Have you been thinking of giving your bathroom a new look by installing a high-end vessel sink on a dresser? It's an easy process that doesn’t require a plumber. With the use of particular tools and basic practical applications, it can be an enjoyable DIY project.
Vessel sinks come in different shapes and sizes. This might leave you spoilt for choice for your countertop sink installation project, but it is crucial to pick a vessel that will suit the countertop of your dresser. Knowing the faucet's location and spout height is critical to know if the given space is enough.
As much as vessel sinks are about aesthetics and giving a unique look to the space you want them installed, good functionality is vital. Vessel sink plumbing should be done exceptionally well. Those with countertops made of marble or stone without experience cutting and drilling into such materials should get a professional before installing a sink on a countertop.
If you opt for a wooden dresser, it should be water-resistant. Laminated surfaces are better than actual wood due to water splashing when the sink is in use. If you’re set on using natural wood, it is better to coat the dresser with varnish or a wood sealer.
Step-by-Step Countertop Sink Installation
Required items
Tools
- Cordless Drill
- Pencil
- Paintbrushes
- Screwdrivers
- Sandpaper
- Straight edge
- Hole saw
- Cardboard
- Wood cleats
- Level
Materials
- Primer
- Paint
- Dresser
- Sink
- New handles/knobs
- Drywall surface screws
- Faucet
- Silicone (clear or paintable)
Step 1: Transforming the dresser
To add a personal touch, altering the original look of the dresser is critical. Sand it and wipe off the dust. Prime the dresser and paint it your favourite colour. Make sure to give it enough time to dry between the primer and the paint. Remove old handles and install new ones with the use of a screwdriver.
Step 2: Putting down measurements and marks
Using a straight edge and pencil, draw diagonal lines on the template that intersect at the middle to find the centre of where the vanity sink will be. Drill holes through the template. If your faucet is not already wall-mounted, drill holes where the faucet hole should be.
Step 3: Widening the drilled holes
It's time to widen the pilot holes using a spot saw. Put saw over the holes and drill away. Your protective goggles will protect your eyes from the sawdust produced.
Step 4: Installing plumbing features
The vessel sink plumbing is not as hard. If you have not done a DIY project before, it's better to go for a sink that is the simplest to install.
The back cover of the vanity dresser is usually removed. Some remove part of it where the plumbing features will go, while some remove all of it. This depends on the sink and faucet design.
After removing the back cover, mark where the plumbing features will go on the wall. Again, if you feel uncertain about the positioning, you can drill pilot holes first and finish with the hole saw. Once done, you can proceed to install the faucet and sink as per instructions on the packaging.
Step 5: Securing the drawers
Since the drawers will not be used to store anything, there are two ways of securing them so that they don't open completely or they don't fall out if they do open.
Using small pieces of wood as stopples
Get 1" by 2" pieces of wood. Drill and screw them to the back of the drawers. This will keep them from falling out when pulled all the way.
Changing the drawers to false fronts
Remove the drawers altogether from the vanity. Get rid of the sides and back of the drawers. This will only leave you with the front part that has the handles. Drill wood cleats to the inner sides of the false front. Drill screws through the wood cleats, so the fronts attach to the vanity. And ta-da! Your false fronts are all set.
If you have saved a drawer or two, you can use it to put in some extra fresh towels and toiletries. Keeping the last drawer for use is highly recommended because it won't interfere with the plumbing section. This, though, entirely depends on the size of the vanity drawers.
Step 6: Ensuring vanity is secure.
Use a level to ensure that the vanity is positioned in a straight position. Attach to the wall using drywall screws. Use silicone to seal the top vanity against the wall.
How to Drain a Vessel Sink
- Here is a short step-by-step guide on how to drain a vessel sink. You will need a screwdriver, a towel or rag, a cut-out 5-litre container and a pair of pliers.
- The drain stopper has to be opened. If it's a twist stopper, you should pull on the knob that is raised. If it's a grid drain or pop-up drain stopper, you can open it by pushing the stopper rod down.
- Remove the stopper by unscrewing it with your hand and removing it from the sink drain. If there is any presence of debris or clumps of hair, clean them out. Return the stopper to its place, then run some water in the sink. If the issue is still the same, it's time to check the P trap. It might be clogged.
- Remove items in the cabinets/drawers. Take your towel or rug and spread it to avoid making a mess. Put your cut-out 5-litre container on top of the towel under the P-trap at the drain line.
- Using your pliers, loosen the ring nut at P-trap that connects the drain line that goes into the wall. Afterwards, pull the end of your trip off the drain line and let any water in the line drain into the 5 litres cut-out container.
- Now loosen the ring nut at the upper end of the P-trap. Then lower the trap straight down and remove any water into the container. Use a piece of copper wire or anything suitable to remove debris or any clumps of hair in the trap.
Conclusion
With the information provided, you will feel more confident revamping your bathroom in a style that suits you. This is an economically friendly project. Call a professional for a more sophisticated look that involves the installation of wall-mounted faucets.
Another helpful tip is getting a cabinet/dresser with deeper drawer spaces. This way, there is more room for the plumbing features. Mounting a vessel sink is not a complex project, so get your tools and begin!
