How to Install a New Bathroom Vanity and Sink

Planning Your Project

• Before purchasing a new vanity and sink, take measurements of your room and the plumbing to be sure the fixtures you are considering will fit in the space.
• All bathroom vanities and sinks are not the same. In some circumstances, you will install the vanity first and then install the sink on the vanity. Some vanity and sink combos come from the manufacturer with the sink preinstalled on the cabinet.

Disconnect Plumbing

• Turn off the water supply at the sink or at your main shutoff valve.
• Remove hot- and cold-water supply lines. Always have a bucket or container to catch the water and have a towel nearby as well.
• Remove the drain trap. (Be aware it’s filled with water.)

Remove Vanity & Sink

• Before removing the sink and vanity, cut around the edge of the sink or backsplash with a utility knife so you don’t tear the sheetrock paper or pull the plaster off the wall.
• Remove any screws or bolts holding the sink or cabinet to the wall.
• If needed, have a helper assist you in removing the sink and cabinet. In some circumstances, it may be easier to remove the sink first, then the countertop, and then pull the vanity cabinet.

Re-decorate

• At this point in the project, take some time to re-decorate. Fill holes and paint the walls, maybe even lay new flooring or tile at this time. A new light fixture is a nice upgrade.

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New Faucet and Drain

• At this point, it may be easier to install the new faucet on the sink rather than doing it laying on your back with your head inside the cabinet underneath the sink.
• Connecting supply lines to the faucet at this point will save you some frustration down the road as well.
• Install the new drain kit. Most drain kits include a rubber washer. If not, apply a thin layer of silicone to the drain flange before installing it on the sink to prevent leaking.

Install the Vanity and Sink

• In some circumstances, you will install the vanity cabinet first and then the sink.
• Move the vanity and sink into place, being careful not to damage the walls.
• Check to see if the cabinet is level. You may have to shim it.
• Locate your wall studs (typically 16 inches on center). Attach the cabinet to the wall into the studs with three-inch screws.

Plumbing Hookup

• Wrap a few rotations of Teflon tape around the threads of the shutoff valves. Now attach the hot and cold water supply lines to the shutoff valves, and tighten them with a wrench
• Install the drain trap to the sink and to the waste line. Only hand-tighten.
• Turn the water on and check for leaks.