Whether you’re renovating a bathroom or just removing it to replace it, you’ll find that there are many steps you need to take. The first step is to turn off the water supply. Next, you’ll need to take out the backsplash and tile. Finally, you’ll need to get rid of any waste.
Disassembly
Whether you are replacing your sink, installing a new faucet, or tearing out a bathroom vanity, you’ll need to make some preparations before you begin. Aside from dismantling the vanity, you’ll need to disconnect your plumbing. This may include the water supply line and drain piping. It’s best to disconnect the pipe by hand, as turning too hard may cause the pipe to break.
Getting rid of your vanity may be easier than you think. Many times, the walls around the vanity unit are tiled. If you don’t have a hole in your wall, you’ll need to use a utility knife to score the caulking and paper. This will reveal the screw heads and give you a clearer view of your mounting screws.
If you do have a hole in your wall, you’ll also need a pry bar. Your goal is to get the cabinet straight away from the wall. The countertop should come off along with the sink.
Changing the faucet and sink will be a good time to replace your flexible supply tubes and shut-off valves. You can remove these using metal cutters or a wrench.
Getting rid of the mirror is a bit more complicated. You’ll need a friend to hold the mirror while you pry it away from the wall. Then, you’ll need to cut through the caulking. This will help you reach into the drawer cavities.
To avoid ripping the vanity out of the wall, you’ll need to remove all of the mounting screws. This should be done in a few stages.
If you’re replacing a sink or faucet, you’ll also need to cut through the caulking and paper. These are the cheapest and easiest parts of the job, but they are also the most time-consuming.
Turning Off The Water Supply
Whether you are installing a new vanity or remodeling your bathroom, you will need to turn off the water supply before you start. You can do this for your whole house, or for a particular fixture. You will need to use a wrench or adjustable wrench to turn off the water.
The main water valve is located under your sink. It should be turned off, and the hot and cold water valves should be turned off as well. This will help to stop the water from flowing and causing flood damage.
Once you have shut off the water, you can begin removing your vanity. It will be easier to do so if you have a friend or family member with you to hold your countertops while you do the work. You can also protect your drywall or other nearby objects by placing a piece of plastic sheeting or plywood beneath the countertop.
Next, you will need to disconnect the vanity’s waste drain. This will prevent sewer gas from entering your home. You should place a rag near the end of the pipe to prevent the sewer gas from entering your home.
After the pipes have been disconnected, you should check the connection of the plumbing holes. If they are pointing in the wrong direction, you may need to cut them. You can then reconnect the hardware according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Then, you will need to disconnect the P-trap. This is a curved pipe that is attached to the tailpiece. It can be swiveled away with swivel pliers. You can also remove it with tongue and groove pliers.
Then, you will need to loosen the water supply line. You will need a crescent wrench and an adjustable wrench to loosen the small nuts connecting the supply lines to the shutoff valves.
Cleaning
Keeping your bathroom vanity clean is an important aspect of maintaining your home. Not cleaning it regularly can lead to serious problems, like water spots, stains, and mold. Fortunately, there are a few simple tricks to help you keep your vanity looking great.
First, make sure the sink in your vanity is not overfilled. If it is, it can cause scratches. Next, wipe the area with a damp cloth. Then, use a putty knife to scrape off any dirt.
For more challenging stains, you can try using a mild pH-neutral cleaner. Don’t use bleach or wax-based cleaners, as they can destroy some finishes. You can also scrub the surface with a mildly abrasive solution. After the cleaning is complete, be sure to polish the area to remove any remaining dirt.
Marble is a porous material, so you should be careful not to damage it. Thankfully, it is fairly easy to clean. Simply use a soft microfiber cloth to wipe down the surface.
Granite is another material that is easy to clean. You should use mild detergent and warm water. You can purchase this type of detergent online or from your local store. You can also use a liquid or powder-based cleaner to remove stubborn materials. You should then wipe the area down again to remove any residue.
Aside from the usual routine maintenance, you should also consider purchasing a sealer for your countertop. This will act as a stain inhibitor. You’ll have to apply it once a year.
If you have a granite vanity, you’ll want to take care not to spill liquids on it. This is especially important if you have children. This can cause the finish to wear out faster.
Removing The Tile And Backsplash
Whether you are planning to replace your old vanity or simply want to add a backsplash to your bathroom, there are a few basic steps you need to take to get the job done. The good news is that you don’t have to do it all by yourself.
You can start by using a putty knife to break the bond between the border tile and the wall. This will give you a better grip on the tile, allowing it to come off more easily. Then you can scrape away any remaining thin-set deposits.
Using a hammer and a scraper will also help you remove the tile from the wall. It is best to remove the backsplash one tile at a time, rather than ripping the entire thing off. If you are working with drywall, make sure you wear thick gloves and long sleeves.
If you have a large backsplash, you can use a 2×4 or a 2×6 to help lift it. This will distribute the weight of the tool across a larger area, which will help you avoid damaging the drywall.
You can also use a pry bar to get rid of the backsplash. You may have to cut out the surrounding drywall to gain access. Then you can use wood shims to protect the wall.
Using an oscillating multitool can also help. This tool has a grinding edge that can help you grind the grout between tiles. It is especially useful when you are working with a textured surface. The multitool can also be used to plunge-cut around the perimeter of the tiles.
Before you begin removing the tile from the wall, you will want to wear safety glasses. You should also wear heavy-duty shoes, long sleeves, and gloves.
Proper Disposal
Getting rid of an old bathroom vanity is a necessary evil. Whether you are remodeling your bathroom or just replacing a broken vanity, it’s a good idea to think about how to get rid of your vanity properly. Some municipalities prohibit you from putting construction waste in your regular household garbage.
You can also take the vanity to your local recycling center. Some of these centers have special rates for the disposal of certain items. If you can’t make it to a recycling center, you can also donate your bathroom vanities to a local Habit for Humanity organization.
You may want to hire a licensed plumber to do the work for you. This can save you time and money. A qualified plumber will be able to disconnect your plumbing and sewer lines.
You can also find a reputable electrician to do the electrical work. Some areas require you to get a building permit for this type of work. An electrician will typically charge around $18 to $30 per hour.