Bathroom Vanity Removal Steps
In order to add a new vanity, you’ll have to remove the old one first. It may seem daunting, but you can accomplish this task in just a few hours.
You will need the following supplies for removal:
- Bucket
- Rug
- Utility knife
- Wood block
- Putty knife
- Flat pry bar
- Adjustable wrench
- Channel-lock pliers
- Screw gun
Step 1. Turn Off And Disconnect Water Supply
Before starting this task, you’ll want the most accessible space for removal as possible. Start by removing the cabinet doors from the existing vanity prior to working on the pipes. This helps to make the cabinet lighter when you remove it at the end.
Next, you’ll have to turn the water supply off. Turn off both the hot and cold taps of the bathroom sink. Make sure to turn off both valves completely clockwise to turn off the water supply. To find the shutoff valves, look beneath your bathroom sink. You could also follow the pipes if they’re visible in order to locate the shutoffs.
Turn on your faucet after you’ve shut off the water valves. This releases any pent-up pressure, allowing the water to drain fully.
The water supply tube connects to the water shutoff valve. Oftentimes, an older tube is made of copper, while newer ones are constructed of braided stainless steel. Once you’ve found the supply tubes, disconnect them one at a time. Place your bucket underneath the shutoff valve to catch any water that could escape during this step.
Here is how you can disconnect the water supply tubes:
- Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the compression nut on the tube.
- Turn the nut counterclockwise.
- Slip the water tube off the valve.
- Be mindful of seeping water from the shutoff valve. If water continues to seep, turn off the water to the house by switching off the main shutoff valve.
Step 2. Take Off Drain Trap
Also known as the plumbing trap or P-trap, the drain trap is a curved piece of metal or PVC plastic. A drain trap works by preventing sewer gas from rising up the drain into your home.
Your drain pipe will be assembled from these parts:
- U-shaped bent trap.
- Straight tailpiece extending from the sink to the drainpipe.
- Straight trap arm with an elbow, leading the drainpipe to the wall.
Follow these steps to take off the drain trap:
- Loosen the two outermost slip nuts.
- You’ll find one on the sink tailpiece and the other at the end of the wall.
- Loosen the slip nuts if the pipes are PVC plastic or utilize some channel-lock pliers.
- Turn these nuts counterclockwise.
- Slide the nuts away from the pipes’ threaded ends.
- Remove the plumbing trap apparatus slowly.
- Dump the water from the P-trap into your bucket.
- Put a rag in the open pipe in the wall to seal off any potential sewer gases.
Step 3. Remove Mirror
Removing the mirror for this project isn’t always necessary, but it makes the process a lot easier. You run the risk of damaging your mirror if it rests on the countertop or backsplash. If your mirror is glued to the wall, though, it’s best to simply keep it in place. Use a screw gun to loosen the screws which hold the mirror in place. Be careful unscrewing this as mirrors are often much heavier than they appear.
Step 4. Disassemble Vanity Top And Cabinet
The bulk of the work happens when you must remove the countertop and vanity cabinet. Take out the sink and faucet prior to removing the countertop. The sink should lift out with ease since you’ve already removed the P-trap and water supply.
Now, grab your utility knife and start to cut through the caulk where:
- The cabinet meets the wall.
- The wall and vanity countertop meet.
- Edges between the cabinet and countertop.
Check underneath the countertop for any clips or brackets that may hold the countertop to the cabinet once the caulk is scored. You’ll need to unscrew this part. Use a flat pry bar to separate the two in the event they are glued to the cabinet.
Vanity cabinets are typically attached to the bathroom wall by screws driven through a mounting strip. Remove the screws with either a screw gun or screwdriver. If the cabinet is held together with nails, gently pry the cabinet away from the wall with a flat pry bar. Now, carefully pull the cabinets away from the wall.
Step 5. Prepare Area For Installation
Clear out your old vanity so you can have enough space to clean up the area. Remove any caulk that remains with a putty knife or scraper. Patch up any nail holes and paint the walls to match the rest of your bathroom.
