Need to center your new bathroom sink for a complete remodel? Tired of your off-center sink ruining the look of your bathroom or powder room?
Fixing it isn’t as complicated as you might think.
Centering a sink may seem like a difficult undertaking, but with the right knowledge and tools it really is something most DIY and home improvement-capable homeowners can accomplish without ever needing to call a plumber.
We’re going to go over everything you need to know to center a bathroom sink, from how to remove the sink, to ordering a new countertop, to how to install the sink again once you have the new countertop.
Why Center A Bathroom Sink?
First of all, do you actually want to center the sink?
Given enough counter space, having the sink to one side gives you a larger, uninterrupted counter space at your bathroom vanity to do things without a sink in the way, such as applying makeup or styling your hair.
On the other hand, having your bathroom sink centered on your countertop can give your vanity cabinet a more balanced, symmetrical look that enhances your overall bathroom design. And if you have a small vanity top anyway, an off center sink just looks awkward without opening up much extra space to do anything.
Typically, you’ll want all major fixtures around your sink vanity to line up on the same centerline. That includes your bathroom mirror, base cabinet, countertop, sink, faucet, vanity light fixtures, and backsplash, as applicable
In some cases, the sink faucet will be to the left or right side as an accent. If the cabinet is against a side wall, the countertop may have a lip around the front and opposite side.
In these cases, you can center the sink to either the countertop or the cabinet. Using the cabinet is standard, however.
You can also order your countertop precut to the sink if you’re getting new counters altogether. In most cases, you’ll have a template for the cutout in your new vanity, and if not you can certainly figure out how to center your lavatory sink with just a tape measure and some basic math.
Preparing To Center A Countertop Bathroom Sink
When it comes time to actually center the new sink, there are a few things you’ll have to keep in mind.
First, if you’re dealing with a pedestal sink, we’d recommend calling in a plumber as the extra work is really something you’re going to want a pro to be doing. If you just have a countertop sink, whether it’s a single or double basin sink, you should be fine on your own and you can follow the steps below.
1. Measuring The Vanity For A New Countertop
Measure the vanity’s length and depth, and purchase a new top that will fit it as well as the sink. If you’re buying a new sink, you will almost always have a template that will allow you to have the countertop cut precisely for your sink.
If you’re reinstalling your old sink, you’ll just need to measure the sink itself or the dimensions of the previous cutout in your old countertop.
You will also need to examine the area under the new sink to see if you need a standard or extended and curved P-trap. If the P-trap is in the center of the vanity, a standard P-trap will do.
Otherwise, measure the length the new P-trap will need to accommodate and purchase one with the correct dimensions.
You may also need to purchase new supply lines in a different length.
2. Shutting Off And Draining The Water
First, you’ll need to shut off the water to the faucet. You do this by turning off the supply valves at the back of the sink where the lines leave the wall and attach to the faucet.
Then open the faucet to drain as much remaining water out of the line as possible.
Next, simply place a bucket underneath the P-trap of the sink and loosen the water supply lines and the P-trap and allow excess water to drain into the bucket before removing them both.
3. Remove The Sink From The Countertop
After the supply lines are disconnected, remove the faucet and set it aside somewhere.
Look underneath the sink and look for the screws that hold the vanity top in place and remove them. If the top is glued down, carefully run a putty or utility knife around the vanity top to cut away any adhesive.
Once the top is loose, remove it from the rest of the vanity. Then, remove any excess adhesive off the top of the vanity and clean the wall where the top contacted it.
A wipe down with alcohol or a Clorox towelette works well here.
4. Install The Faucet and Test Fit Everything
Next, install the faucet on the new countertop. If the sink is an undermount design, flip the countertop upside down and loosely attach the included screws to the underside of the new vanity top.
If it’s a drop-in model, set the vanity down and then place the sink in the cutout.
5. Attaching The New Vanity Top
If you have an undermount sink, you’ll want to install it according to the manufacturer’s instructions first, and then reinstall the countertop and then secure it with screws and construction adhesive. If you have a drop-in sink or vessel sink, you’ll simply reinstall the countertop first, and then do the sink.
Caulk around the sink and faucet as recommended by the manufacturer, and the hard part is all done.
6. Reconnect The P-trap and Supply Lines
Simply reconnect the P-trap and the new (or old) supply lines and then test out your new sink!
Final Thoughts On How To Center A Bathroom Sink
Centering a bathroom sink is definitely something you can do yourself, and you should now be able to handle it without needing to call a plumber. Still, don’t feel bad about calling a professional if you aren’t quite sure you want to tackle this one on your own.
Either way, knowing is half the battle, and you should now know everything you need to know about centering your bathroom sink.