I have what I believe to be a "soapstone" laundry tub. (It looks like it is made of 1" thick rock-type material . . . definitely not plastic or anything like that.) It was undoubtedly installed when the house was built - so is approximately 40 years old. I noticed that when I wash something in the left hand tub I would get drips of water on the cement floor. I've solved this for the past few years by keeping a bucket under where the leak seemed to be. Now I find that I'm getting bigger drips from the right hand tub - which is also where my washing machine water goes . . . so now it is time to fix it! I'm wondering if there is a waterproofing product that I could paint on the interior of the two tubs. Or if there is an alternative "fix" that someone could suggest - besides the obvious of having it replaced. Thanks!

I kind of doubted your question at first thinking that soapstone is soapstone (mostly talc and used for many purposes including jewellery) and it shouldn't need sealing, but after looking further I found a site that may help, probably expensive but at the same time may give you some ideas which you can work out yourself:

Masonry and Waterproofing Products

Thanks - I've checked out the site and will head up to my HOme Depot and see if I can find this stuff. Appreciate the quick response

Are you sure it is the tub itself and not the joint between the drain and the tub? Coating the tub with something may or may not seal the joint. If it is the porosity of the tub, I wouldn't think the right tub would have suddenly gotten worse. Sometimes it is better to wait and see what others say than act on the first answer. The only limit on poor answers here is others peoples' opinion. Wait a little longer and you may get an answer from an experienced plumber.

You really get all the unwarranted annoying digs in you can, labman, don't you ?

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Originally Posted by klassman

I have what I believe to be a "soapstone" laundry tub.

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Never heard of a soapstone laundry tub before.

Could you upload a photo of the sink and the drain connection -- Just to be sure we aren't talking about a concrete laundry tub?:)

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Originally Posted by tickle

You really get all the unwarranted annoying digs in you can, labman, dont you ?

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>chuckles<

I really don't think he can help himself, Tickle.

Much in the same way Tourette's sufferer's can't help themselves. :D

Thanks all.. . Sounds like I got caught up in an ongoing debate!

It might be a concrete laundry tub.. . I guessed it was "soapstone" as when I was looking on the internet (before I found this GREAT website!) I read something about that type of laundry tub.. . But you may be right. I know it isn't plastic or anything flimsy, that's for sure. It is old, looks heavy, is very smooth on the interior and the exterior of the tub - except the bottom of it is very rough.

Anyway, I had a flashlight down there some time ago and thought I saw a small crack.. . And when I felt along it seemed like the water was running along the crack. You've inspired me to check with a flashlight again to be sure.

I may submit an update later. Thanks again!

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Originally Posted by klassman

Thanks all.. . Sounds like I got caught up in an ongoing debate!

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>shrugs<

Some folks would rather be *RIGHT* than correct.

Go figger.

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It might be a concrete laundry tub.. . Anyway, I had a flashlight down there some time ago and thought I saw a small crack.. . And when I felt along it seemed like the water was running along the crack. You've inspired me to check with a flashlight again to be sure.

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If it is concrete, then I highly recommend you consider replacing it.

Those of us in the trade call them 'incubators' -- Due to to the porous nature of concrete, concrete laundry tubs are a breeding ground for all manner of cooties.

Also, the two compartments are generally joined together in a yoke that is cast into the concrete, and depending on the degree of deterioration, the cracks that cause the leak usually penetrate into the bowl of the sink long before they manifest themselves as a leak on the underside.

Just my two pence.