How can I install a vanity over this unfortunate plumbing?

Question

I have recently removed a vanity from my bathroom and am facing an unfortunate plumbing footprint when trying to put a new vanity in place.

The cold water line runs right against a built in cabinet which I would like to keep in place and the drain for the sink is also the drain for the bathtub in the upstairs bathroom. So the drain pipe actually comes out of the wall and then into the floor.

My question is will I be able to remove enough material from a new vanity to fit it in this space or will I compromise the structural integrity of the vanity I am trying to install.

The previous vanity that I removed was custom built to fit in the space, ie extra pieces of wood were attached to an old piece of furniture and a piece of marble was cut for the counter top. Believe me it sounds nicer than it looked.

Here is an image of what I am dealing with.

Answer 1

Cut that pipe out in 2 places. One place is above the bottom shelf of the new cabinet and mid way between the 2 fittings on the upper pipe that goes at a 45 degree angle. Recouple it back together when the cabinet is installed. The supply lines need to be relocated too, but you may be able to move them around to get past their issues.

The cutting of the vent pipe is still taking a small chance it will be difficult to get the pipe back together. As it is you will need to shorten the pipe you cut out at least by a 1/2" to make room for the stop built in as part of the coupler. You will also need to account for how much out of square the cut has too.

If the upper portion of the pipe has a little upward give to it, it will be a lot easier to rejoin. If not you will need to be really assertive on getting it back together again.

Answer 2

I would probably just cut out section of subfloor around this mess, and the section of drywall, and then re-route everything (under the subfloor) so the pipes come out of the wall. It's not that difficult, and it's probably less work than modifying cabinets and doing the creative plumbing necessary to get this to work.

Of course, this might also mean replacing the flooring (if you intended on keeping that), unless the new vanity can completely hide the patch.

This would also give you the option of using a pedestal sink, which might be appropriate because of the tight space between the wall and door. Personally I prefer the "euro style" vanities in this situation, but just throwing it out there anyway.

Answer 3

Cutting three small holes out of the bottom of the vanity is in no way going to affect the integrity of the vanity nor is it bad practice. I come across bottom plumbing from time to time.

The chances are there was a reason that they couldn't put the pipes in the wall - most of the time it is the wall sitting on a joist.

1. Cut your pvc out so that you have about 10 inches sticking out of floor.
2. Cut pvc so there is a couple inches stick out of wall.
3. Drill small hole for copper line. For the one of the right make sure that you do not drill vanity base.
4. Drill out back hole for pvc.
5. Take off valves off copper lines so that you do not have to make huge holes for them. If soddered on then just cut them off below.
6. Need one person holding vanity and the other guiding the pipes in.
7. Finish underneath plumbing.

Have never had an inspector say a word about plumbing straight to an unfinished area - basement. It isn't normal but its certainly not helping your plumbing situation by moving everything. It is just money and time spent for possibly more issues.

Answer 4

Looks like it could be a project to reroute the pipes. I would modify the new vanity. Just attach it to the wall good. Would be a good idea to add a nailer to the other side of the pipe