How to remove a bathroom vanity

During the bathroom renovation, you need to upgrade the bathroom design. The first step for upgrading the bathroom is to remove the vanity. The new design of everything demands removing all old furniture and even the wall paint color. Eliminating old bathroom vanity needs particular expertise. But you’re mistaken. Even if you are a new remodeler or a fresh DIYer, you can easily remove the bathroom vanity with the right tools and guidance.

Updating the bathroom vanity is the most noticeable improvement that can be made to a bathroom, and it is also one of the simplest tasks that any homeowner can tackle. However, removing the bathroom vanity requires extra care. Suppose your bathroom vanity is in good condition; then you can store that for future use. You can also sell that vanity unit and use the money for your remodeling project.

Modern vanities are frequently marketed together with coordinating counter surfaces with integrated sinks available in different materials. Several of these vanities are surprisingly economical. But, in order to install a new vanity, you will first need to remove the existing vanity cabinet. This method will also require some of your efforts to disconnect the water supply lines leading to the faucet and the drain assembly. But if you properly plan the process, you will not have trouble completing the project.

Some considerable things before starting the process

The bathroom vanity removal process is easy to handle and can remove the vanity without harming it. But sometimes you have installed a built-in vanity unit, or you might have installed the previous vanity by utilizing the old plumbing fixtures; in such cases, you cannot remove the bathroom vanity without damaging it. If you find yourself in such a scenario, you might need to cut the vanity unit into small pieces. Cutting the bathroom vanity is not an easy task. But with the help of a rotary saw having the demolition blade, this process can be finished super-fast and easily. Before performing this process, removing the countertop and sink from your bathroom vanity set before you start cutting the vanity unit into smaller pieces is best.

But you need to show some extra care while cutting the vanity unit. Make sure to do not to cut the other necessary fixtures and accessories. While performing, pay close attention to the condition of the p-traps, shutoff valves, and supply lines serving the sink and drain. It might be possible that these parts are not in shape and have lost their solidness or will lose their sturdiness over time, so it is compulsory to dispose of the old fixtures by replacing these with new ones. After understanding these important notes and considerations, you can perform the task. These considerations will help remove the bathroom vanity without any trouble or delay.

A step-by-step method to remove the bathroom vanity

You will need some essential tools and materials to remove the bathroom vanity. You cannot perform the task if you don’t serve yourself with the right tools. So gather the following equipment before starting the process.

Required Tools

• Pry bar
• Utility knife
• Screw gun
• Bucket
• Rag
• Adjustable wrench
• Putty knife
• Woodblock
• Tongue and groove pliers
• Channel-lock pliers

Step 1: Remove the cabinets doors

Before doing any process, you need to remove the cabinet doors. Whether you want to cut down the cabinet or remove it safely, the first step is to remove the entries carefully. Start unscrewing the door hinges with the help of a screwdriver. In this way, you can not only protect your old vanity cabinets, but it will also make it convenient for you to reach the plumbing fixtures. Moreover, it will make it easy to move the cabinet from one place to another.

Step 2: Disconnect the water supply

The next step is turning off the water supply to pull out your old bathroom vanity easily. It is because you might need to unplug the pipes to remove the vanity. Therefore, turn off the water supply to stop the water flow from hot and cold taps. Generally, this can be done by simply shutting down the fixture valves. These valves tend to join both hot and cold supply tubes to the main line, situated under the sink. Move the valve in an anticlockwise direction to turn it down.

In other cases, when the shutoff valves on your vanity faucet are not working correctly or are not present under the sink, you can locate the shutoff valves on the main water supply in your home. Simply turn the water off from there by rotating them anticlockwise direction.

Some water may remain in the tap; completely drain them by opening the faucet. It will also release the pressure from the faucet. After completely removing the water, disconnect the attached pipes from the tap.

Step 3: Disconnect the primary Water Supply tubes

The next step involves disconnecting the main water supply tubes that attach the shutoff valves to the faucet. Show extra care when you are going to disconnect each box individually. While disconnecting, put a bucket under the valve so that some water from the line can be collected in the bucket. Use the adjustable wrench to loosen the compression nut on the supply tube by rotating the nut in an anticlockwise direction. Then gently slip out the supply tube from the valve and put it aside. There will be a little copper compression sleeve or ring on the pipe under the compression nut if the connection is a compression one.

Close inspection of the shutdown valve is needed to rule out the possibility of a leak. If water leaks from the valve after it has been turned off, you must turn off the house’s primary water supply and replace the fixture’s shutoff valve with the new one.

Step 4: Remove the P-trap/Drain trap

To remove the p-trap, you need to place the bucket under the sink so that when you disconnect the p-trap, you can collect the remaining water in the trap. Generally, the drain trap consists of three main parts. One is the tailpiece connected to the drain pipe, the second is the u-shaped trap, and the third is the straight trap arm leading the drain pipe to the wall.

To loosen the p-trap, you need to unscrew the two nuts, one located on the tailpiece and the second one at the edge of the arm. This process can be performed by hand in the case of plastic pipes. But if you have solid material pipes, use channel-lock pliers and rotate the nuts in an anticlockwise direction. After loosening and removing the nuts, carefully remove the trap assembly. Clear the p-trap from the water by dumping it into the bucket. To ensure no leak from the open pipe leading into the wall, insert a rag into the line. Additionally, sewer gases cannot enter the room due to this obstruction.

Step 5: Remove the vanity mirror

If you need to remove the vanity mirror, then before proceeding further, you must remove it. It is necessary to point out if your mirror is placed on the vanity countertop or the backsplash. In case of not removing earlier, your mirror can be damaged. However, if your mirror is not set on the top but is stuck to the wall, you can leave this step unless you don’t want to replace the vanity mirror.

Step 6: Cut the caulk joints

Before removing the top, you must cut the caulk that joins the top and base together. With the help of a utility knife, you can cut the caulk from where it enters the top to the wall and the vanity base. Besides the top of the vanity unit, cut the caulk between the cabinet base and the wall.

Step 7: Remove the vanity top

Now remove the vanity top. You can remove the top in two ways, depending on how your countertop is fixed on the vanity base. Either this is glued with the help of caulk or screwed by using the screws. In the case of screws attached to the top of the cabinet, you will need to insert a screwdriver into the drawers and reach inside them to take them out. If you don’t find any screws, your vanity top is attached to the base with the help of caulk or any other sealant. Try to lift the top from the vanity base. If you face difficulty lifting this, it is possible to glue it even though there are screws.

Tap a putty knife with a hammer in the space between the cabinet frame and the countertop to break the sealant bond. After you have finished working your way around the cabinet, use a pry bar to pry the top up, and then have an assistant help you hoist it off. If you have not done so earlier, turn it over and place it face-down on the cabinet, allowing the faucet to hang over the edge. You will have an easier time removing the bathroom sink and tap if you do it in this manner.

Step 8: Remove the cabinet

Before removing the cabinet, it is crucial to inspect the interior of the cabinet so you can identify how and where it is linked to the wall. If there is any trim, you should remove it from the area where the cabinet meets the walls.

Most cabinets are mounted to the wall using a few screws driven through a mounting strip and into wall studs. It’s also feasible that the cabinet will be affixed to the floor by having screws or nails driven through nailing blocks located at the base of the cabinet. It would serve as an anchor. Use a drill or a screwdriver to take out all of the screws. If the cabinet is secured to the wall with nails, you must use a flat pry bar to pull it away from the wall carefully. Put a block of wood between the pry bar and the wall, and then lean on the block as you pull the pry bar away from the wall. It is necessary in order to avoid causing damage to the wall. While removing the vanity cabinet, carefully remove it without damaging the plumbing valves.

Step 9: Finish the project

Finish the project by removing and cleaning the excess caulk from the wall. You can use a putty knife or a scrapper to remove the caulk from the wall. If your new cabinet has a different size than the previous one, then you need to paint the wall before placing the new bathroom vanity. So, in the end, you can get a clear and finished look at your bathroom vanity.

Different Style Options For new bathroom Vanity

After removing your bathroom vanity, the next step is finding the best alternative. Today you can find different modern-style bathroom vanities on the market if you did not decide on what style bathroom vanity you need to mount in your bathroom so you can update your bathroom style. Besides the class, your new bathroom vanity can increase the functionality of your bathroom if you decide to increase the storage space to put all your necessary items.

You might not decided yet what kind of bathroom vanity you want or which vanity can fulfill your requirements. For your ease, we make a list of modern-style bathroom vanities that are available in the market. All you need to do is inspect your area, brainstorm your needs, and decide on the bathroom vanity style.

Pedestal Bathroom Vanity

It is the most stylish and classic bathroom vanity. Pedestal sinks are made up of two parts: one is an upper basin, and the second is the shaft at the bottom. Generally, these sinks are crafted from porcelain. These two parts are entirely separate from one another and only joined together during the installation process. This feature allows you to install the bathroom vanity quickly.

The vanity top is the central part where all the possible connection for fixing the plumbing fixtures and faucet is present. It also serves to collect the water in the basin. On the other hand, the lower part of the vanity is the vertical pedestal and helps carry the lavatory’s weight.

It is the most traditional style vanity unit and is famous for placing it in small bathrooms. The pedestal bathroom vanity has no vanity cabinet or storage space. A pedestal sink is only concerned with the sink, including the water and the basin. A pedestal sink only worries about the sink, including the water and the basin.

Floating Bathroom Vanity

This form of vanity, sometimes called a wall-mounted bathroom vanity, has no connections to the floor. Instead, it has cabinetry that protrudes out of the wall and a sink placed on its top, giving it the appearance of floating. This style bathroom vanity provides not only ample storage but also offers stylish aesthetics to your areas.

Floating bathroom vanity is famous for providing a neat and clean look to any size bathroom. Besides delivering great storage, it covers all plumbing fixtures and looks clean. Typically, these bathroom vanities are more significant than the pedestal-style vanity. This style bathroom vanity is an excellent option to improve any size bathroom’s overall look and feel.

For contemporary-style bathrooms, floating or wall-mounted bathroom vanities are the ideal addition.

Cabinet-style bathroom vanity

Cabinet-style bathroom vanities are often known as freestanding bathroom vanities. As its name shows, this bathroom vanity style usually has cabinets and drawers. Sometimes it comes with the under mount sink or the integrated sink. When you hear such a vanity name, you can think about pull-out drawers, open shelves, and single or double-door cabinets, open to reveal great storage to tuck away all the necessary bathroom items.

Besides the freestanding style cabinet, cabinet-style bathroom vanities can be attached to the floor instead of standing on the legs. This style of bathroom vanity is an ideal option for large-size bathrooms. These are often available in large sizes, such as 72 inches, and can be found as single or double-bathroom vanity. These large-size bathroom vanities can perfectly serve traditional style lovers. They often suit the bathroom where you must present the retro, farmhouse, or vintage style bathrooms.

The double bathroom vanities in cabinet style are the perfect option for couples. Sometimes a team needs a separate space to put their favorite products; then, a double freestanding bathroom vanity is manufactured for them. In addition to the couples, families with more family members can benefit from such style bathroom vanities.

Bathroom mirror cabinets

Bathroom mirror cabinets are similar to medicine cabinets. These come with shelves for placing all the necessary items besides providing mirror functionality. You can save space and store many products by mounting them on the wall. These cabinets can be mounted on the already installed vanity base. For example, if you have mounted the pedestal vanity or freestanding bathroom vanity, you can mount the compatible bathroom mirror cabinets instead of hanging the flat mirrors on the wall. You can also double the mirror and the storage space by mounting this cabinet style in any corner of your bathroom.

FAQs

How much time will it typically take to switch out a bathroom vanity?

Replacing the old bathroom vanity with the new one is the best option to transform the feel and environment completely. You might get extra storage space and store all your toiletries by replacing the bathroom vanity. Changing the bathroom vanity does not require special skills; you can change it in six to eight hours. This time limit is for the pre-planned idea of switching the bathroom vanity. If you did not plan the project, then your project will require more time to finish.

How frequently should you change your vanity?

Wide varieties of wood, glass, MDF, fiberboard, and stone are among the most popular materials used in the construction of vanities. As long as the materials in concern are utilized reliably in constructing premium vanities, they can survive for up to sixty years. The wood used in bathroom vanities is treated to survive in any bathroom environment.

How can a bathroom vanity be removed from the site without harming the walls?

Generally, bathroom vanities attach to the wall by using caulk or screws. You can simply cut the caulk down with a utility knife to remove it. If your vanity is secured by using screws, then you might need to show some extra care. You can use a pry bar to remove the cabinet from the wall. You can place the wooden block between the wall and the pry bar to protect your wall from harm. This way, you can remove the vanity without harming your bathroom wall.

How much will it cost to remove your bathroom vanity in 2023?  

The cost of removing the bathroom vanity can vary according to a different situation. If you withdraw your bathroom vanity by yourself, the cost is much less than expected. However, if you hire a professional, it costs you a high. It can be as low as $14.41 and increase to $42.35 per linear foot. But it can vary according to your vanity size and other conditions.

Summing it up

Until now, you know how to remove the bathroom vanity. Now you can decide whether to hire a professional or will handle your next project by yourself. If you choose to handle it independently, the guide will help you remove the bathroom vanity confidently. Though this method doesn’t require expertise, you need to show some care while removing the old bathroom vanity from the bathroom wall so you don’t harm your vanity or the wall. By making a proper plan, you can remove your bathroom vanity without hiring any professional. Instead of paying the high cost, you can utilize the money to buy a new bathroom vanity.