Your Next DIY Project: A New Bathroom Vanity
If you’re interested in replacing the vanity or sink in your bathroom, there are a few things you’ll need to know before and during the installation. This process doesn’t have to be difficult, as long as you prepare for each step. Below is a How-To list for properly installing your new vanity.
Step 1: Measure the old vanity.
This step is important to ensure that the new vanity will fit in place of the old vanity. If there is a difference in size, you can always return the vanity or cut baseboards to add inches to the area. Modern bathroom vanities come in all shapes and sizes, so finding one that fits your bathroom should be no problem.
Step 2: Turn off the water supply.
This is crucial as it will save you from a headache later. You can either turn off the hot and cold water valves connected in the old vanity, or cut off the main water source to the entire house. Which one you choose will depend on the design and layout of your plumbing system. After that, turn on the sink faucets to release any pressure in the pipes.
Step 3: Loosen the slip nut from the top of the sink trap (or P-trap).
The sink trap is the curved pipe that is underneath the sink. You may need to remove the entire trap, depending on the style of your sink. After that, you can use an adjustable wrench to disconnect the water lines from the sink valves. During this step, you’ll want to keep a bowl or bucket handy to catch any water that may drain from the pipe.
Step 4: Removing the vanity.
You will need an assistant for this step. Go ahead and use a pencil to mark the outline of the vanity. If the sink top is difficult to remove, use a hammer and/or chisel to break the seal on the underside. If the same problem occurs when removing the vanity from the wall, use a utility knife instead of a chisel so you don’t damage the paint. After that, you can remove the mounting screws from inside the old vanity and, with the help of an assistant you should be able to lift it away from the wall.
Step 5: Replacing the old with the new.
Sometimes it can be easier to remove the doors from the vanity, but it is not required. To find the proper place for you to mount the new piece, use a stud finder. Make sure the studs are inside the pencil markings you made in the previous step. If there is a back on the vanity, measure the distance from the wall marks to the pipes. Now, you can cut holes for the water valves using a hole saw. Slide the new vanity into place and make sure it is level, adjusting if necessary. Now, you can attach it to the wall studs with wood screws.
Step 6: Installing the new vanity top.
Assembly is first. You’ll begin with the faucet, using plumber’s putty to attach the putty plate and deck plate to where the pre-cut sink holes are located. Insert the faucet and secure it with the metal washer and long nut that were included with the vanity. Next, you’ll apply the putty to the underside of the sink bowl and then, from underneath, secure the bowl by screwing it into place. Apply silicone caulk to where the backsplash of the vanity and the wall meet. Then, have your assistant help you lift the assembled vanity top and press it firmly into place. The tail piece should slide back into the sink trap and you can reattach the nut to secure it into place.
Step 7: Reattach vanity doors.
Step 8: Connect the water supply lines to the valves.
Step 9: Turn on the water supply.
This is the final step and will allow you to check for problems or leaks.
Viola! There you have it! DIY projects can be fun and can save money, but if you ever run into a problem you can’t handle, be sure to reach out for help. Installing a new vanity is a big project, but with some patience and the help of an assistant, there should be no need to hire a professional contractor.
This post was written by Ryan Tupper, a former contractor with several years experience doing bathroom remodels. When installing a new vanity Ryan turns to DecorPlanet.com for his supplies.