How to Replace the Floor For Leaks Under a Bathroom Sink
The pipe was leaking under the bathroom sink, and by the time you found it the floor had rotted. While this is a time consuming project, it's not too complicated. You can have the floor replaced in a weekend with some basic materials and common household tools. Before you know it, that ruined floor will be a thing of the past and your bathroom will be as good as new. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Screwdriver Adjustable wrench Circular saw Jig saw Hammer Nails Plywood, measured to fit Wood putty New flooring material Two waterlines, measured to fit Teflon plumbers tape
Instructions
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1
Turn off the water at the shutoff valves and disconnect the water lines, using an adjustable wrench. Disconnect the drain pipe where it connects to the sink.
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2
Remove the sink and vanity by lifting it up over the pipe and water valves. Note that there may be screws holding it to the wall; if so remove them. Set the vanity outside the bathroom so you have room to work.
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3
Pull up the rotten flooring material so the subfloor is exposed. If you have vinyl flooring cut it with a utility knife and straight edge; ceramic will need to be chipped out at the grout lines. You will need to expose the subfloor all around the rotted area and back to the nearest floor joist, which you should be able to locate by looking for the nails that secure it down.
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4
Cut the rotten portion of the subfloor out, using a circular saw and being careful to cut a straight line down the center of the floor joist. Use a jig saw for the last few inches near the wall and along the outside wall.
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Measure your cutout and cut a piece of plywood to fit, taking care that you use the same thickness as the original. Insert it into the hole and nail into place; smooth out the seam with wood putty.
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Replace the flooring (you may wish to re-floor the entire room), vanity and plumbing. Turn on the water and test for leaks; if you find a drip, tighten the connections until it stops.
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Tips & Warnings
Check with your insurance company, as this damage may be covered in your policy.
Always wear eye protection when using power tools.
