A new vanity can change the entire look and feel of a bathroom. It can also add much-needed storage. With a little planning, installing one is something you can do on your own in about six to eight hours.
Here’s what you’ll need to take on this intermediate-level project:
TOOLS
- Tape Measure
- Tongue & Groove Pliers
- Shallow Bucket
- Adjustable Wrench
- Utility Knife
- Hammer
- Chisel
- Pry Bar
- Stud Finder
- Drill/Driver
- Drill Bits (Tile & Wood)
- Level
- Putty Knife
- Screwdriver
- Miter Box & Saw
- Work Light
- Caulk Gun
MATERIALS
- Vanity
- Faucet
- Composite Shims
- Silicone Caulk
- 2-1/2” Screws
- Plumber’s Putty
- P-trap
- Hot & Cold Supply Lines
- Painter’s Tape
When taking on this DIY task, be sure to equip yourself with the proper safety gear.
STEP ONE
Turn off hot and cold water supply valves. Start by shutting off the water supply valves to your sink. Turn them clockwise until they won’t go any further. Then, test the faucet to confirm the water is off.
STEP TWO
Detach the P-trap. Place a bucket underneath the P-shaped drain under your sink. This is commonly known as a P-trap. Loosen the slip nuts on the P-trap and slip it off the drain. The contents of the drain will empty into the bucket.
STEP THREE
Detach the supply lines. Move the bucket under the supply lines, then use an adjustable wrench to detach the hot and cold supply lines from the supply valves.
STEP FOUR
Release the caulk. Many vanity tops are secured against the walk with caulk. Use a utility knife to break the caulk seal so it can be easily removed.
STEP FIVE
Remove the vanity top. If your vanity top is attached to the cabinet below with brackets, loosen them with a screwdriver. If it’s not fastened with brackets, it’s most likely attached with glue or silicone. Use a hammer, chisel, or pry bar to detach it.
STEP SIX
Release the cabinet. Remove any screws securing the vanity cabinet to the wall with a drill or driver. Scrape away any remaining sealant from the wall with a putty knife.
STEP SEVEN
Check for clearance. Remove the doors and drawers from your new vanity. Then, position it in place. Make sure your sink stop valves and drain outlet are easily accessible. If not, mark and cut as necessary.
STEP EIGHT
Find studs. Since your old vanity may or may not have been properly attached to studs, use a stud finder to locate wall studs for your new installation. Mark each location so it will be visible once the vanity is pushed into place.
STEP NINE
Level and fasten the vanity. Slide the vanity into place, making sure it’s level, back to front and side to side. If your vanity doesn’t have adjustable feet, adjust it with shims. Trimming is necessary with a utility knife. If you’re fastening your vanity to drywall, it’s best not to re-use existing holes. However, if your old vanity was attached to a tile wall, use the existing holes, marking them with a vertical line. Center the vanity and mark for screw placement. Drill your holes, then install the new vanity with screws
STEP TEN
Install the faucet set. Set the vanity top upside down on sawhorses. Place the plastic gasket on the faucet, then holding the faucet from below, screw on mounting nuts, keeping the faucet properly aligned.
STEP ELEVEN
Attach the supply lines to the faucet. Attach the supply lines to the faucet with an adjustable wrench.
STEP TWELVE
Install drain. Flip the vanity top and wrap the lip of the waste seat with a rope of plumber’s putty. Flush the waste seat into the drain hole, then fasten the lock nut onto the threaded end. If your drain includes a stopper mechanism, follow manufacturer’s instructions to properly connect it.
STEP THIRTEEN
Set the vanity top. Apply a bead of silicone caulk to the top edge of the vanity. Have someone help you carefully set the vanity top in place. You can choose to either let the caulk dry overnight, or firmly clamp the vanity top in place so it won’t move as you complete the job. Apply the caulk to any gaps between the bottom and the top of the vanity. This will seal it, and provide a finished look.
STEP FOURTEEN
Trim the P-trap. Trim the drain extension or tail piece with a miter box and a fine-tooth saw, sanding off any burrs before assembling.
STEP FIFTEEN
Make supply and trap connections. Attach the supply lines to the stop valve and complete your P-trap installation. Turn the supply lines back on and test for leaks. Gently tighten connections if needed.
STEP SIXTEEN
Caulk the top. Using silicone caulk, neatly caulk along the backsplash and the wall. Use just enough caulk to cover the gap. Wipe away any excess and smooth with your finger. Congratulations. You’ve installed a new vanity and faucet, and you did it yourself.
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