Ready to give your bathroom a major facelift without a full-blown renovation? Replacing the vanity and faucet is one of the most impactful changes you can make. This project might seem intimidating, but with the right tools and a clear plan, it’s a fantastic weekend project for any aspiring DIYer.
A new vanity can completely change the feel of the room, adding style, storage, and function. Whether you’re tackling a small bathroom remodel or just looking for a much-needed bathroom update, this guide will walk you through every step. Let’s get started!
Safety First: Protect Yourself and Your Home
Before you pick up a single tool, let’s cover the essentials. Safety is non-negotiable.
- Turn off the water! Locate the two small shutoff valves under your sink (one for hot, one for cold) and turn them clockwise until they stop. If they won’t turn or are missing, you’ll need to shut off the main water supply to your house.
- Turn off the power. If your vanity is near an electrical outlet or has built-in lighting, turn off the corresponding breaker at your electrical panel.
- Wear safety glasses. Protect your eyes from dust, debris, and unexpected water drips.
- Have old towels and a bucket ready. You’ll have some residual water in the pipes and P-trap. Be prepared to catch it.
- Lift with your knees, not your back. Vanities, especially those with stone tops, can be heavy and awkward. Ask for help if you need it.
Tools & Materials List
Gathering everything beforehand is the secret to a smooth project. Nothing is worse than a mid-project run to the hardware store.
Tools You’ll Need:
- Adjustable wrench or basin wrench
- Groove-joint pliers
- Bucket
- Drill/Driver with bits
- Stud finder
- Level (a 24-inch one is ideal)
- Utility knife
- Caulking gun
- Safety glasses
- Work gloves
- Pry bar (optional, but helpful for stubborn tops)
- Tape measure
Materials You’ll Need:
- New bathroom vanity and countertop
- New faucet assembly
- Flexible water supply lines (2)
- P-trap kit (it’s always best to replace this)
- 100% Silicone caulk or sealant (kitchen & bath grade)
- Wood shims
- Lag screws or vanity mounting screws
- Old towels and cleaning rags
Project Prep: Clear the Decks
A clean and clear workspace is a safe and efficient one.
- Empty the Old Vanity: Remove everything from inside the cabinet and off the countertop.
- Clear the Room: Move any bathmats, scales, or trash cans out of the immediate work area to give yourself plenty of room to maneuver.
- Set Up Your Bucket: Place your bucket and a few old towels directly under the drain pipes.
Step-by-Step Guide: From Old to New
Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have a new vanity installed in no time.
Part 1: Removing the Old Vanity
Step 1: Shut Off the Water & Disconnect Lines
With your shutoff valves turned clockwise (off), use an adjustable wrench to disconnect the hot and cold water supply lines from the valves. Have a towel ready to catch any drips.
Step 2: Disconnect the Drain (P-Trap)
Place your bucket directly underneath the P-trap (the U-shaped pipe). Use groove-joint pliers or your hands to loosen the two large nuts connecting the trap to the sink’s tailpiece and the wall pipe. Water will drain out, so be ready. Remove the P-trap and set it aside.
Step 3: Cut the Caulk Seal
If your vanity top is sealed to the wall, use a utility knife to carefully score and cut through the old caulk line. This will prevent you from damaging the drywall when you pull the vanity out.
Step 4: Unfasten the Vanity from the Wall
Look inside the vanity cabinet for screws securing it to the wall. They are usually located along a horizontal wood strip near the top. Use your drill to remove them. Some countertops are glued to the base; if so, you may need to gently pry it off before removing the cabinet.
Step 5: Remove the Old Vanity
With everything disconnected, carefully pull the old vanity away from the wall. Again, get help if it’s heavy!
Part 2: Preparing for the New Vanity
Step 6: Clean and Prep the Area
Now is your chance to clean the floor and wall that were hidden. It’s also the perfect time to patch any large holes in the drywall and apply a fresh coat of paint if you desire. It’s much easier to paint behind the vanity now than to try and cut in around it later.
Step 7: Mark Stud Locations
Use your stud finder to locate the studs in the wall where your new vanity will go. Mark their locations with a pencil. Securing your new DIY vanity to studs is crucial for a stable, long-lasting installation.
Part 3: Installing the New Vanity and Faucet
Step 8: Pro Tip! Install the Faucet First
This is the single best piece of advice for this project. It is infinitely easier to install the faucet and drain assembly onto the countertop before you install the vanity. Lay the countertop on a soft surface (like its cardboard box) and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific faucet. Learning how to install a faucet this way saves you from working in a cramped cabinet later.
Step 9: Position and Level the New Vanity
Carefully move the new vanity cabinet into place, aligning it with your plumbing. Use your level to check if it’s level side-to-side and front-to-back. If not, slide thin wood shims under the base until it’s perfectly level. You can score and snap off the excess shim pieces later.
Step 10: Secure the Vanity to the Wall
Using lag screws or other appropriate fasteners, secure the vanity cabinet to the wall by driving screws through the back support rail and into the studs you marked earlier. Do not overtighten, but ensure it is snug and doesn’t move.
Step 11: Connect the Plumbing
Attach the faucet’s new flexible supply lines to the shutoff valves. Hand-tighten, then use a wrench to give them another quarter-turn. Install the new P-trap, connecting the sink drain to the drainpipe in the wall. The plastic nuts on the P-trap should only be hand-tightened.
Step 12: Turn On the Water and Check for Leaks
This is the moment of truth! Slowly turn the water shutoff valves back on (counter-clockwise). Check every connection point—at the valves, at the faucet, and at the P-trap—for any signs of moisture. If you spot a drip, turn the water off and gently tighten the connection another quarter-turn.
Finishing Touches & Cleanup
You’re almost there! These final steps will give your project a professional look.
- Apply a Bead of Caulk: Use your caulking gun to apply a thin, even bead of silicone caulk where the countertop meets the wall. This prevents water from splashing down behind your new vanity. You can also caulk around the base where it meets the floor for a seamless finish.
- Wipe Everything Down: Clean your new vanity, countertop, and faucet to remove any dust or fingerprints.
- Clean Up Your Workspace: Put away your tools, dispose of the old parts, and properly get rid of the old vanity.
Congratulations! Step back and admire your work. You’ve just completed a major bathroom update that adds significant value and style to your home. With this successful weekend project under your belt, you’re ready to tackle whatever comes next.