Instructions on How to Remove a Bathroom Vanity Cabinet and Countertop
By Mark J. Donovan
|
|
If you are undertaking a bathroom remodeling project chances are you will need to remove the bathroom vanity cabinet and countertop, and replace it with a new one. Bathroom vanities should also be removed, at least temporarily, if you plan on putting in a bathroom ceramic tiled floor. Bathroom vanities also take quite a beating due to frequent use, particularly if kids are using the bathroom on a regular basis. Consequently there are times when it is simply necessary to remove the bathroom vanity and replace it with a new one.
Removing a bathroom vanity is a relatively simple project to tackle that the average do it yourself homeowner can do. A second pair of hands, however, can be helpful when literally picking up and removing the bathroom vanity from the bathroom. |
Removing Bathroom Vanity Countertop
To begin with, open up the bathroom cabinet doors and turn off the water supply line valves. Then turn the bathroom faucet(s) to the on position(s) to confirm that the water is indeed off to the bathroom sink.
| Next, disconnect the bathroom sink supply hoses at the valve assembly area. Also disconnect the drain pipe. You will need a small crescent wrench and possibly a pair of channel lock pliers to remove the hoses and drain pipe. Also, have a small bucket and rag handy to catch and wipe up any water that may spill from the drain pipe when you disconnect it.
After disconnecting the bathroom vanity supply and drain lines, look underneath the bathroom vanity countertop to see how it is affixed to the bathroom vanity cabinet. |
 |
In most cases it is simply attached with a bead of silicone caulk. In some cases, however, there may be a few clamps or brackets that hold it to the bathroom vanity cabinet.
If the bathroom countertop is simply attached with silicone caulk, use a utility knife to score around the bathroom countertop where it attaches to the bathroom vanity cabinet. If there are clamps securing the bathroom countertop remove them with the appropriate tool, e.g. wrench or screw driver.
If there is a backsplash resting on top of the bathroom countertop, use your utility knife to score around the edges of it, as most backsplashes are attached via silicone caulk.
| After scoring the backsplash, if there is one, gently pull it away from the wall and bathroom countertop base. As you pull it away, continue to use your utility knife to help cut away the silicone caulk so that you do not damage the wall.
Next, lift the bathroom countertop off of the bathroom vanity cabinet and discard of it in an appropriate area. Bathroom Vanity Cabinet Removal Now, with the bathroom countertop off, look for screws that are holding the bathroom vanity cabinet to the wall. Use a screwdriver or screw gun to remove the screws. |
 |
| After removing the screws, you should now be able to remove the bathroom vanity. Again, a second pair of hands could be useful at this point.
After removing the bathroom vanity, cap off the drain pipe to prevent sewage gases from escaping. Either push a large rag into the drain pipe or use some plastic and tape to cover the drain pipe. With the bathroom cabinet removed you are now ready to install your new bathroom vanity cabinet and countertop. |
 |
For help on your bathroom remodeling project, see my Bathroom Remodeling Bid Sheet. The Bathroom Remodeling Bid Sheet provides a request for quote checklist section that you can provide to prospective bathroom remodeling contractors. It also includes a comprehensive bathroom remodeling cost breakdown table, in Microsoft Excel format, that allows the contractor to include his projected remodeling costs for every phase of the project.
Related Information
Additional Bathroom Remodeling Design Resources
  |
  |
Get Free Bathroom Remodeling Price Quotes with No Obligation!
Fill out our 3-5 minute quick and easy form, and receive a free price quote on bathroom remodeling from one of our prescreened and licensed bathroom remodeling contractors. This process is free and there is no obligation to continue once you receive your bathroom renovation price estimate.