DIY Network

Vanity Removal Get rid of that old vanity – and outdated lighting – safely. From "Bathroom Renovations" episode DBTR-501

Andy and JP continue to gut their outdated bathroom by removing an old vanity and hard-wired lighting system with help from Amy Matthews.

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Materials:

dust masks
work gloves
small prybar
screw gun or screwdriver
crescent wrench
utility knife
duct tape
work lights and extension cords (if needed)

Vanity Removal

• Turn off power at the circuit breaker and tape the breaker switch in the "off" position so that no one accidentally turns it back on. To make sure the power is turned off, turn on all of the room lights before switching the power off; if a light stays on, it’s still getting power.
  

  	Figure A
  	Figure B

  Safety Alert: Never work with wiring – or near exposed wiring – unless the power is turned off at the breaker. If you’re unsure about whether an outlet or fixture is "hot," use an inexpensive electrical meter (available at any hardware store) to double-check.

• With the power off, remove the light bulbs and unscrew the socket covers and the light faceplate from the light fixture. Andy and JP’s bathroom received lots of natural light; if your bathroom is too dark to work easily, use work lights and extension cords to illuminate the area without turning on power to the room.

• Unscrew the wire nuts (figure A), then pull the wires from behind the light fixtures. Discard the old fixtures or set aside for salvage or reuse.

• Apply strips of duct tape across the mirror to keep it from shattering in case of accidental breakage (figure B).

• Remove any hardware holding the mirror to the wall, then gently pry it away from the wall. The mirror is probably glued to the wall, and may break.

  Safety Alert: Wear safety glasses during this part of the demolition in case the mirror breaks and sends glass shards flying. Be sure to wear work gloves when handling the mirror or broken mirror pieces.

• Use a screw gun to back out the screws and remove the medicine cabinet from the wall (figure C).

  Note: If a screw does not back out as expected, it probably is spinning loose in its hole. Slip a small prybar behind the screw head and gently back out the screw using a screw gun or screwdriver (figure D). The prybar will give the screw threads something to "bite" and will make it easier to remove the screw.
  

  Figure C

  Figure D

  
  

  	Figure E
  	Figure F

• Close the shut-off valves for the vanity sink and open up the faucet to drain water from the line. Amy removed the doors from the old vanity to make it easier to work in the space.

• Disconnect the drainpipe from the P-trap so the sink can be easily removed. Leave the P-trap in place to prevent sewer gases from backing up into the room. Tape an old rag or piece of plastic over the open drain pipe to keep debris out during demolition.

• Place old towels underneath the water-supply lines, then disconnect them from the sink shut-offs. The towels will catch any water remaining in the supply lines.

• Use a utility knife to score the silicone holding the vanity top in place (figure E). Gently rock the vanity top loose, then remove it.

• Unscrew the vanity cabinet from the wall and remove (figure F).

After getting rid of the old tub and vanity, Andy, JP and Amy cleared out the rest of old tile, plaster and drywall down to the studs. This gave them a blank slate to create their new bathroom, starting with a swanky set of French doors.