How to Make an Outdoor Sink

Having an outdoor sink is useful for gardening and bar-b-qing. The convenience of washing hands, vegetables and having an extra sink for food preparation is a useful attribute to any backyard or patio. Using a hose tap to supply the water will eliminate the need for plumbing, making this project ideal for a first time home improver.

Supplies

Potting bench

Saw

Sink

Silicone caulking

Faucet

Wrench

Bucket

PVC pipe and fittings

Garden hose

Outdoor water source

Step 1

Cut a hole in the top of the potting bench with the saw. The hole needs to be the exact shape and size of the sink. Use a template that came with a new sink or you can make a template if using a used sink.

Step 2

Place the sink into the cut hole of the potting bench. Seal the perimeter of the sink with silicone caulking.

Step 3

Assemble the faucet in the holes at the top of the sink. Use the wrench to tighten the faucet components. Because you will not be using hot water in your outdoor sink you can either eliminate on of the water fixtures or split the water lines to run to both fixtures, know that turning either fixture will produce cold water. Attach the hose tap to the backside of the faucet and turn the water on. Water should now come into the sink with turning the fixture to the on position.

Step 4

Attach the PVC pipe to the drain using fittings and the silicone caulk to seal it. Cut the PVC pipe to fit under the sink and into a bucket. If the pipe is too short it will not allow all the water to drain into the bucket and if the pipe is too long the bucket will be hard to remove for emptying.

Step 5

Place the bucket under the PVC pipe drain to catch the gray water from the sink. This water can be used to water plants when emptying the bucket. An alternative to the bucket is to connect a hose to the drain and place the opposite end of the hose in a garden, flowerbed or lawn for watering.

Tips

Other size appropriate pieces of furniture can be used as the base for your outdoor sink. An old dresser with the drawers removed makes a very useful base for an outdoor sink.

Camping outdoor sinks can also be made but need to be easy to disassemble and assemble on site when camping. A simple tub and water jug or bladder hanging from above works nicely for a camp outdoor sink.

The design of your outdoor sink all depends on what you will be using it for.