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Installing A Bathroom Vanity

It is difficult to believe, but the bathroom has become the focal point of many homes. These areas are often characterized by intricate tile work, beautiful garden tubs, and modern showers containing a variety of jets. A bathroom usually contains at least one sink, so it is important that homeowners learn about installing a vanity.

You will need:

Step 1: Remove the existing vanity or sink. Look under the vanity and determine how it is attached and identify how the sink and countertop are attached. Run the blade of the utility knife around the top edge to cut through the caulk holding the edges of the vanity to the wall or backsplash.

Step 2: Turn off the supply of water to the bathroom. Disconnect the tubes that carry the water supply from the base of the faucet using the adjustable wrench. Place a bucked under the drain trap. Use a larger wrench or the pliers to unfasten the drain. Let the water empty into the bucket.

Step 3: Take the drawers out of the vanity and remove the doors. Remove molding from around the vanity base. Remove the screws that anchor the vanity to a wall. To remove the top, unscrew what holds it in place. If this does not do the trick, separate the top and base using a pry bar.

Step 4: Place a blanket or piece of plywood on the floor. Slide or pry the vanity from the wall, taking care not to damage the wall. Repair and damage to the wall area behind where the vanity was located. Make any necessary repairs to the floor to make it intact and level.

Step 5: Take width and height measurements for the new vanity. Mark the edge locations on the wall and mark the height in three locations. Join the edges and height via straight lines. This will create an outline for the placement of the vanity.

Step 6: Measure the locations of drain lines and water pipes and mark the back of the vanity appropriately. Drill holes for the water lines using a hole saw that is approximately ½ inch larger than the pipes. Make the drain cutout using a saber saw or larger hole saw.

Step 7: On the vanity nailer, measure and mark the location of one wall stud behind the vanity. Drill the pilot hole for the 3-inch screw that holds it in place.

Step 8: Remove the new vanity doors and take out the drawers, in order to make the vanity lighter and prevent damage to it. Use the blanket or plywood to protect the floors, then move the vanity into the proper position. Align placement with the drain and water pipes fitting through the holes in the back of the vanity.

Step 9: Make sure the vanity is level between sides and front to back. If not, use shims to make it level. Attach the vanity to the wall using 3-inch screws.

Step 10: If the new vanity has a built in sink, install the faucet before putting the top in place on the vanity. Put the faucet through the pre-cut holes in the top and tighten it by hand. Turn the top over and tighten further using the wrench. Attach the water supply lines to the faucet base and attach the tailpiece to the drain. Lay a bead of silicone caulk around the countertop edge. Turn the top over and place it on the vanity, making sure the backsplash rests tightly against the wall. If the new vanity has a separate sink, install the top first, then fasten the faucets onto the sink, and place the sink on the countertop.

Step 11: Attach the water feed lines to the water supply valves. Connect the tailpiece from the sink to the drain and trap. Run caulk around the faucet base and the area where the vanity top backs up against the backsplash. Install moldings around the base of the vanity.

Step 12: Turn on the water supply and address any leaks.

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