Is your vanity top too large or too small to fit in your bathroom? Do you want to replace the old vanity top? Anyways, one common question lingers in the mind of homeowners, how to remove and replace bathroom vanity top.
Replacing a vanity top seems complicated, but it doesn’t. With the right tools, proper technique, and skills, you can change the appearance of the bathroom. To achieve a new look with your bathroom vanity; you need to read the article thoroughly. Let’s start!
Table of Contents
How to Remove and Replace Bathroom Vanity Top – Detailed Guide
Keeping in mind all of your needs, I came up with a detailed guide about how to remove and replace the bathroom vanity top. Here, I am sharing a step-by-step guide for the ease of users.
Material you needed:
- Adjustable Wrench
- Utility Knife
- Putty Knife
- Pliers
- Bucket
- Towel
- Silicone Caulk
- Caulk Gun
- Gloves
- Protective Glasses
- Drain tailpiece
- New Vanity Top
Step 1: Turn off the Water Supply
Before starting the procedure, clean the area for hassle-free work. Make sure you have plenty of workspace to perform the task. Turn off the water supply. Identify the shut-off valves under the sink. It is a vital step to get rid of accidental water leakage and damage.
Step 2: Detach the Plumbing
Disconnect the main water supply tube. You must be careful while performing this step. There are plenty of chances of water leakage. You just need to position your bucket under the valve to collect leaking water. Take the wrench and adjust it according to the nuts. Now, move the wrench in an anticlockwise direction to lose the nuts of the supply tube. Detach the supply tube from the valve and keep it aside.
Step 3: Get rid of the P-trap
Get rid of the p-trap. Use a handy towel or position the bucket under the sink to catch any water residual.
The P-trap is composed of three key elements, collectively forming a comprehensive drainage trap. Firstly, there’s a straight arm directing the drain pipe towards the wall. The second component is the curved trap arm, and the third is a tailpiece that establishes a connection with the drain pipe.
To detach the p-trap, loosen and unscrew the two nuts, one positioned on the tailpiece and the other located at the edge of the arm. If the pipes are made of plastic, they can be detached by hand. For metal pipes, utilize pliers and turn the nuts in an anticlockwise direction.
Step 4: Remove Additional Wall Fixtures
Before moving to the next step, remove any obstructions including mirrors and vanity lights. Remove the vanity mirror carefully without breaking or damaging it. In case the mirror is fixed above the vanity top and backsplash, unscrew the mirror.
Step 5: Detach the Backsplash and Vanity Top
Remove the vanity top from the vanity cabinets. If your vanity includes a backsplash, take a utility knife and cut through the caulk between the wall and the backsplash. In case, the vanity is connected to the cabinets with screws. Take the wrench and unscrew the nuts to remove the vanity top from the cabinets.
Step 6: Detach the Cabinets
Detach the cabinets and examine the cabinet for mold and any damage. Before installing the new vanity top, repair the cabinets if needed.
Step 7: Install the New Vanity Top
It’s time to install a new vanity top on the cabinets. To create a strong bond between the vanity top and the base, use a bead of silicone adhesive.
Step 8: Attach the Plumbing
By following the manufacturer’s guidelines, attach the faucet and handles to the newly installed vanity top. By following the detaching procedure of the p-trap and drain pipe, attach the p-trap and drain pipe to the new vanity top sink. Reattach the water supply lines to the faucet.
Step 9: Final Touches
With the help of a caulk gun, apply a bead of silicone caulk in the place where the vanity top connects to the backsplash and the wall. Create a smooth surface with the help of a finger or putty knife. Attach the mirror again to give it a final look.
Step 10: Turn on the Water Supply
Turn on the water supply and inspect any leakage around the faucet and the drain. If you feel everything is perfect and in its place, enjoy your new vanity top.
Can you replace the vanity top without replacing the cabinets?
Yes, you can replace a vanity top without replacing cabinets. By following this procedure, you need to remove the old vanity top, detach the plumbing, and install a new vanity top to fit on previous vanity cabinets.
Before replacing the old vanity top with a new one, measure the old vanity and the cabinets. Ensure that the new vanity top is appropriately aligned with the faucet and the sink. The vanity top should match the size of the cabinets. Any loophole will eradicate its functionality and the aesthetic appeal of the bathroom.
Why is there a need to remove the vanity top?
You know the answer to this question very well. However, there are several reasons to remove the old vanity and replace it with the new one. Let’s try to find out the reason.
1. Upgrade your Bathroom
Replacing the old vanity with a new one is the simplest approach to upgrade the overall look of the bathroom. The bathroom is the place where we visit quite often so, there is a need to enhance the bathroom’s aesthetic.
2. Improve its Functionality
Maybe your old vanity has lost its charm and now it’s not functional anymore. Replacing the old vanity with a new one improves the functionality and efficiency of the bath area.
3. New Vanity is Essential
In case, your old vanity is damaged. The damage can be in the form of water damage, fixtures damage, or surface damage, the new vanity is essential for your bathroom. Sometimes, repairing is not the solution. To prevent further damage, the new vanity for your bathroom is crucial.
What is the most durable material for bathroom vanity tops?
Quartz is known as the most durable material for bathroom vanity tops. Quartz surfaces are specially designed for bathroom vanity top that are capable of withstanding stains, heat, and scratches. The material prevents the bacteria from growing, thus making it extraordinary for wet areas.
A wide range of colors and patterns are available to choose from according to your style and other bathroom fixtures. Granite and marble are also durable but they cannot beat the performance of quartz. Select the new vanity top according to your needs and budget.
Should the cabinets empty before replacing the vanity top?
Yes, it is advisable to empty the cabinets before replacing the vanity top. Clear and empty cabinets will make the process easier. Removing items from the cabinets gives a clear workspace to perform the task seamlessly.
In addition, empty cabinets lessen the overall weight and make easy lifting. This step offers a smooth and easy replacement process without any risk of damaging or breaking.
Empty cabinets let you clean the cabinets thoroughly from inside. If there is any mold or dirt, try to remove it. The proper maintenance of the cabinets from inside or outside gives better results during this project.
Conclusion
If you have planned to update your bathroom vanity top, it will just take extra effort, expense, and proper technique to transform the bathroom vanity top. If you love to perform DIY tasks, this article is for you. When doing the job, be careful and remember the key points. After reading this article, you will get to know the proper technique for how to remove and replace bathroom vanity top. If you are not interested or don’t want to perform this task by yourself, you can consult professional.
