It is soapstone. I think some people are too young to know what we are talking about. The cracks have been there forever and leaking so little that a pan underneath has been plenty. Now, it seems to be the seal around the drain - not the one that the washing machine empties into. The plumber said that he won't touch it and wants me to get a new wash tub for $9000. No way. I am also looking for something to seal it with. There must be something. Any answers?

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The plumber said that he won't touch it and wants me to get a new wash tub for $9000.

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Maybe you meant $900.00?? Here, for a plumber to rip out the old soapstone sink and purchase a new plastic sink and hook everything up AND pull a plumbing permit and stand for inspection and a price of $900.00 doesn't sound that far off if it includes all materials and the permit cost (depending on where you live).

If you want to reduce the costs you would get the sink/faucet yourself and if you are handy you could remove the old sink (not as hard as you might think) and dispose of it in pieces. Clean the area and then call a plumber or two in for a free quote...should be a better price, for sure!!

Good luck!

Mark

prilly, your question has been moved to its own thread so that you can get appropriate advice for your needs.

Why is the plumber refusing to touch it?

How much damage is there around the drain? Sealing the cracks may be an option but not feasible if the rock around the drain has a lot of damage.

Soapstone Care & Maintenance

They have links to a number you can call for more options. Also from my favorite DIY site,

How to Refurbish an Antique Soapstone Sink | eHow

Exactly where is this drain leaking from would be my question, and what type of drain would be attached to this sink. A picture would be nice as there are many ways to fix a leaky sink, or seal them, or refurbish them, but you have to have an experienced person.

Are you in the US?

Well I remember the old soapstone laundry tubs. We had one back in Wisconsin. For the cracks I would caulk with JB Weld.
Would it be possible to install either new seals or a new drain? I think your plumber ought to go back to plumbing school 101. Don't let him talk you into a new sink. Those old soapstone tubs will outlast ,you, me and your p-lumber. Good luck. Tom

Thanks. I like your response. I want to keep it if possible.

900 with permits pulled is a fair price both ways. More in parts than you would think for riser/cwm. I would suggest hydraulic cement and an epoxy paint coating.
Mac