All is vanity
YOU’VE DECIDED TO update your bathroom with a beautiful new free-standing vanity/sink combination unit you recently purchased. The only things
standing between you and your family enjoying the improved aesthetics and
function is your old vanity—and the unfortunate reality that you’re not an
especially adept handyman or handywoman.
Not to worry. If you make adequate preparations, which includes reading
this article, you can handle the installation.
Out with the old
Before you begin removing the vanity, turn off the water to the sink. In
most cases you can do this by closing the shut-off valves on the water feed
lines to the vanity located under the sink. If you don’t have shut-off valves in
your current vanity, you will have to shut off the water to the whole house and
hire a plumber to install the necessary fittings.
After you shut off the water, place a bucket under the sink to catch any
water still left in the supply lines or drain. Then, with an adjustable wrench,
disconnect the water supply tubes from the base of the faucet and, with a
large wrench, remove the drain.
Before you can remove your old vanity, you have to determine how it was
fastened to the wall. Vanities are often attached with screws or nails through a
rail or wood panel that runs along the wall. Other common spots bathroom
vanities are attached are in the corners nearest the wall.
While you’re looking inside your old vanity, note how its countertop and
sink are held together. They may be held down with screws, or held in place
with glue.
