Removing a bathroom vanity cabinet is a project that requires careful planning and execution. With the right tools and know-how, you can successfully remove your old vanity to make way for a new one. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the steps needed for a smooth vanity removal process.
Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials
Before beginning the vanity removal process, gather all the tools and materials you’ll need:
- Pry bar – to loosen caulk and separate the cabinet from walls
- Hammer – to knock the cabinet away from walls if needed
- Screwdriver – to remove screws from cabinet walls
- Utility knife – to cut through caulk and adhesive
- Gloves – to protect hands from sharp edges and debris
- Tarp or drop cloth – to protect floors from falling debris
- Garbage bags – to collect and contain debris
- Stud finder – to locate wall studs behind cabinet
- Level – to check if cabinet is securely installed on wall
- Flashlight – to see into cabinet crevices and shadows
Make sure you have all necessary tools on hand before getting started. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother.
Clear Out the Vanity Space
Before attempting to remove the vanity itself, thoroughly clear out the cabinet space. Remove all contents from within the vanity:
- Toiletries and medicines
- Hairdryers, curling irons, etc
- Extra toilet paper, towels, washcloths
- Cleaning supplies
- Plumbing accessories
- Anything stored under the sink or cabinet
Relocate all removed items to another bathroom, bedroom, or storage area. Having an empty cabinet space makes removing the actual vanity much easier.
Turn Off Water Supply Lines
The next essential preparatory step is to turn off the hot and cold water supply lines located behind the vanity. Turning the shut-off valves clockwise until tight will prevent water from spraying out when you disconnect the plumbing.
Make sure the water is completely off by turning on the faucet to check for flow. If the shut-off valves are stiff, spray them with penetrating oil beforehand to loosen them up. With the water off, you can detach the plumbing safely.
Disconnect Plumbing
With the cabinet cleared out and water turned off, you’re ready to disconnect the plumbing. This includes:
- Drain pipe – Disconnect the curved p-trap drain pipe from the sink tailpiece. Unscrew slip nut joints by hand or with pliers. Place a bucket underneath to catch water.
- Fixture supply lines – Unscrew the supply line nuts that connect the shut-off valves to the faucet using a wrench.
- Shut-off valves – Unscrew the shut-off valves from the supply lines emerging from the wall.
- Faucet – Unscrew the faucet nuts holding the faucet and remove it.
Retain all hardware and supplies for use with the new vanity. Caps can be used to cover open plumbing lines during the interim period.
Remove Mirror and Medicine Cabinet
Most bathroom vanities have an attached mirror, light fixture, and/or medicine cabinet mounted above the sink. Remove these next:
- Mirror – Look for clips, screws, or specialized rosette hardware on the underside. Release mirror from mount and detach electrical connections.
- Medicine cabinet – Remove door if attached to cabinet. Unscrew mounting screws located inside.
- Light fixture – Turn off electricity at the circuit breaker. Disconnect and remove the light fixture.
Take extra care not to crack or shatter attached glass during removal. Have someone support large mirrors as you work.
Determine Cabinet Installation Method
Now examine how the existing vanity is installed. Bathroom vanities are typically secured one of two ways:
- Wall anchors – If installed with anchors, you’ll see screw holes in the back panel. Anchors are driven into the wall through these holes.
- Cleat system – Vanities installed with cleats have a strip of wood screwed across two wall studs. Cabinets hang on this cleat strip.
Identify the installation style to determine the best approach for removing fasteners or anchors.
Remove Cabinet Mounting Screws
With the mirror, plumbing, and contents detached, you can now start releasing the cabinet itself. Remove the mounting screws or fasteners based on installation type:
For Vanities Installed Using Wall Anchors:
- Access the back by removing drawers to expose screw holes
- Use a power drill to remove all screws driven into the wall anchors
- Anchors should detach freely from drywall once screws are out
For Vanities Installed Using a Cleat:
- Use a stud finder to locate the cleat behind cabinet
- Remove screws driven through back panel up into the cleat
- With screws out, cabinet will detach from cleat mount
Save removed hardware for reuse if cabinet will be reinstalled elsewhere. Discard damaged or substandard fasteners.
Cut Through Caulk Perimeter
Check the vanity top and sides for any caulk sealing it to the surrounding walls. Use a sharp utility knife to cut through the caulk perimeter. Slice down to the countertop edge all the way around.
By cutting the caulk seal first, you prevent it from ripping off chunks of drywall when you pry the cabinet loose.
Carefully Pry Cabinets Loose
With the cabinet detached, you can now begin prying it away from the wall using a pry bar. Take care not to damage walls or cabinet:
- Wedge bar into cabinet/wall seam and pry gently to break seal
- Work slowly around entire perimeter, releasing one side at a time
- Have someone pull cabinet outward as you pry bar along
- Knock on stubborn areas with hammer using scrap wood as buffer
- Keep prying until cabinet detaches completely from the wall
Removing stubborn fasteners or driving additional shims behind may help release an adhered vanity.
Remove Cabinet and Dispose of Debris
With the vanity fully detached, carefully pull it out and away from the wall. Use care not to bump the cabinet or drag it across the floor. Carry the vanity out or slide on a furniture dolly.
Properly dispose of the old vanity if not salvaging or reusing it. Break down large cabinets to fit in trash bags. Thoroughly clean up any debris, screws, caulk remnants, or other leftovers.
Prep the Area for the New Vanity
With the old cabinet removed, now is an ideal time to prep the area for the new vanity:
- Remove remaining anchors, brackets, adhesive patches from wall
- Fill holes and repair drywall damage from removal process
- Paint walls, trim, and adjoining areas before installing replacement
- Deep clean the floor beneath the vanity space
- Make any lighting or electrical improvements as needed
A clean slate helps ensure proper fit and function when installing your new vanity cabinet.
How to Remove a Bathroom Vanity Cabinet
Removing an old bathroom vanity cabinet to replace it with a new one is a straight-forward home improvement project. With the proper preparation and tools, you can safely detach and remove a bathroom vanity without too much hassle. Use this step-by-step guide to smoothly take out your old vanity cabinet.
Turn Off Water Supply
Shutting off the water lines is a crucial first step. Locate the hot and cold shut-off valves behind or beneath the sink and turn them clockwise to shut off. Turn on faucet to test. Doing this prevents water from gushing out when you disconnect plumbing.
Disconnect Sink Plumbing
With water off, unscrew supply lines connecting valves to faucet using a wrench. Unscrew and detach p-trap and drain pieces. Place bucket under to catch water. Label parts for correct reassembly later. Cap off open pipes.
Detach Mirror, Medicine Cabinet, Lighting
Remove the mirror by releasing clips or screws holding it to wall. Take down medicine cabinet by removing screws or sliding out side panels. Turn off power and remove light fixtures. Have someone support heavy mirrors during removal.
Remove Mounting Screws and Anchors
Take out all screws driven into wall anchors or cleats at the vanity back. Anchors will detach from drywall once screws are removed. For stubborn anchors, use pliers to pry them out. Discard damaged hardware.
Slice Through Perimeter Caulk
Use a sharp utility knife to cut through any caulk sealing the vanity to walls. Slice down to countertop edge all around the cabinet perimeter. This prevents ripping drywall when prying loose.
Pry Cabinets From Wall Slowly
Wedge pry bar into seams and gently pry sideways to release seal. Have someone pull cabinet out while prying. Take care not to damage walls or cabinet. Work slowly around entire perimeter until vanity detaches.
Dispose of Cabinet and Debris
Carefully pull vanity away from wall once detached. Dispose of properly if not salvaging. Clean up all debris thoroughly. Now you have a clean slate for your new bathroom vanity installation.
FAQs About Removing Bathroom Vanities
Removing an outdated or damaged bathroom vanity is often the first step in a bathroom renovation project. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about properly taking out old vanity cabinets:
How do I remove the sink from the vanity?
Start by disconnecting the plumbing, including the supply lines, p-trap, and drain pipes. Unscrew any fasteners securing the sink to the countertop. Lift sink straight up to detach. Remove attached backsplash pieces and discard any caulk or adhesive.
What tools do I need to remove a bathroom vanity?
Essential tools include a pry bar, hammer, screwdriver, utility knife, pliers, bucket, stud finder, flashlight, and gloves. Have rags, a tarp, garbage bags, and labels for plumbing parts on hand as well.
How much time does it take to remove a bathroom vanity?
With proper preparation, an experienced DIYer can remove a standard single vanity in 2-3 hours. Double vanities or heavily caulked/anchored vanities may take 4-5 hours. Turning off water, disconnecting plumbing, and cleanup add time.
How can I remove the vanity without damaging walls?
Cut through caulk with a utility knife before prying. Use wood shims to protect walls when prying. Take care not to bump or drag vanity. Patch and repaint any drywall damage before installing the new vanity.
Should I remove the medicine cabinet and mirror?
Yes, remove attached mirrors, medicine cabinets, and light fixtures prior to taking out the vanity itself. This prevents damage and allows you to update lighting or swap out the mirror later.
How do I prepare the area for a new vanity after removal?
Clean flooring, patch holes, remove debris, paint, and make any electrical or plumbing improvements after taking out the old vanity. Prepping the space makes installing the new vanity smooth.
Can I reuse plumbing parts when replacing a bathroom vanity?
In most cases, yes. As long as Shut-off valves, supply lines, and p-traps are in good condition with no leaks or corrosion, they can be reattached to a new vanity.
Conclusion
Removing an outdated or damaged bathroom vanity is a manageable project for most DIYers. By following the steps above and taking care not to damage walls or cabinetry, you can successfully detach your old bathroom vanity and dispose of it properly. Use the empty space as an opportunity to make plumbing, electrical, or other bathroom improvements. Prepping the area will ensure your new bathroom vanity cabinet fits beautifully and functions properly for years to come.
I hope this comprehensive guide gives you the knowledge and confidence to tackle vanity removal in your own bathroom renovation. Just take it slowly, use the proper tools, turn off water lines, and protect walls and floors. With some perseverance and patience, that outdated vanity will be out in no time. Your fresh new bathroom décor will make all that hard work worthwhile.
So grab a helper, gear up with gloves and goggles, and get ready to remove that vanity! Here’s to a smooth demolition process and a gorgeous new bathroom.
The meta description for this article:
Learn how to successfully remove a bathroom vanity cabinet yourself. This step-by-step guide covers turning off water, disconnecting plumbing, detaching the sink, taking down mirrors, removing mounting screws, prying the cabinet loose, and disposing of the old vanity properly.