DIY Projects

Carefully measure the height and width of your new vanity. Determine where you want to position it and mark the edge locations with vertical lines. Now, measure and mark up from the floor in three places the height of your vanity. Use the highest mark and draw a level line through it, joining the two vertical lines. You now have an exact outline for the placement of your vanity.

Carefully measure the locations of the water pipes and drain lines coming out of the wall and transfer those measurements onto the back of your vanity. Use a hole saw (at least 1/2″ larger than the pipes) and drill holes for your water lines. Cut the cutout for the drain with a larger hole saw or a jigsaw.

Verify where at least one stud is in the wall behind your new vanity, measure and mark its location on the vanity nailer, and drill a pilot hole for the 3″ screw that will hold it in place.

Finally, Installing the New Vanity

Minimize the chance for damage (and make the vanity lighter and easier to move) by taking out any drawers and removing the doors.

Protect your floors and move the vanity into position, then slide it into place with the water and drain pipes coming through the holes you cut in the back. Check that the cabinet is level (both side to side and front to back), and use shims to level it if necessary. Once the vanity is level, attach it to the wall using 3″ screws.

Installing the Top and Sink

If your new vanity has a built in or molded sink, you will need to install the faucet before you put the top in place. Start by putting the faucet through the precut holes and hand tighten them. Now turn the vanity top over and use a wrench to firm them up. Attach flexible water supply lines to the base of the faucet and the tail pipe to the sink drain. Finally spread a bead of silicone caulk all around the edge of the countertop, then turn it over and position it on the vanity with the backsplash tight against the wall.

If you’re putting a separate sink into your new vanity, you will need to install the countertop first, then install the faucets to the sink, and finally put the sink into the countertop.

Final Steps

Attach the flexible feed lines to the water supply valves and connect the sink tailpiece to the trap and drain. Run a small bead of caulk around the base of the faucet and where the vanity top butts against the backsplash, and then install moldings around the base of the vanity. Finally, turn the water back on and check for any leaks.

Purchasing and Installing new Bathtub Faucets and Shower Heads can be a daunting task. There are several things to consider before purchasing. The style, the finish, and the flow. Traditional, modern, art deco, or with decorative elements, faucets come in a variety of shapes and styles. Chrome, brushed nickel, brass, copper, oil rubbed bronze are just some of the finishes, and the flow can be anything from one that saves water, to one that imitates rain, or one that massages, just to name a few features. But once the decisions are made, they pretty much all install the same way.

Install the valve:

Position the valve so the “UP” indication faces upward.

Connect the hot and cold water supply pipes directly to each side of the valve. Solder all joints making sure not to overheat the valve, which could damage it. 

Secure the valve inside the wall. To make sure it is solidly secured, screw it to a horizontal 2 × 4 in. part. If there is no such part at that location, install one. 

Reconnect the riser tube (or showerhead supply line to the valve) and the spout pipe (if applicable) by using appropriate connectors. If the valve is only for a shower installation (without a spout), plan for a ½ in. brass cap to block the outlet that will not be used.

After completing the walls and tile work it is now time to finish installing the faucet and shower head.

Install the decorative plate and the faucet handle:

Remove the protective template attached to the valve. Make the decorative plate slide on the valve. Position the plate hole(s) in front of the holes in the valve and screw. Now is the time to install the handle. Screw the handle adapter on the cartridge and, using the hexagonal Allen key, install the handle. It is important that the lever points downward when the faucet is shut. Make sure to read the instructions that come with your faucet for any differences in installation.

Install the shower head:

Some shower heads are fixed, others are removable (telephone shower) and attached to stems for adjusting the height to the user. It’s up to you to choose the model you like. Variable flow shower heads make it possible to adjust the water flow to gentle, strong or pulsating. 

Connect the upper outlet (drop ear elbow) to the shower head supply pipe, after applying Teflon tape to the filets, and then screw the drop ear elbow to a horizontal 2 × 4 in. part. Caution: just before screwing the connections, slide the flange to the end of the shower pipe, on the wall side. That way you’ll avoid damaging the chrome pipe. 

Wrap clockwise the shower head’s pipe filets with two or three layers of Teflon tape. Manually screw the shower head without tightening too much. Use an adjustable wrench to finish tightening with a ¼ turn.

If your set includes a flexible connector, install it now.

Most spouts are slid or screwed on a pipe. In either case, first make sure that the copper pipe has no defect or imperfection. The pipe’s cut end must be flawless inside and out. The rim must also be smooth, not sharp. 

Sliding spout:

Turn the spout on the copper pipe so that the setscrew faces upward. Tighten the screw moderately with the hegagonal Allen key. Then turn the spout to the normal position while making sure it’s well installed against the shower stall wall. Tighten the screw well with the hexagonal Allen key. 

Screwed spout:

Apply Teflon tape on the sleeve filets and screw the spout to the sleeve.

Finish the installation

Open the hot and cold water supply and inspect the connections to make sure there’s no leak. Open the faucet to the “lukewarm” position for at least one minute to release the air caught in the pipes.

Tools needed:

Drill, tubing cutter, multiuse wire brush, flame guard, propane torch, damp rag, channellocks.

General Instructions: How to Install a Bathtub

It goes without saying that bathtub installation is a two-person job at the least. Enlist the help of family or friends (maybe someone who owes you a favor) to ensure that your bathtub is installed properly and more importantly, that you do not hurt yourself.

Building codes vary, so make sure to check them before you begin your bathtub installation.

• Check the flooring – inspect the flooring to make sure that there are no damaged floorboards. Replace damaged floorboards and sub-flooring before moving on to the next step.
• Make a mortar bed – If you removed your old tub, then it is likely that the previous mortar bed has been damaged. Chip the old mortar away and make a new one. This can be done with thin-set mortar or concrete and should be at least an inch or two thick. The thickness and proper construction of this mortar bed is extremely important because this is what will be supporting the bathtub when it is at its heaviest, when it is full of water.
• Check your piping – All the piping must be completely installed before setting your bathtub into place.
• Install the tub – In this step, be sure that the tub is resting on and supported by the floor and not the bathtub rim.
• Nail the tub in position by hammering galvanized nails through the flanges. 
• Assemble the bathtub drain connections.
• Turn on the water to check for any leaks – Repair problem areas by refitting and resealing the pipes if leaks are found.
• Install faucet and shower fixtures.
• Seal the area surrounding the tub with silicone – It may also be a good idea to apply caulking to the areas between the bathroom fixtures and the wall to prevent water from seeping behind the fixtures and causing water damage.

Tools Needed for this Project Include:

•  Propane torch and soldering supplies• Hacksaw
•  Tube cutter
•  Drill
•  Galvanized nails and screws
•  Level
•  New bathtub
•  Safety glasses
•  PVC drain pipe, fittings, P-trap, and overflow pipe
•  Hammer
•  Copper supply pipe
•  Tape measure
•  Plastic shims