Whether you want to install a new vanity or make space in your bathroom plan by getting rid of the old one, you will have to learn how to remove the old vanity safely. Although you can hire experts, doing the task yourself can help to save some money. Removing the vanity is a skillful task that requires patience and a few tools. You cannot just start to break everything and rip it out of your bathroom plan. Otherwise, the wall can get damaged and you will have to make additional expenses for repairing it. Before getting started with the removal process from your bathroom design, you should get all the tools. Here are the things you need:
- Screwdriver set
- Pry bar
- Wrench
- Pliers
- Rag
- Razor blade or utility knife
- Drill
- Bucket
- Putty knife
- Hammer
Materials needed for the task
- The vanity itself
- Glue
- Wooden blocks for providing support
- Caulk
Step 01 of 08 Turn off the water supply
This is the first thing that you should consider when removing the vanity from your bathroom plan. If you forget to turn the water off, gallons of water will leak into your bathroom as soon as you remove the vanity. Not only will it completely flood your bathroom design but can get outside in your bedroom as well. This can increase a lot of unnecessary work and cleaning the entire space will be very time-consuming and tiring. You may have to hire professionals for cleaning if too much water enters your bedroom. As a result, your expenses will increase. Turning the water connection off is not very difficult. You will only have to close the fixtures shutoff valves. If your vanity does not have separate shutoff valves, you will have to close your home’s main water supply’s shutoff valves.
Step 02 of 08 Prepare your cabinet
Vanities offer bathroom shelves for storage. People store lots of items on these bathroom shelves. Before you start removing the vanity, these items should be removed. Check the drawers and cabinets twice to ensure that they are completely empty. While you are at it, try to remove the drawers and doors if possible. By removing them beforehand, you can make the vanity lighter. As a result, removing it will be more convenient. Also, you can easily carry it out of the bathroom after removing it.
Step 03 of 08 Disconnect the water supply tubes
Your vanity is connected to lots of pipes and tubings. If you want to remove it from the wall, you will have to disconnect all the pipes and tubings first. You will require a wrench for this process. Although it may seem difficult in the beginning, it will get easier once you get the hang of it. However, make sure that the water supply has been disconnected before getting started with the pipes. Also, keep the bucket underneath the pipes so that all the stagnant water falls into the bucket and not on the floor.
Step 04 of 08 Remove the drain P-Trap
You will notice a curved pipe underneath your bathroom vanity. This part is called the P-trap. Although you will have to remove it just like the rest of the pipes, you will have to carefully do it because a lot of water stays stored in this area. The moment you open it, it will start coming out. To ensure that the bathroom floor does not get filled with water, always leave a bucket underneath the P-trap.
Step 05 of 08 Remove the mirror from the wall
Once you have removed all the pipes, you can turn your focus to other things. It is always wise to get rid of items that can get easily damaged first. The most fragile part of your bathroom vanity is the mirror. If you hit it with any tool by mistake, it can easily break. This will not only double your work but can also hurt you seriously. The task is very easy if the mirror is hanging from a hook. However, many mirrors are directly installed on the vanity and cannot be removed easily. In such a scenario, it is better to leave the mirror as it is and try to be careful while working near it. You do not want to break it while trying to remove it.
Step 06 of 08 Start with the vanity top
Many countertops are glued or caulked in. In such cases, a blade is required so that you can use it to cut around the caulk. Your vanity top will come off easily once you finish cutting. Many vanity tops are held in with brackets underneath. If there are brackets, use your screwdriver set to carefully unscrew everything and then lift the countertop off.
Step 07 of 08 Remove the vanity cabinet
Removing the vanity cabinet is similar to removing the vanity top. You will have to cut around the caulk joints that hold the cabinet in one place. Besides using caulk, a vanity cabinet is installed using brackets and screws as well. Unscrew everything properly and then use the prybar and hammer to remove the vanity.
Step 08 of 08 Clean everything
After you have removed the vanity, you are still not done. Removing a vanity can create a lot of mess. Make sure you clean the space properly. Nothing should be lying on the floor. If you notice caulk anywhere, use the knife to remove it completely.
