How to Remove Bathroom Vanity Plumbing

You're remodeling your bathroom and are finally ready to replace the old chipped vanity. Now you face the question of the hour: How do you remove that scary-looking stuff that's known as bathroom vanity plumbing? Less intimidating than it looks, the plumbing under the bathroom sink can be removed in a few minutes, using a few common tools and a bit of elbow grease. Roll up your sleeves and gather your tools and before you know it, you'll have this operation finished and be on to the next stage in your remodeling project.

Things You'll Need

• Pliers Adjustable wrench Medium pipe wrench Bucket Towel

Instructions

1. Turn off the water that goes to the bathroom sink by rotating the shutoff valve handles that are located directly below the hot and cold water faucets. They will be close to the bottom of the vanity and should turn easily by hand. If one is stuck, use a pair of pliers to grip and turn it.

2. Open the hot and cold water taps to release any pressurized water that remains in the lines.

3. Detach the hot water line that is at the top of the inside vanity by using an adjustable wrench to turn the bolt where it connects beneath the faucet. A section of water line will remain; this is part of the faucet assembly and should be left intact. Repeat this process with the cold water line on the other side of the vanity interior.

4. Remove the hot water line by unscrewing the bolt that connects the water line to the shutoff valve, and set the line aside; then do the same with the cold water line.

5. Place a bucket beneath the drain pipe and using the pipe wrench unscrew the pipe where it connects to the bottom of the sink and near the bottom of the vanity floor. The pipe will have water remaining in the "S" section, so try not to tip it onto the floor. Drop the section of drain pipe into the bucket once it's free of the connections. You now are ready to proceed with the replacement of the sink, faucet, vanity or complete ensemble.

Tips & Warnings

• If your plumbing is more than two years old it's a good idea to replace the water lines and drain pipe with new ones when you install your new fixture.