Tuesday, February 21, 2012

How to remove a bathroom sink?

One of the most important issues with demolition is to have the connections kept intact so you can easily flow into replacing the units with their upgrades.  The careful removal of the affixed items is delicate and it must be done carefully.  To remove your counter top or wall-mounted bathroom sink should be done with the proper attention to detail.

INSTRUCTIONS:


Counter Top Sink

Turn off the water supply at the main supply valve. Test the faucet to confirm it is turned off.

Put a bucket under the trap. Loosen the nuts surrounding the trap and remove it allowing the excess water to empty into the bucket.

Take out the water supply to the faucet. Confirm that all plumbing is disconnected from the sink. Place a rag in the main drain to block any gases.

Look for clips under the bathroom sink. Loosen them completely. If you are unable to take them out easily, then break them off.

Cut the seal with a utility knife that is between the counter and the rim of the sink. Or, if the sink and counter-top are one piece, cut the seal along the vanity. To remove it, use a small pry bar.

Raise the whole thing straight up. It should release it from the counter.

Wall-Mounted Sink

Get someone to help you. The sink is probably heavier than you think. Once you take out the plumbing and brackets or bolts, the sink will not be supported.

Turn off the water supply for the bathroom at the main supply valve. Test the faucet to confirm it is turned off.

Put a bucket under the trap. Loosen and remove any nuts that surround the trap. Allow the excess water to empty into the bucket.

Remove the water supply that connects to the faucet. Confirm that all plumbing is disconnected. Place a rag in the main drain to block any gases.

Check to see if the sink is mounted with a bracket. This bracket will make it easy to lift out once the plumbing is disconnected. Take out the bracket and have your helper lift it out.

See if it is bolted to the wall. Have someone hold the sink while you remove the bolts to release it.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

How to Demo a Bathtub Surround


  • Hi everyone, our specialty is Demolition of things inside of a Home, so we will be talking about many items that need to be Carefully Demolished around a home.

    Today we will start with a Bathtub Surround, we always want to change what we have, if we have a shower we want a tub, and if we have a tub we would love to have a shower.  So today we will get rid of the tub.

    Updating your bathroom adds value to your home as well as being aesthetically pleasing for you. 

    You can save money by doing it yourself, however this is delicate as it involves some pluming details. Dismantling the existing tub surround, while not difficult, does take some delicate planning. Prepare to have your bathtub and shower out of service for a few days while you are working on this area. Look at all existing features on the tub surround to determine how they were affixed to the wall and what type of tool will be needed to remove them. This process can be a bit messy and stir up a lot of dust, so make sure you have proper ventilation for the job, either by opening a window, having access to a fan or simply leaving the door open and allowing enough air flow.  As well as securing the rest of the house from the dust you may be generating from the job.

    MATERIALS NEEDED:
    Screwdriver (either Phillips head and/or flat head)
    Claw hammer
    Protective mask
    Drywall saw
    Pry bar
    Utility knife or snips
    Visqueen / Poly-film to protect the house

    INSTRUCTIONS:
    Remove all faucets, fixtures, and hardware on the existing tub surround, including soap dishes, towel racks, shower heads and everything you do or do not want destroyed. These fixtures are normally attached with either nails or screws. Carefully remove the items with the appropriate tool and set the fixtures aside if you intend to reuse them with the new bathtub surround, dispose if you don't. Remove any casing around windows.

    Carefully cut through the dry wall about 2 inches above the top of the existing tub surround using a drywall saw. A sawzall can make this process go more quickly, but do not use one if you are working with lathe and plaster walls. The vibrations from the saw can cause damage. When you reach a stud, tilt the tip of the saw blade up so that you will not cut through the stud. You can also remove the saw and move it over about 2 inches further and continue to saw through the wall board. You can go back after finishing with the wallboard saw and cut out these sections by hand.

    Be aware to pull out any screws or nails used to connect the tub surround to the wall studs.

    Carefully pull the surround away from the wall.

    Use a utility knife or snips to cut the bathtub casing. This divides the surround into smaller sections and should make it easier to remove. Pull the sections of the surround away from the wall for disposal.

    Dispose of the pieces. This is considered construction waste, and it will have to be disposed of properly, not just thrown in with your regular trash pickup.

    If you need assistance or would like someone to do this job for you, do not hesitate to call us.