The laundry room control box, while often overlooked, is a critical component of a home's plumbing system. We recently completed a necessary renovation in East Tucson, AZ, addressing a long-standing leak that had compromised the existing control box and surrounding drywall. This project involved a thorough upgrade of the plumbing controls and a full restoration of the laundry area, ensuring long-term security and function.
The Hidden Problem: Rust and Leaking Controls
The customer’s primary issue stemmed from their existing laundry control box, which housed the hot and cold water shutoff valves and the washing machine drain connection. Over an extended period, the existing emergency water shutoff controls had been leaking, causing significant damage.
The continuous moisture resulted in the existing steel box becoming severely rusted. This compromised structure not only looked unsightly but also indicated a high risk of catastrophic failure of the water lines inside the wall. To properly access and fix the issue, we first had to open the drywall to access the water distribution pipes behind the wall.
The Solution: New Box, Controls, and Drain Care
Once the faulty components were exposed, we immediately removed the heavily rusted existing steel box from the wall. This was replaced with a new, modern laundry control box designed for better durability and water resistance.
The most important upgrade was the installation of new "EZ Turn" emergency water shutoff controls. These modern valves are far more reliable and easy to operate than older models, allowing the homeowner to quickly and effectively shut off water to the washing machine when necessary, minimizing the risk of future long-term slow leaks.
While the wall was open, we also took the opportunity to ensure the drain line was clear and functional by snaking the drain. This preventive step helps avoid clogs that could lead to overflow and water damage down the line.
Final Touches: Restoration and Testing
With the new plumbing installed and fully secured, the final stages focused on restoration and quality assurance:
- Drywall Renovation: We painstakingly renovated the drywall to its original condition, ensuring a smooth, seamless finish that was "ready for paint." This restored the aesthetic integrity of the laundry room.
- New Supply Lines: We installed new water delivery supply lines connecting the new control box to the washing machine itself, completing the updated system.
- Leak Testing: Every component of the renovation was thoroughly leak tested under pressure to guarantee that all connections were secure and that the problem had been completely resolved.
The homeowner now has a completely renovated laundry control center that is reliable, leak-free, and built to last, providing peace of mind during every wash cycle.
Do you have signs of rust or leaky valves in your laundry room control box in East Tucson, AZ? Upgrading these essential components can prevent serious water damage.
