What is a Vessel Sink?

DIY – To put it as simply as possible, vessel sinks are free-standing sends that are mounted directly onto the countertop. It’s also popular to mount them on other furniture or bathroom fixtures. They come in many different shapes and sizes. The depth of the sink can be chosen as well. Nowadays, they can be made with glass, vitreous china, stainless steel, cast iron, marble, even bronze.

DIY Sink Installation (Vessel Sinks)

DIY – Vessel sinks are fairly easy as a do-it-yourself sink project. Follow the steps below for your DIY sink installation project:

Step 1: Line up the Vessel Sink Drain Hole with the Cutout

Make sure the drain hole is aligned with its offset surface, using the cutout hole of the vessel sink as a guide.

Step 2: Apply Putty to Drain Hole

Apply and compress a drop of plumber’s putty about 1/4″ thick around the bottom of the drain hole.

Step 3: Attach a Rubber Gasket

Fasten the rubber gasket, plastic washer and lock nut to the drain. Afterward, fasten the drain stem.

Step 4: Dry-Fit the Pipes and Fittings of the Vessel Sink

Dry-fit the PVC pipes and fittings,as well as the P-trap, making cuts when needed.

Step 5: Apply Primer and Cement

Apply PVC primer and cement on the proper surface areas. Put the drain together, tying it to the vessel sink waste pipe. Hold each connection together for a few minutes so that the chemical result of the primer and cement doesn’t put pressure on the pieces and make them come apart.

Step 6: Drain the Water Lines

Turn off the water supply to the house. Turn on the faucets and let them run until no more water comes out. Putting a couple of towels down to soak up any excess water within the pipes would be a wise.

Step 8: Cut Capped Ends of Pipe

Use a close-quarters pipe cutter to chop the end marks from the water supply pipes. Clutch cutter tight around the pipe then keep rotating it clockwise, around the pipe until the pipe is cut.

Step 9: Install the Shut-Offs

Install the compression shut-off valve, per the manufacturer directions. These fittings have to be very tight. You may use two adjustable wrenches to make sure it’s really secure.

Installing a new toilet is actually easy. It just takes half a day for expert DIY plumbers and a full day for novice DIY plumbers. The tips below will help you install your new toilet efficiently and quickly. If you still need to deinstall the old one first, we can help with that too. Check out our article entitled, “DIY – How to Remove an Old Toilet in 5 Easy Steps” for assistance.

Step 1. Apply Caulk and Set

• Apply a bead of caulk to the base of the toilet.

• Remove the rag from the drainpipe.

• Set the toilet bowl on top of the flange and press down.

• Note: Toilets are very heavy. It would be wise for someone with a weak back to as someone to help you with your DIY toilet installation project.

Step 2. Fasten Bowl to Floor

• After placing the bowl tightly in place, seal it with the bolts.

• Gently tighten the washers and nuts onto the bolts, but don’t tighten it too much as it may cause cracks in the toilet.

Step 3. Level It Out and Cover the Bolts

• You should level out the toilet after putting on the bolts.

• If it’s not level yet, use plastic toilet shims.

• Fill the caps with plumber’s putty and place them over the bolts.

Step 4. Set the New Tank

• On the base of the tank, insert the bolts.

• Place the tank tightly over the bowl.

• Lower the tank carefully into place.

Step 5. Attach Tank to Bowl

• Attach the tank to the bowl with its nuts and washers.

• Make sure it’s tightened very well and that the tank is level.

Step 6. Put the Lid On

• The lid is the cover of the tank. Once the tank is level, put the lid on.

• Remember not to seal the joint between the lid and the tank.

Step 7. Connect the Toilet

• The valve is the passageway for the water between the tank and the bowl. So, don’t forget to attach it.

• Attach the valve by connecting the shut-off valve to the fill valve.

Step 8. Tighten the Compression Nut

• After connecting the valves, tighten its compression nut very gently.

• Open the shut-off valve.

Step 9. Apply Caulk

• Tighten the foundation of your toilet to your floor.

• Run a bead of caulk around the bottom of your toilet.

Step 10. Smooth It Out

• Wet your finger.

• Use your wet finger to smooth out the bead of caulk along the joint.

DIY – Toilet Installation Tips

• Installing a new toilet as a DIY project can be really frustrating and difficult, if you let it. If for some reason, you are unable to complete your DIY toilet task, do not hesitate to contact a plumber.

• Most new toilets come without a toilet seat. So, be sure to buy a new one or you can simply save the older one from your DIY toilet removal project.

Items Needed

• Old rags or newspapers (thick towels for ceramic flooring)
• Bucket for scooping out water
• Pliers or screwdriver for unscrewing the nuts
• Utility knife for loosening the toilet’s seal

5 Easy Steps for DIY Toilet Removal

Once you have familiarized yourself with the different parts of a standard model toilet, you’re ready for your DIY toilet project. Here are five simple steps for your DIY toilet removal project:

1. Protect Your Bathroom Floor

Before you start your DIY toilet removing project, cover your floor with old rags or thick layers of newspaper. This is what you will set the toilet on after it’s been removed. It’s recommended that you use thick, cushioning towels if you have a ceramic tile on the floor in your bathroom. If you accidentally drop the toilet, you can crack or even destroy your ceramic tile. So, try to make the cushion as thick as possible. You don’t want to have to start a DIY ceramic tile replacement because you made a careless mistake.

2. Drain the Water

• Turn of the main water supply to the toilet. This is usually located directly behind the toilet bowl. Once the water has been disconnected, flush the toilet numerous times. This repeated flushing will empty out the water from inside the toilet tank. This will also help to remove most of it from the toilet bowl.
• Use a container, such as a bucket or pot, to scoop out the remaining water. Water left in the toilet will more than likely leak out as you’re carrying the toilet through your home for disposal. It will also sit in the abandoned toilet, causing a build up of fungus, mold and bugs.

3. Disconnect the Toilet

• Locate the nuts that connect the toilet to the water supply line. Unscrew these nuts.
• Locate the caps that cover the bolts located on the base of the toilet. Unscrew these nuts, too.

4. Loosen Seal Around Toilet

• Use a utility knife to loosen and score the caulking seal around between the toilet bowl and the floor.
• Rock the toilet from side to side until it’s completely free from the caulking and no longer sealed to the floor.

5. Remove the Toilet

• Make sure your towels or newspapers are laid out properly.
• Lift the toilet from its foundation. Make sure to hold the toilet by the bowl, not the toilet seat, for a secure grip.
• Sit the toilet down carefully on the towels or newspapers.
• Use a rag to block the now open drain pipe. This will prevent sewage gases from escaping into your home.

When you’re ready to install your new toilet, we can help with that too. Check out our article entitled, “DIY- How to Install a New Toilet” for assistance.