Installing a Bathroom Vanity Sink

Intro

Installing a bathroom sink in a vanity is made easier by the fact that the supply lines and the drain all remain hidden within a cabinet. If the cabinet has no back, simply attach it to the wall so it encloses the plumbing. If the cabinet has a back, you'll need to measure and cut three holes for the two supply lines and the drain.

Choosing a cabinet and top
High-quality vanity cabinets are made of hardwood to resist water damage. Less-expensive cabinets are made of laminated particleboard that quickly disintegrates when it gets wet. A vanity top typically is a single piece comprising the bowl, countertop, and backsplash. Acrylic or plastic vanity tops are inexpensive, but they scratch and stain more easily than other materials.

Prestart Checklist

Time
Two to three hours to install a basic cabinet and vanity top with faucet

Tools
Drill, level, hammer, screwdriver, adjustable wrench, groove-joint pliers, basin wrench

Skills
Installing a faucet, attaching a P-trap, connecting supply tubes, simple carpentry

Prep
Shut off the water and remove the old sink

Materials
Vanity cabinet and top, faucet, P-trap, supply tubes that fit the stop valves, plumber's putty, wood shims, screws

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Step 1

The stop valves and drainpipe should be in place and close enough together to be enclosed by the cabinet. If your vanity cabinet has a back (many do not), remove the handles from the stop valves. Then measure and cut holes for the drain and the two supply pipes.

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Step 2

Slide the cabinet into place and check it for level in both directions. If necessary, slip shims under or behind the cabinet. Drive screws through the cabinet framing into wall studs to secure the cabinet.

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Step 3

Set the vanity top upside down on a pair of sawhorses and install the faucet and drain assembly. Check the manufacturer's instructions for details.

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Step 4

Set the top onto the cabinet and check that it is centered. Remove it, apply caulk or adhesive along the top edge of the vanity, and reinstall the top.

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Step 5

Connect the supply tubes to the stop valves. Connect the trap.

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Installing a drop-in sink: Step 1

To install a drop-in self-rimming sink, first install a laminate countertop or, for a tile countertop, plywood and concrete backerboard. Many sinks come with a template for cutting the countertop. Otherwise, turn the sink upside down on the counter and trace the outline of the rim. Draw a line 3/4 inch inside the first line. Cut this second line with a saber saw.

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Installing a drop-in sink: Step 2

Plumb the sink (Step 3). Apply a bead of bathtub caulk or a rope of plumber's putty around the hole and set the sink. If the sink doesn't have mounting clips, apply a bead of silicone caulk instead of putty. Set the sink in, wipe away the excess caulk, and wait several hours before attaching the plumbing.

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Installing a drop-in sink: Step 3

If your sink has mounting clips, slip several of them in place and turn them sideways so they grab the underside of the counter. Tighten the screws. Attach the supply lines and the drain trap.

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