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How to remove vanity drawers to access plumbing?

Hi all,

I need to replace the mixer tap as shown in the attached photo of our vanity. however, to get full access, I need to remove the top drawer.

I cannot figure out how to release the runners. It maybe that I have to unscrew the drawer from the runners.

It looked to me like releasing the mechanism in the second image would be it, but that only releases the self return spring.

Has anyone seen this type of runner before, if so how do I release?

Regards,

Steve

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MitchellMc

Hi @SteveC,

There are quite a few proprietary drawer runner systems out there, and each brand can have its own way of releasing the drawer. In saying that, more recently, I’ve come across a number of systems that don’t actually have a quick-release mechanism at all. Instead, the runners are a single fixed piece and the drawer is screwed directly onto them.

In those cases, the only way to remove the drawer is by undoing the screws that secure it to the runners. So if you’re able to access any screws along the sides or underneath the drawer, I’d suggest removing those to detach it. It’s a bit less convenient than a clip-release system, but fairly common in some vanity units these days.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

SteveC

Thanks Mitch.

I was beginning to think that. I have just spoken to my installer who gave me some instructions but was not particulalry clear. I'm going to look at it again tomorrow arvo.

Here is another photo wher the back sits on the runner.

Looking at this, it seems as though I have to undo those two screws, slide the drawer forward and lift. That is why there is a cutout to allow slide and lift.

Trying to get in there means some acrobatics as there is a base on the bottom of the vanity.

Regards,

Steve

EricL

Hello @SteveC

Would it be possible for you to post a photo of the sides and front bottom of the drawer runners. I have a suspicion that it is a certain type of runner with a bottom front release clasp but will need to confirm once we see the photos. It reminds me of the Hafele 204 x 500mm White Soft Close Drawer. This is a push to lock system where the drawer sides lock into the drawer runners from the top and is released using the grey clasp at the front. But as I mentioned we'll need to see it to confirm.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

SteveC

Hi Eric,

The first photo is the underneath of the drawer.

Here are two photos of the side.

Edit: I've just noticed the brand DTC on the side. A quick check has revelaed they make the runners. Now to contact them.

EricL

Hello @SteveC

Thank you so much for sharing those photos. If I can please ask for one more photo it is at the very front of the drawer runner but from the bottom. The release clasp could possibly be underneath the drawer runner. Your second photo was very close, but we just missed the crucial part that we needed to see. Just to be clear it is the front of the drawer rubber at the bottom.

Eric

SteveC

As requested

EricL

Hello @SteveC

Thank you for indulging my request for that last picture. It's possible that this is a push to lock hidden undermount drawer system. If you look underneath the drawer runner at the bottom front there might be a plastic clasp that you either push up or pull forward to release the drawer from its lock. You then lift the drawer assembly off the drawer runners. Here is a general example of how it might be done - How To Remove Soft Close Kitchen Drawers.

However, if the drawer does not lift up easily or does not release the drawer assembly from the runners, please do not force the unit off the rails. One other possible option is to remove the plastic DTC cover and have a look if the release clasp is hidden behind the plastic cover. You'll probably need a Philips screwdriver to either lift or twist a locking screw that will release the drawer assembly from the runners. Please do not use force to lift the drawer from runners.

But if after several tries and the drawer runner will not cooperate my only other suggestion is to unscrew the drawer itself.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1, @Nailbag and @Noyade for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

SteveC

The plot thickens.

First, look at this photo of the side of the drawer. A manufacturer's name plate, right? Why would it be upside down? I thought some lazy installer got it wrong.

SteveC

Now, that plate can be removed!

Voila! The release mechanism.

I'll be working on it tomorrow, run out of time now.

EricL

Hello @SteveC

Please keep us updated with your progress, we look forward to seeing the drawer set released from the runners.

Eric

SteveC

Found the solution on a YT video after searching for DTC drawer slider install.

EricL

Hello @SteveC

Thank you for the update, if you get a chance, we would love to see a picture of the drawer released from the runner and the release clasp you pushed to make it work.

Eric

Nailbag

Hi @SteveC

I only just got the email re your post. I could have explained that to you some many posts back, but glad it's resolved.

As an FYI, the 2nd and 3rd photo in your original post is the soft-close mechanism which you leave as is.

Also behind that side cover plate are the adjustments for the drawer faceplate. One tightens the faceplate to the side walls and/or allows removal. the other screw adjusts height. The other side plate has the same controls behind.

DTC are a major manufacturer of cabinetry hardware like drawer runners, hinges etc

Nailbag

SteveC

Thanks Nailbag. I did figure it myself eventually after a YT search.

Dave-1

Evening @SteveC

Ive just been sitting here munching popcorn :) Could feel you get closer to the solution and then "plot twist" nope…. And then Bingo! :D

Glad you sorted it. I fully admit I didnt recognise it and was about to say so :)

Just learned my new thing for the day :D

Dave

SteveC

And herw we have the drawer removed and mixer tap now replaced.

EricL

Hello @SteveC

Thank you very much for sharing that photo. It's good to see that you got the drawer assembly off to access the plumbing underneath.

Eric

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