For many homeowners, master bathroom double vanities have restored sanity to the early morning rush. If you're thinking about updating your bathroom to add this feature, think of it as your personal bathroom workstation. Your spouse will almost certainly thank you.
Bathroom Remodeling Projects
Adding a double vanity to your existing bathroom is a common upgrade. The easiest type of retrofit is one in which the current single sink is part of the cabinet. This project requires some plumbing work, so don't tackle it unless you are comfortable with home remodeling projects. The single most critical factor in evaluating whether or not a double vanity will work in your bathroom is space. Double vanities have become more popular in recent years, so there are more sizes available than were marketed only a few years ago. You can find cabinets as narrow as 55 inches, but 60 inch widths are more common, and larger units can be as wide as 78 inches.
Make a few careful measurements before you start shopping, and be sure to take into consideration the scale of a larger cabinet relative to the rest of the space. Having two sinks is nice, but you still need enough room to open and close the door and turn around occasionally.
Double Vanity Plumbing Considerations
Two big considerations when replacing a single sink setup with a double is how to handle the plumbing. The manufacturer's instructions for the vanity you have in mind will help you understand the plumbing setup you will need. Having a plumber do an evaluation and prepare or perform the install is a good idea too. If you plan to do it yourself, these general guidelines will help you understand how to modify the water supply lines and drains.
Existing Water Supply
To accommodate the additional sink, remove the current stop valves and put T-fittings on the 1/2 inch hot and cold water lines. Install new stop valves for the four new lines and your water supply lines should be ready to connect. Avoid placing T-fittings at the lines connecting to the faucets. These lines are narrower, which will adversely impact water flow.
Existing Drain Lines
The drain lines for bathroom sinks are typically 1 1/2 inches at the wall, reducing to 1 1/4 inches at the sink's drain. To accommodate the second drain, you can install a Y fitting at the 1 1/2 inch line branching off to the smaller diameter PVC running to the drain on each sink.
To maintain proper pitch on gravity drain lines, the two sinks should be within a couple of feet of one another.
Tips for Upgrading to Master Bathroom Double Vanities
- This type of upgrade can be a major project, so consider seeking professional help. Whether you do it yourself or have a professional do the work, the installation of master bathroom double vanities is worth the effort. Updated bathrooms and kitchens are two home improvements that will help increase your home's value, and the added convenience of two vanities can make getting yourself together in the morning less of a hassle.
- Prices for vanities vary tremendously depending on the design, materials, and fixtures used, so do some research and set a budget for the job before you begin.
- Installing a double vanity yourself will typically save you money, but remember, if you break or scratch the new unit, you have very little recourse with the retailer, so be careful.
- These units are heavy and can be unwieldy, so plan on having help. Investing in a couple of mover's blankets might not be a bad idea either.
- To give it as much protection as possible, leave any plastic packaging in place on the cabinet and top until you've completed the project.
Whether you do it yourself or have it installed by a professional, adding a master bathroom double vanity to your home is an upgrade that pays off in a number of ways. It will increase the value of your home while offering you a beautiful and convenient way to start the morning.
