Moving Bathroom Sink Plumbing
There can be a number of reasons to consider moving your bathroom sink like saving space, restyling, etc. However, Can you really move a bathroom sink?
Yes, you can move a bathroom sink but it may cost a lot. Moving it a few inches on the same wall may be affordable but moving it to a new wall would be messy and very expensive. To move a bathroom sink, you'd have to move the water supply lines, the drainage and the vent. Most of this would require digging up the floor and walls, adding to the plumber's on-site time and their charges as well.
As obvious, it is usually advised to keep your bathroom sink where it is unless it is unavoidable. The good thing is that there are many other (cost-friendly) ways to revamp a bathroom sink without moving it to make your bathroom more modern and spacious!
Contents
- 0.1 Moving a Bathroom Sink – All You Need to Know
- 0.2 A Plumber's Job or DIY?
- 0.3 What is Your House Built On?
- 1 Revamping Your Bathroom Sink Without Moving it
- 1.1 1. Install a New Faucet
- 1.2 2. Refinish the Bathroom Sink
- 1.3 3. Paint the Bathroom Sink
- 1.4 4. Refinish the Bathroom Vanity
- 1.5 5. Replace Your Sink
- 2 Final Verdict
Moving a Bathroom Sink – All You Need to Know
When it comes to bathroom renovation, moving the sink is cheaper than moving the toilet, the bathtub or the shower. However, it can still prove to be very costly, especially if you're moving it more than just a few inches.
However, you may be in a situation where you have to move your bathroom sink. Apart from the extra bucks and effort, it's certainly doable. So, if you're absolutely sure about moving your bathroom sink, here are some things you should keep in mind:
- Keeping it on the same wall – this is the best case scenario because the plumbing would require the least amount of alteration (sometimes none at all!). You'll just have to extend all the pipes a few inches using flexible tap connectors, etc. You may not even have to tear up the wall. Even if you do, it won't get too messy.
- Moving to another wall – this is a bigger project and would require a lot of digging up the floor. You'll have to consider whether to extend the plumbing from the previous location to the new one, or start a new line entirely. Moving a bathroom sink to another wall is a big task and can cost a lot, especially if you're hiring a plumber to do it.
- Moving a sink on upper floors – if the bathroom sink you plan on moving is not on the ground floor but on an upper floor, the overall task can prove to be very expensive. The reason behind is because the plumber would need access to the pipes which are located between the ceiling and floor. Be prepared to have chunks of your ceiling torn out and remade later.
Regardless of where your sink is, some costs are inevitable. Let's look at these general expenditures now.
A Plumber's Job or DIY?
First of all, you have to decide whether you want to hire a plumber to do the job or you prefer it to be a DIY project.
You may be a DIY-lover but I'll ask you to think twice before taking up such a task on your own. If you're just moving the sink a few inches on the same wall, you can go ahead with a bit of research and useful tools. However, if you want to move it to an entirely new location, it is best to at least seek a professional's advice.
By now, you must be wondering about the plumber's costs. Plumbers usually charge by hour.
An average plumber charges around $80 per hour, but the costs can go as high as $150.
Moving a bathroom sink to another wall or moving one on an upper floor is at least a day's job (it can take days), so you can get an idea of what a plumber would charge for that.
What is Your House Built On?
The second thing to consider is your house's foundation – is it on a slab or on a raised foundation? The latter is easier to work with when it comes to plumbing, but the former can be quite troublesome.
Raised foundation provides easier access to plumbing, making the plumber's job easier and your costs lower. On the other hand, a concrete slab needs to be broken down in order to access and move the plumbing fixtures. Needless to say, the entire process can be very, very expensive.
Revamping Your Bathroom Sink Without Moving it
If you're only moving your bathroom sink for restyling purposes, it's better to explore other options first.
Let's look at some other ways to revamp your bathroom sink.
1. Install a New Faucet
This is a really easy way to restyle your bathroom sink. If your sink isn't seriously damaged in any way, I'd recommend leaving it alone and just replacing the sink faucet.
The first best thing is that it wouldn't require any changes in the plumbing so you don't need to pay a plumber. This is easily a DIY project that – with a bit of homework and the right tools – should not be troublesome at all.
The second best thing about this idea is the fact that a bathroom faucet should only cost you $100-$200. Since there are no installation costs, the price of the faucet would be the cost of the entire project!
2. Refinish the Bathroom Sink
If your sink is damaged in any way (scratches, cracks, chipping, etc.), refinishing it is a great way to give it new life.
Although you can do it at home yourself, it is usually best left to the professionals due to the use of harsh chemicals.
Resurfacing a sink can extend its lifespan by 10-15 years. It's the best option for people who want to retain their current sinks or want to change their sink's color. This is another cost-effective way of revamping your bathroom sink without actually moving it or replacing it with a new one.
3. Paint the Bathroom Sink
This is another option for the DIY lovers. Painting your bathroom sink is an easy, cost-friendly way to restyle it and it will only take a day.
To paint your bathroom sink, you have to:
- Clean the sink thoroughly with a cleaning fluid and let it dry completely.
- Sand the sink's surface heavily until it is rough. Clean the dust away with a dry rag.
- Apply painter's tape on all the areas you want to protect from the paint.
- Put a respirator on and spray on the first layer: primer. Apply multiple thin coats with 1-hour intervals in between to let each layer dry.
- Spray on the paint on the primed surface. Apply multiple thin coats, keeping the spray bottle at a distance of 10" from the surface.
- Finally, after the paint has dried completely, apply a topcoat for a finer finish.
Make sure you open all the windows and ventilators during the process to let out the fumes.
4. Refinish the Bathroom Vanity
If you like your sink as it is, you can refinish your bathroom vanity instead. Redoing the vanity alone will give your bathroom a new look.
Like refinishing a sink, refinishing a bathroom vanity can also be a DIY project but is best left to the professionals.
5. Replace Your Sink
If you have the budget for it, why not get a new bathroom sink? If you compare the total cost of moving your current sink with that of replacing it with a new sink, you'll be surprised at the difference (there won't be much). It is also much less of a hassle and you get to change the look and feel of your bathroom.
There are tons of options to consider when it comes to buying a new bathroom sink like a drop-in sink, pedestal sink, undermount sink, vessel sink, etc.
Final Verdict
Now that you know all about moving a bathroom sink and other ways to restyle it, you're all set to make a renovation decision for your bathroom.
If your purpose is not restyling but actually moving the bathroom sink, make sure to do enough research on it or consult a trusted professional.
If you can manage, DIY-ing is perhaps the most cost-effective way to move a bathroom sink. However, if you're not sure about the job, it's best to hire a professional.
If you're facing difficulties with the plumbing and your plumber insists on moving the bathroom sink being your best solution, consider getting a second opinion.
Got questions? Drop them down below and I'll answer them ASAP!
Source: https://www.agreatsink.com/can-you-move-a-bathroom-sink/
0 Komentar