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Replace a Bathroom Sink & Countertop
After replacing the vanity it's now time to work on the top portion
Level of difficulty: Intermediate
If you have already replaced the bathroom vanity, it's now time to install a new counter
and drop-in sink, or an integrated sink/countertop on that new
vanity or an existing one. Naturally, you can reuse any
suitable existing components (sink, faucet, drain assembly)
that are in good condition.
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| Tools and Materials: | |
| Prefabricated countertop and drop-in lavatory sink,
or Integral sink/countertop
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Pipe wrench and/or channel locking pliers
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| Acrylic caulk/sealant (to match sink/counter color, or paintable)
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Plumber's putty (small container)
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| Scribe (also called a compass)
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Water-line supply tubes (if new ones are required)
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| Tape measure
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Drain tailpiece, trap, and line (if new ones are required)
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| Portable jigsaw with fine-tooth blade
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Duct tape
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| Electric drill with 3/8-in. bit
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Hacksaw
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| Hole saw or spade bits (if required for faucet holes)
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Standard and Phillips screwdrivers
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| Faucet and drain assembly (if new set is required)
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Putty knife
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| 1. Fit the Countertop | | | If the counter abuts a wall on one side, place the counter on the vanity to check for proper
fit at the back and side walls. You may elect to seal small gaps with caulk, but if there is a
large gap at the side wall, you should scribe the counter to the wall. (For details on this
procedure refer to the project Install a Kitchen Countertop.) |
| 2. Layout the Cutout | |  | | Use the sink manufacturer's paper template as
directed to determine the required sink cutout; or
simply turn the sink upside down on the
countertop to trace the sink perimeter on the top,
and draw a second parallel line 1/2 inch inside the
perimeter line. (Skip to Step 4 if you are installing
an integral sink/countertop.) If faucets are mounted
in the counter, carefully locate the holes as
directed. |
| 4. Install the Faucet and Drain Assembly | |  | | It's much easier to preinstall the faucet and drain
assembly on the sink before you install it in the
countertop (or, if you are installing an integral sunk
counter or counter-mounted faucets, before you
set the counter/sink on the vanity cabinet). Follow
the manufacturer's instructions for assembly.
Typically you will need a pipe wrench or
channel-locking pliers. Apply a bead of
plumber's putty (not caulk) on the underside of
the flange on the drain (A) to seal it with the sink. |
| 5. Trial-install the Sink and Supply Lines | |  | | Connect a supply tube to each faucet tailpiece
and tighten with an adjustable wrench. Then lower
the sink in the opening to test fit and alignment.
Hold the sink in place with a couple strips of duct
tape. Check the fit of the supply tubes. Flexible
reinforced tubing is the easiest to use since it
bends or coils as needed to fit between the faucet
tailpiece and the shutoff valve. Flexible vinyl
tubing (as shown) bends a little and can be cut to
length with a hacksaw. |
| | |  Tip: | | | | If you have not already done so, remove the vanity doors for easier access.
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| 6. Install the Sink | |  | | Remove the sink and apply a bead of
color-matched caulk to the underside of the rim
near the outer edge. Grasping the sink by the
faucet, carefully lower it into place. Press firmly
and remove excess caulk with a putty knife or
similar tool. Allow caulk to set up before
proceeding. (If you are installing an integral
sink/countertop, apply a generous bead of
adhesive caulk to the top edge of the vanity
cabinet before you position the sink/top on the
vanity.) |
| 7. Connect Water Supply Lines | | | When the caulk is set secure the supply tubes to the shut-off valves with an adjustable
wrench (hand-tight plus about a quarter turn with wrench). Do not overtighten. |
| 8. Connect Drain Lines | |  | | Reuse existing plastic drain trap or replace your old
metal trap with a plastic one. It may be necessary to cut
the drain tailpiece (B) or the drain line (C).
Hand-tighten the fittings and test for leaks. If
necessary, tighten no more than a quarter turn
more with a channel-locking pliers or pipe wrench. |
| 9. Restore Water Supply | | | Turn on the water to test water and drain lines for leaks, tightening connections as
needed. Remove any excess caulk or plumber's putty and reinstall the cabinet doors to
complete the project.
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