Can bathroom sink vent pipe be diverted to install lighted mirror

3 years ago

I am planning a complete gut and remodel of my upstairs hallway bathroom. I plan to keep the same footprint (except to convert tub/shower combo to walk-in shower). I asked two electricians if I can install a lighted electric mirror over the vanity. The current vanity is 44 inches wide, with one sink in the center. There is space to extend the vanity up to 54 inches.

The first electrician said "No; use pendants for task lighting" -- the electrical box needed behind the mirror would be centered over the tap, which would conflict with the vent pipe from the sink.

The second electrician said it can be done, but provided no explanation. What are the workarounds and is it worth it? I have read that the vent pipe can be "bent" to go around the electrical box. I have no expertise in plumbing -- if the sink is offset (moved a couple inches in either direction), does the vent pipe move with it (align with the faucet) or stay where it is?

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Comments (4)

thisisnotadrill
3 years ago
I'm curious why the electrical box must be in one place. Couldn't you put it anywhere you want behind the mirror as long as its covered? There's a cord and coming out the back, right? That should give you some flexibility to move the elec box. I wouldn't fuss with moving a vent pipe.
thisisnotadrill
3 years ago
Maybe if you provide a pic or drawing it would help. Yoir mirror is probably going to be at least 24x36 or bigger right? That gives you a lot of space to play with
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plan2remodel
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3 years ago
I have not yet selected a mirror. Installation instructions, in general, say to attach the wires on the back of the mirror to wires in the wall for power, with as little slack as possible. The wires coming from the mirror are centered on the back of the mirror. The installed

mirror needs to lie flat against the wall. I don't know how much "wiggle room" there is.

Below is a floor plan of the existing bathroom, an inspiration photo with electric mirror, and an inspiration photo with pendants. I used LED pendants in my powder room and found that they light the countertop, without giving much ambient light.

Contemporary Bathroom · More Info

Charming Cottage · More Info
plan2remodel
Original Author
3 years ago
After reading more on this forum, I now understand that moving the sink a couple inches in either direction requires moving the drain pipe, but not the vent pipe, as long as the drain pipe and vent pipe are no more than 30" apart and are at least 2.5" apart.

The existing vanity is 46" wide with the sink on center -- I am assuming that the vent pipe is centered on the vanity / sink; i.e., 23" away from the adjoining wall, and that the vent pipe is at most 3" thick.

So, I am thinking that if I extend the vanity to 56" wide and center a lighted mirror (42" or 36" wide) above the vanity; i.e., 28" away from the adjoining wall then this will allow enough space to circumvent the vent pipe, regardless of whether the sink is centered or offset. I think that I read somewhere to allow for a 4" hole for pulling wires for the electric mirror.

Can bathroom sink vent pipe be diverted to install lighted mirror

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thisisnotadrill

thisisnotadrill

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Can bathroom sink vent pipe be diverted to install lighted mirror

Comments (4)

thisisnotadrill

thisisnotadrill

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