leave supply line shutoff valves closed.

Working With CPVC Pipe

• 1

  Cut CPVC pipe with a razor knife or hacksaw. Cut at least two inches above the shutoff valve.

• 2

  Cap off CPVC pipe by applying purple primer and solvent cement, according to the package directions.

• 3

  Allow at least 10 minutes before turning on the house main if you shut the water off there. Leave supply line shutoff valves closed.