Upgrade Your Home: Tub Install and Laundry Box Install Tips from Raptor Plumbing

Thinking about refreshing your bathroom or making your laundry room safer and more convenient? Raptor Plumbing is here to help. Two high-impact upgrades we’re asked about often are tub installs and laundry box installs. Here’s what local homeowners should know before getting started.

When to Consider a New Tub Install

• Persistent leaks or soft spots around the tub deck
• Cracks, staining, or impossible-to-clean surfaces
• Outdated size or style that doesn’t fit your family’s needs
• Bathroom remodels requiring new drain or valve locations
• Accessibility upgrades like lower thresholds or grab bars

What to Expect During a Professional Tub Install

• Assessment: We verify framing, drain alignment, valve location, and venting.
• Protection: Floors and walkways are covered to protect your home.
• Demolition: Old tub and surround are removed and hauled away if requested.
• Rough-In: New drain, overflow, and valve set to manufacturer specs and code.
• Set & Seal: Tub is leveled, secured to studs, and sealed for a watertight finish.
• Testing: We pressure-test and run water to confirm proper operation.

Pro tip: Choosing the right material matters. Acrylic is affordable and warm to the touch; cast iron is durable and quiet; steel is budget-friendly but can chip; composite options balance strength and weight.

Laundry Box Install: Small Upgrade, Big Benefits

A laundry box (also called a washer outlet box) consolidates hot and cold shut-off valves and the drain into a recessed, easy-to-access panel. It’s a simple upgrade with important advantages:

• Faster shut-offs in an emergency to prevent water damage
• Cleaner look with hoses and drain tucked into the wall
• Drip protection and code-compliant drainage height
• Ideal for replacing old gate valves with modern quarter-turn valves

Signs You Need a Laundry Box Upgrade

• Leaking or hard-to-turn washer valves
• Washer drain hose shoved into a loose pipe or standpipe
• Hoses kinked behind the machine or no room to maneuver
• Frequent vibration or “walking” washer that stresses connections

DIY vs. Professional Install

• Tub installs often require framing adjustments, precise leveling, and proper waterproofing—areas where mistakes can be costly.
• Laundry box installs involve cutting open walls, securing the box to studs, correct trap and vent tie-ins, and code-compliant valve placement.

Hiring Raptor Plumbing helps you avoid hidden leaks, improper slope, or code issues that can void warranties or lead to mold and water damage.

How to Prepare for Your Appointment

• Clear a path to the work area and remove fragile items.
• Know your tub size, style, and faucet finish preferences.
• For laundry areas, pull the washer forward if possible and note any shut-off issues.
• Ask about permits and inspection requirements in your area—we can help.

Ready to upgrade? Raptor Plumbing offers clear estimates, code-compliant installs, and friendly service. Whether it’s a fresh new tub or a reliable laundry box, we’ll make the process smooth from start to finish.