When it’s time for a bathroom remodel, one of the first decisions to be made is what type of vanity top to choose. There are two possible reasons for replacing a bathroom vanity: to improve the aesthetic of the bathroom or because the vanity top on your bathroom sink needs to be replaced. Easily remove the old bathroom vanity top in any scenario, and it doesn’t require any specialized equipment or knowledge. Here’s how to go about it:
There comes a time, however, when you may want to replace your old vanity top with a new one. This can be a daunting task if you are not sure how to go about it. In this article, we will show you how to remove your old vanity top without damage.
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Is it difficult to remove a bathroom vanity?
In rare situations, a bathroom vanity may be put in place or installed before the other fixtures, making removal of the cabinet difficult or impossible. To remove the cabinet in these circumstances, you may need to cut it into portions. This operation is simplified by using a reciprocating saw with a demolition blade.
Tools and Gear Needed to Remove a Bathroom Vanity
Shaving a small, comparatively easier-to-do-job-on vanity, will be a little less work than a large, and then a couple of jobs with proper research and tools and gear. However, either can be done with proper research and the right kits and tools to accomplish the job.
- Adjustable Wrench
- Bucket
- Utility Knife
- Hacksaw
- Hammer
- Chisel
- Pry Bar
- Wood Shims
- Grout Scraper
- Putty Knife
- Vacuum
- Safety Glasses
- Gloves
- Boots
- Long Sleeved-shirt
- Long Pants
- Knee Pads
Bathroom vanity removal instructions
Removing a bathroom vanity top is simple if you follow a few steps. When you are done, you will have a clean and smooth bathroom that looks better than ever.
Step 1: Take measurements for the new vanity top.
Using a tape measure, determine the dimensions of the existing vanity top. The new vanity top should have the same dimensions as the old one, but if you have additional space, you might go with a little larger one. But don’t go overboard; you don’t want the new top to overhang the cabinet by more than an inch in any direction, or it will look imbalanced and may obstruct access to the cabinet.
Step 2: Turn off the water supply
Turn off the water supply to the bathroom vanity top. Unscrew the faucet handle from underneath the sink and then place a towel or other soft object in front of the handles before turning them off entirely. Then, turn off the water supply by turning this part clockwise until it locks into place.
Step 3: Remove old plumbing
If your bathroom vanity top is made of wood or plastic, it is likely that the plumbing has been removed. It’s time to remove this old plumbing and disconnect the drain and p-trap before you can start on the new one. You’ll need a utility knife and pliers or a pipe wrench to get started on this.
Step 4: Carefully cut out the wood or plastic
If you have an old bathroom vanity top made of wood or plastic, you’ll need to carefully cut through it with your utility knife. Make sure that you don’t damage any of the surrounding walls when using this tool!
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Step 5: Cut out mortise holes for new plumbing
Once you’ve removed all of the old plumbing, use your pipe wrench to make mortise holes in each section of your new vanity top so that it fits snugly over whatever piece of pipe you’ve chosen to use as its base (the base will hold everything together).
Step 6: Unhook the Electrical Supply
Disconnect any electrical wires for lights, outlets, or switches. Any electrical wire to be connected to new devices should be cut out first before connecting the wires. Do not try to pry the switch off-circuit first. Otherwise, you won’t be able to reconnect the new ones.
Step 7: Take out the bathroom sink
After disconnecting the supply lines, you must remove the bathroom sink. The method you use to remove the sink will be determined by the type of sink you have. If you have a vessel sink, for example, you may just take it up and set it aside. However, if you have a porcelain or iron sink, you will most certainly require the assistance of another person to properly move it—these sinks might weigh more than 75 lbs or 34 kg.
If you have an under-mounted or dropped-style sink, you’ll need to use a chisel to pry it away from the countertop. You can also use a pry bar to accomplish this. Be extremely cautious because the chisel has the potential to damage the cabinet’s top. To avoid scratches, painter’s tape can be applied to the top of the cabinet.
Before using the chisel, it’s a good idea to spray the area beneath the sink with a caulk softener to loosen up any dried glue that may be at the sink-to-cabinet seal. Once the sink is effectively freed from the countertop, have a helper stand on the other side of the sink as you carefully pull the sink off the surface and lay it on a tarp on the floor.
Once you are done, remove all of the tapes after they are no longer needed to ensure a smooth appearance.
Step 8: Get rid of any dried adhesive
If the countertop is more than five years old, the caulk may require more work to remove. Begin by spraying the caulk softener along the countertop edges, being careful to get the seal between it and the countertop’s bottom. Allow the softener to sit for about an hour before scraping the glue from the bottom of the countertop with a box cutter or utility knife. To avoid harming the top of the cabinet, make sure to set the box cutter’s edge on the bottom edge of the countertop.
After you’ve successfully removed all of the caulk, use a pry bar to push the countertop’s edge away from the cabinet. Next, check the other side of the countertop to ensure that it is entirely separated from the cabinet.
Step 9: Remove any screws from the countertop
Remove the screws that hold the vanity top in place and set it aside. Remove the screws holding the back panel to the wall and pull it out from under the sink. If this is not possible remove it from underneath using a screwdriver or pliers.
Step 10: Remove the Countertop
After removing the sink, you’ll need to remove the bathroom vanity top. To safely remove it, you’ll need to lift the vanity top up using a pry bar and then use a chisel to slowly pry the vanity top away from the countertop.
While removing the vanity top, you will need to be carefully careful not to scratch or damage the cabinet’s top.
Step 11: Wipe Down the Cabinet and the Wall
Remove all caulk and glue from the cabinet’s top edge using a chisel or sand it with a pad sander. Scrape caulk residue from the wall with a putty knife and remove caulk threads by hand. Silicone caulk can be tough to remove; softening it using a professional caulk remover before scraping is generally helpful.
Step 12: Install the Sink and Faucet
Install the sink and faucet using the hardware that comes with the sink and faucet, following the manufacturer’s directions. Install the sink drain assembly and connect the water supply lines to the faucet inlets from the inside of the cabinet.
Step 13: Mount the New Vanity Top
Lift the new vanity top onto the cabinet and secure it with a helper. Use a level to check it and insert shims as needed to level it from side to side and front to rear. Remove the top and apply a bead of silicone caulk to the cabinet’s top edge and both sides of each shim. Reset the vanity top, taking care to correctly adjust its position before setting it down. To secure the top to the vanity cabinet, use any fasteners that came with it.
Step 14: Finish the Edges
Apply a bead of silicone caulk to the vanity top or backsplash edges that contact the wall. If the top has a drop-in sink, now is the time to seal around the rim. If you’re replacing an existing backsplash that isn’t part of the countertop or installing a new one, now is the time to glue it to the wall and caulk it.
Step 15: Connect the Pipes
If you haven’t previously, attach a tailpiece to the sink drain assembly. When installing a new faucet, use the tailpiece that came with the faucet to connect the pop-up stopper. Connect the P-trap to the waste exit and the tailpiece. If your old P-trap fits, you can use it.
Tighten the faucet supply water lines to the shutdown valves with an adjustable wrench. Turn on the valves, then the faucet. Fill the sink with water, let it drain, then inspect the faucet hoses and drain assembly for leaks.
Vanity Top Alternatives
You can buy a new countertop from the same construction supply store where you bought the bathroom vanity, or you can have one custom cut. Among the most fashionable choices described by HomeAdvisor and other sources are:
Stone:
Solid granite and marble, as well as composite stones such as quartz, bestow sumptuousness on any bathroom and can combine with an under mount sink and a modern faucet to transform an average bathroom into an outstanding one.
Tile:
Create a bespoke base out of plywood and cement board, then tile it to match the décor. Tiling is a separate project, but putting the top is as simple as installing any other top.
Laminate:
Switch over your monotonous laminate top for a more vibrant one.
Solid Surface :
Corian and Silestone solid surface vanity tops, as well as cultured marble vanity tops, are both long-lasting and elegant, and they can outfit with easy-to-clean integrated sinks.
What is the cost of removing an old bathroom vanity?
The cost of removing a vanity ranges between $115 and $500. The most important aspects influencing the pricing are the unit’s size and the countertop material. Larger proportions, particularly those with a large stone or concrete slab, require more time to remove. The cost of removal usually includes the disposal of the old unit.
How much does a Bathroom vanity top replacement cost?
DIY bathroom vanity removal should be inexpensive if you have the necessary supplies on hand. The thing that will cost you money is replacing your vanity. According to HomeAdvisor.com, the cost of installing a new bathroom vanity ranges from $300 to $3,800, depending on the model of vanity you choose.
Conclusion:
If you’re thinking about installing new bathroom vanity, you may want to consider replacing the old one with something more modern, unique, or functional.
To sum it all up, the best way to remove a vanity is to wear safety equipment, along with eye and ear protection. It’s important to always read the instructions that come with the tools you are using so that you don’t accidentally cause any damage. Be sure to keep in mind all of the steps needed to ensure that you complete the job properly and efficiently. And if you’re still unsure about how to remove a bathroom vanity top without damaging it, never forget that there are professionals out there who can help.
