Bathroom Vanities
Bathroom vanities have come a long way in the last few years. There are many styles that will fit any décor. There are some for any bathroom style.
If you decide to replace your vanity on your own, there are many steps that you should take to do this. If you follow these steps on this page, you should be able to do this. You can do this even if this is the first time you have done any DIY work.
There are many popular styles that you can install. One of the most common is the 44 vanity which is, as the name implies, a 44 inch vanity. This is one of the most common sizes to install.
This article will tell you how to install a vanity on your own. It will give you the steps that you need to follow. You can also do more research to find the information you are seeking.
Steps to Install a Vanity
Before you begin, you need to gather your tools that you will need to use. Some of these tools include an adjustable wrench, flat head and Phillip’s screw drivers, tape measure, utility knife, bucket, level, rags, and safety glasses. You will also need all the materials necessary for the job including vanity, sink faucet, drainpipes, fittings, silicone caulk, painter’s tape, shut off valves, and plumber’s putty.
- Turn Off the Supply for the Water – You will need to locate the shut off valves for the existing vanity. This includes the hot and cold supply lines: https://www.justanswer.com/plumbing/p0g4y-need-help-leak-bathroom-sink-shut-off.html. You should turn them clockwise until they stop completely, shutting off the water supply to the sink – you can use a bucket to catch any extra water that might come after you have shut it off.
- Disconnect the Sink Drain – Under the sink, you will find a drainpipe that is attached to the P-trap, which is the U-shaped pipe. You will need to loosen the nuts that secure these together. Once this is done, you will need to place a bucket underneath the pipes to collect the water that might be there.
You will then use an adjustable wrench to carefully disconnect the hot and cold-water supply lines. There will probably be more water that will come, so have your bucket ready. You should be very careful when disconnecting these lines so that you don’t damage them.
- Take Apart the Existing Vanity Mirror and Hardware – You should start by removing anything that is attached to the vanity such as the mirror, towel racks, or light fixtures. You should place them aside if you plan on using them again or dispose of them if not. Keep them safe if you plan on reusing them.
Next, you will disconnect the cabinetry. Locate the bolts or screws that attach the cabinetry to the wall. Unscrew those carefully, making sure that someone is supporting the vanity to prevent it from falling. If it falls forward, it could injure you.
In some cases, there will be an access panel on the back that accesses the plumbing. If yours has this, carefully remove it. This will provide easier access to the plumbing.
- Remove the Old Cabinet – Once you have removed all the connections, carefully remove the old cabinet. You will need to have someone assist you, especially if it is heavy. Place the old cabinet aside so that it is not in your way.
- Prepare Your Space – If you are not replacing your tile or flooring, use painter’s tape to protect that area. This will protect that area from scratches. You will be able to prepare your space in other ways, as well.
- Install the New One – Position the new one in the space that you have designated for it. Make sure that you have the proper alignment with the wall. Make sure that you maintain a level position, using the level that you previously got.
You will want to secure the vanity using screws or bolts that are appropriate for your wall studs. Secure the fasten it to the wall in the designated space. Make sure that you double check for levelness throughout the process.
- Connect the Plumbing – Next, install the new faucet into the holes that are designated for it. Make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. See more here. Ensure that all the connections are watertight and secure.
You will want to use new shut-off valves and follow all plumbing codes. Connect the hot and cold lines to the new faucet. Use an adjustable wrench to tighten the connections securely.
After that, you need to reassemble the drainpipe, using a new P-trap if necessary. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to do this. Make sure that all the connections are secure and watertight.
- Check for Leaks – Once everything has been installed and is secured, turn on the shut off valves from under the sink. Allow the water to flow naturally to see if there are any leaks. If there are any leaks, use plumber’s putty to secure those leaks.
If there are still any leaks, you will need to check all the connections again. Use plumber’s putty at all the connections. Try these steps again to test for leaks.
- Place Your Vanity Top – This is the step where you need to replace the vanity top. Ensure that you carefully position it to the new vanity. Align it carefully with the backsplash and the sink cutout.
Follow the countertop manufacturer’s instructions to install it. If there are no instructions, you can probably go to the manufacturer’s website to find the instructions. Just be careful, you don’t want to have to buy another new countertop.
- Caulking and Other Finishing Touches – Use a bead of caulk to go around the edges of the countertop where it meets the wall. Use a wet finger to go around the caulk to make a professional look. Reinstall the mirror, towel racks, and other items that you have removed.
Summing all up
If you follow these simple guidelines, you will be able to install a new vanity in your bathroom. Ensure that you follow the instructions completely, or you might need to do it all again. Ensure that all plumbing fittings are tight to protect from water leaks.
