DIY Installation Guide for Your Bathroom with a New Vessel Sink (2024)

A vessel sink is the perfect way to introduce an eye-catching focal point to your bathroom. Instead of being recessed, this sink design rests on top of the vanity surface, saving counter space and creating a polished aesthetic while also opening up a wide realm of creative design possibilities. Vessel sinks are the perfect solution for creating that WOW-factor in your bathroom.

But don’t let this vibrantstyle intimidate you - installation is very easy for the DIY renovator! This post will guide you through the considerations you will need to make, in addition to revealing the creative potential vessel sinks can offer to the inspired homemaker. Within a few short minutes, you’ll have everything you need to know to install a vessel sink, transforming your bathroom into the statement-making space you’ve always dreamed of.

Vessel sinks are the perfect solution for creating
that WOW-factor in your bathroom.

Step 1: Choose Your Vanity

Since vessel sinks only require a drain and faucet hole, your existing vanity may have to be modified prior to installation. If you like your current vanity, you can simply purchase a countertop with these holes pre-drilled. However, vanities are often exposed to lots of moisture, so inspect your cabinets carefully and consider replacing them if they show any signs of excessive wear.

If you decide that a new vanity is the best option for your bathroom, the next step is determining the style. Most home improvement stores will offer traditional cabinets and countertops for fast and easy installation. If you want something a bit more modern, consider a floating or wall-mount vanity. Instead of resting on the floor, floating vanities are mounted to the wall, offering a unique blend of trendy style and functionality.

For a low-cost unique look, consider recycling old furniture, especially dressers, to support your vessel sink. To modify a dresser, you will need to reduce the depth of the top drawers to accommodate the plumbing and drill a drain and faucet hole. With some patience, a little time, and some basic carpentry skills, you could make a one-of-a-kind vanity that is guaranteed to turn heads.

Step 2: Choose Your Sink

Now, the exciting part: choosing the vessel sink that will adorn your new or repurposed vanity! Kraus has a breathtaking array of styles and materials that will give you that perfect look. The Kraus Viva™ collection is a remarkable collection of thin ceramic sinks made from highly durable and stain resistant vitreous china. If you're unsure of what style will fit your bathroom the best, the Viva collection offers a variety of designs, from contemporary geometric shapes and textured exteriors, to smooth sweeping patterns.

If you are seeking a vessel sink with unparalleled resilience and contemporary styling, look no further than the Kraus Natura™ collection. With a Natura sink, you get the benefits of a cutting-edge mineral composite enhanced with nanotechnology, creating a luxurious matte surface that is impervious to stains and cracks. Contemporary silhouettes with refined edges will give your bathroom a luminous modern look.

The Viva collection offers a variety of designs, from
contemporary geometric shapes and textured
exteriors, to smooth sweeping patterns.

Step 3: Choose Your Faucet

To accommodate the height of your new vessel sink, you will likely need to install a new faucet. Kraus has meticulously designed several collections of faucets that will seamlessly match your vessel sink. The Kraus Esta™ Series is inspired by the elegant contours of Art Deco architecture, combining the best of sculptural design with superior functionality. For those that find beauty in simplicity, our Indy™ Series may be the perfect fit. With a clean minimalist design, these faucets radiate a bright and uncluttered look in any bathroom. Lastly, the Arlo™ Series offers a classically-inspired design with elegant, refined lines. An arched spout and a gracefully curved single handle creates a timeless appearance. No matter what faucet you choose, you will receive the perfect marriage of form and functionality to complement the elegance of your vessel sink!

Step 4: Removing the Old Vanity

Now that you have chosen your vanity, basin, and faucet, it’s time to replace the old vanity with the new. To begin this job, turn off the hot and cold water shut-off valves beneath the sink, and turn on the faucet to drain any remaining water. Disconnect the supply lines from the shut-off valves using an adjustable wrench. Have a bucket positioned beneath the supply lines since some water will likely drip out of the lines. Place a bucket beneath the drain and disconnect the drain plumbing. It is typical for the water in your drain plumbing to be discolored, so don’t be alarmed.

Removal of the vanity top and sink will depend on how they were originally installed. Some vanity tops are fastened to the vanity with screws, while others are caulked in place with silicone. Identify the installation method, and either remove the screws or cut the caulk with a utility knife. Leaving the sink attached to the old vanity surface will speed up the removal process. Use a partner to remove the old vanity, as it may be heavy. Lastly, if applicable, remove the old vanity cabinets by unfastening any screws securing them to the wall.

Installation instructions for a new vanity will vary depending on the style you have chosen. Wall mounted vanities require some extra care since wall studs will need to be located. Follow any manufacturer instructions for your new vanity as you go through the installation process.

Acquire necessary
materials

To attach the vessel sink to your new vanity countertop, you will need a clear silicone adhesive, an adjustable wrench, a pair of pliers, a bucket, and a towel.

Prepare the vanity top
and position the sink

If your vanity top does not include a pre-drilled drain opening, position your sink in the desired location, mark the opening with a pencil, and use a 4” hole saw to cut the opening. Apply a bead of silicone to the base of the sink, and carefully position the sink over the drain hole. Allow the sealant to set for 30 - 60 minutes before installing the drain.

Insert and secure
the drain fitting

To install a Kraus pop-up drain, install the rubber washer on the drain body and place the drain body in the drain opening in the sink. From underneath the sink, attach the concave washer (with the narrow end up), the plastic washer, and the mounting nut to the drain body. Tighten the mounting nut with an adjustable wrench until snug.

Reinstall the drain
plumbing

Thread the tailpiece onto the drain body and hand-tighten the nut. Depending upon the orientation of the new vessel sink drain, you may need to add a tailpiece extension, or cut away plumbing from the trap. It is generally a good idea to purchase a new trap, including slip nuts and washers, since these components can leak with age.

Check for
leaks

Once your faucet and water supply lines have been installed, check your vessel sink drain for leaks by filling the basin with water. Leaks around the tailpiece nut can usually be fixed with additional tightening. Leaks around the bottom of the sink indicate that the drain fitting is likely seated incorrectly, requiring disassembly and reinstallation.

The Final Step: Enjoy Your New Vessel Sink

It’s time to enjoy all of your hard work! Stand back and admire the unique contemporary look of your new vessel sink, paired with the crisp elegant lines of your faucet. Nothing elevates the look of your bathroom like a vessel sink – and nothing beats the satisfaction of a job well done!

Good luck with your installation, and don’t hesitate to reach out to Kraus Customer Service if you should need any assistance.

To learn more about Kraus vessel sinks, visit our Amazon Storefront.