If you know where your water shutoff valves are and can work a wrench, you can remove a bathroom vanity and sink.
Besides changing your bathroom light fixtures, removing an old bathroom vanity and sink to make way for a new one is a small way to make a big change to the look of your space.
Sure, messing with your plumbing may seem a bit intimidating, but I’ll lead you step by step through shutting off your water, unscrewing the piping, and dismantling your sink and cabinets — all in the span of two to six hours.
| Project difficulty: Intermediate Estimated time to complete: 2 to 4 hours Project cost: $10 to $75, depending on the tools you already have. |
Step 1: Organize Materials
The first step of any DIY project? Gather all the equipment you need so you won’t have to stop and start so many times to run around the house searching for the next tool.
- Old washcloth
- Bucket
- Safety gear (gloves, glasses, work boots, long clothing)
- Pry bar
- Plastic sheeting
- Utility or putty knife
- Tongue-and-groove pliers
- Adjustable wrench
- Screw gun (optional)
- Spackle (optional)
- Sandpaper (optional)
- Paint (optional)
- Heat gun (optional)
- Shipping tape (optional)
Read More: What is a Bathroom Vanity?
Step 2: Shut Off the Water
In most cases, you can do this right under your bathroom sink. Simply open the cabinet doors, locate the two shutoff valves (one for hot water and one for cold water), and turn each handle all the way to the right (clockwise).
If, by chance, there aren’t any shutoff valves under your sink, you’ll need to turn off the water to the entire house using your home’s main shutoff valve.
- For homeowners with city water, the valve will most likely sit outside near your water meter. It’ll look like a small round or rectangular lid in the ground; pop the lid, reach into the shallow hole, and turn the valves.
- With well water, the most common place for the main water valve is near your pressure tank or water heater.
Note: Another common location for the main shutoff valve is your laundry room. Knowing where this valve is in your home is important, not only for DIY remodels but also in case of an emergency.
My Tip: Before moving on to the next step, turn on your faucet to double-check that no water comes out (beyond the little bit that may be left in the pipes from the last use).
Learn more about choosing a vanity material in our guide: The 7 Best Materials for a Bathroom Vanity
Step 3: Disconnect the Plumbing
Before doing anything, though, place your bucket underneath the pipes to catch any water that may be sitting in them. This will help save you from having to clean excess mess. Then, do the following:
- Using your adjustable wrench, unscrew the water supply lines (the thinner pipes from the sink that connect to the shutoff valves) in a counterclockwise direction.
- No shutoff valves? Detach the water supply lines hanging down from the sink to the tubes coming up from the floor of the cabinet.
- Next, separate the drain trap (aka the plumbing trap/P-trap) from the sink tailpiece (the straight pipe that hangs down from the sink). The drain trap is the pipe (made of PVC or metal) you’re most familiar seeing under your sink; it helps prevent sewer gasses from leaking into your bathroom. To do this, unfasten the two slip nuts — one on the tailpiece and one on the wall — and remove the pipe from the wall.
- Clog the now-open pipe hole in the wall with your old washcloth to keep the sewer gasses out.
My Tip: You can just use your hands to unscrew the slip nuts on P-traps made of PVC; otherwise, use the tongue-and-groove pliers to do so.
Read More: How to Install a Bathroom Vanity and Sink
Step 4: Take Down the Mirror (Optional)
Don’t plan on hanging a new bathroom mirror when you replace the vanity you’re taking out now? Skip to Step 5. Note: If your bathroom mirror rests on top of your vanity, you’ll have to replace it regardless.
For the rest of you, start by taping the mirror with strong shipping tape to prevent breakage. Then, unscrew the mirror clips. If your mirror is glued to the wall, use a heat gun to break down the adhesive and gently pry the mirror off the wall. Carefully set the mirror aside.
Read More: How to Hang a Bathroom Mirror
Step 5: Remove Vanity Countertop and Cabinets
With your utility knife, slice through the caulking along the edges of your countertop and backsplash. Then, use your pry bar to fully loosen and lift the counter/sink combo, as well as the backsplash slabs, from the cabinetry and walls.
Next, remove the cabinet doors and drawers (if any). When they’re off, repeat the above steps, breaking down the caulk alongside the back edges of the cabinets and using the pry bar to gently separate the cabinetry from the wall so you can drag it away.
My Tip: If the cabinets are also attached to the wall with drywall screws, you’ll need to remove those, as well. Learn how to remove drywall anchors with our guide.
Read More: 6 Types of Bathroom Vanities to Consider for Your Home
Find a Bathroom Remodeling Pro Near You
A small demo reno like removing a bathroom vanity and sink isn’t as fearsome as it first seems once you break down all the steps. Still, if you’re uncomfortable working with plumbing or just don’t have the time, consider hiring a professional.
Home Gnome delivers the best home service experience at the click of a button. Book reliable, skilled handymen and handywomen in seconds and leave the rest to us.
Main Photo Credit: Pexels
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