Title: Vanity swap: what did you wish you knew before you started?
The first time I swapped a vanity in my 1920s place, I naively thought “how hard can it be?” Well, let’s just say the old plaster walls had other plans. Discovered more moisture behind there than I care to admit—felt like I was uncovering a forgotten swamp. Vent fan? Didn’t even cross my mind until mildew started showing up like an uninvited guest at a dinner party.
And finishes—tried to keep the original wood look, but the upkeep is no joke. Water spots everywhere, and my family’s definition of “patina” is just “messy.” I do agree, though, flexible traps are a small miracle. Not pretty, but neither is crawling around trying to fit a rigid pipe into a wall that’s nowhere near square.
Totally get where you’re coming from—old houses have a way of humbling even the most confident DIYer. Here’s what jumps out to me from your experience:
- Plaster walls: They’re a beast. Every time I open one up, I brace for the worst. Sometimes it’s just dust, sometimes it’s... well, like you said, a swamp. I’ve started keeping a moisture meter handy, but honestly, it’s still a gamble.
- Vent fans: It’s wild how easy it is to overlook ventilation until mildew makes itself at home. I’ve had to retrofit a fan after the fact, and fishing wires through lath and plaster is not my idea of a good time. But it’s worth it—mildew is relentless.
- Wood finishes: I love the look, but yeah, water and wood are frenemies at best. Tried sealing with marine varnish once, but it still needed constant touch-ups. I’ve switched to composite or painted finishes in high-traffic bathrooms. Not as classic, but way less stress.
- Flexible traps: Not pretty, but they save so much hassle. I used to be a stickler for rigid plumbing, but after wrestling with crooked walls and off-center drains, I’m a convert. Sometimes function just wins.
Honestly, it sounds like you handled a lot of curveballs. Old homes always have surprises, and it’s easy to underestimate how much time and patience it takes. But you learn a ton, and the next project always goes a little smoother (or at least you’re better prepared for the chaos).
If it makes you feel any better, I once found a mummified mouse behind a vanity—moisture would’ve been a step up.
