How to Replace a Vanity and Sink
You can give your bathroom a totally different feel by replacing the vanity and sink. Learn more about this DIY project in this Lowe’s video:
You will need the following materials and tools:
- New vanity
- New vanity top
- Large adjustable pliers or slip nut wrench
- Utility knife
- Water bucket
- Hammer and chisel
- Safety glasses
- Drill and Phillips head bit
- Three-inch wood screws
- Tape measure
- Stud finder
- Level
- Wood shims
- Pencil
- Silicone sealant or caulk with gun
- New faucet and drain
- Plumber’s putty and tape
- Sponge or towel
If you’re ever in doubt about doing a home improvement project yourself, contact a licensed contractor. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instruction and observe all local building codes.
Before purchasing a new vanity and sink, measure your old vanity top sink and old vanity to make sure they will fit in the space. Note the location of any wall trim and floor tile that might get in the way. You may have to cut some baseboards along the floor if you decide to buy a larger vanity.
Replace your vanity and sink by following these steps:
1. Remove the old sink: Turn off the water supply using the valves under the sink or the main water valve. Turn on the faucet to release any water pressure. Loosen the slip nut at the top of the p-trap (you may have to remove the trap). Disconnect the water lines with an adjustable wrench and have a bucket ready to catch the water.
2. Separate the vanity top from the base: Use the utility knife and cut the sealant along the backsplash and side of the vanity. Separate the top from the base using a hammer and chisel. Remove the sink with help from an assistant, then remove the old vanity. Remove the old base unit from the bathroom.
3. Install the new vanity:
a. Determine the new placement by marking the height of the vanity on the wall in three different locations and marking the width on the wall. This gives you a rough outline for the new vanity. Any wallpaper or old paint inside the outline will be covered by the new vanity. If there are any marks or scratches on the wall outside the lines, now is the time to repair them.
b. If the old vanity wasn’t secured to the wall, use a stud finder to locate a wall stud inside the outlined area. If your vanity has a back, measure the locations of the pipes from the wall marks and translate these measurements to the back of the new vanity to determine where the pipe holes need to be cut.
c. Remove the doors and slide the new unit into place. If it is not level, place wood shims under it until it is level from front to back and side to side. Attach the new vanity to the wall studs with wood screws using the nailer. Recheck to see if the vanity is level and make any necessary adjustments. Use the utility knife to cut off the edges of the wood shims.
4. Install faucet and drain to the sink: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
a. Apply plumber’s putty into the putty groove on the underside of the putty plate. Place the putty plate and deck plate onto the precut sink holes. Insert the faucet into the hole. From underneath the sink, secure the faucet with the metal washer and long nut.
b. Apply a bead of plumber’s putty on the underside of the threaded bowl flange of the drain. Push the flange down into the bowl opening securing the flange into the putty. From the sink bottom, install the threaded flange. Screw the lock nut onto the flange, then wrap the threads with plumber’s tape and screw the tail piece on the threaded flange. The tail piece has to be oriented so that the pop-up lever is pointed straight towards the back. Install stopper, lift rod and lever according to the manufacturer’s instructions, verifying everything works properly.
5. Attach the sink to the vanity: Apply a bead of silicone caulk to the vanity top and where the backsplash will attach. With the help of an assistant, place the assembled sink on the vanity top and press firmly in place. The tailpiece must slide back into the p-trap. Tighten the nut. Reattach the doors. Wipe away any excess caulk or plumber’s putty with a wet sponge. Apply a bead of sealant along the edges of the backsplash where it meets the wall. Reconnect the water supply lines to the shutoff valves. Turn on the water and test for leaks.
