How to Install Your Favorite Pedestal Sink

Pedestal sinks are classy bathroom fixtures that look great in small spaces or as part of a minimalist decorating scheme. Installing a pedestal sink is an easy do-it-yourself project, although it’s probably best if you have someone help you move the sink when necessary. To install your pedestal sink and vanity, make sure it’s properly supported and level, measure and drill all of your holes beforehand and consult a plumber if you need help moving water lines.

Before You Install a Pedestal Sink

If you’re installing a pedestal sink to replace a sink with a cabinet, you may need to repair, replace or refinish the floor underneath and behind the pre-existing fixture. You’ll also want to upgrade the drywall that your sink would be attached to. It would make sense to install mold resistant and waterproof drywall so that the moisture from the new sink doesn’t end up weakening and damaging your bathroom’s walls over time.

Your new pedestal sink will leave a few areas exposed, so if they’re unsightly or mismatched, correct this before installing your new pedestal sink. Before you begin your pedestal sink installation, check that all your water lines are in the right place to work properly with the new sink. If you are going to need to move or alter water lines to install your new pedestal sink, you may want to look for professional Plumbers In Town before moving forward with the installation. However, if you are confident with your plumbing skills, you can do your plumbing yourself.

Install Wall Support for Your Pedestal Sink

The basin part of your pedestal sink will need to be anchored in the wall. Set your pedestal in position to find out where the basin wall support needs to be. Create the wall support by removing a section of the drywall and anchoring a support board between the studs, directly behind where your pedestal sink’s basin will be.

Level Your Pedestal Sink

Put the sink back up and mark on the support board the spots where you’ll need to drill bolt holes when you anchor your sink’s basin to the support. Make sure your basin is level side to side and front to back before marking your bolt holes.

When you’ve got the sink set up and properly leveled, you can go ahead and mark the bolt holes that will attach the pedestal to the floor.

Drill Your Holes

The next step is to move the pedestal sink aside and drill the necessary holes. Be careful not to hit any power or water lines.

Install the Faucet and Drain

You need to hook up your sink’s faucet and drain pipe before putting the pedestal sink in position. Once you have your faucet and drain hooked up, you can put the pedestal and basin back in place. Check your sink water lines, faucet and drain assembly for leaks at this time. Visit www.plumberrandwick.com.au for professional plumbing services.

Bolt Down the Sink

If your faucet, sink drain and water lines are free of leaks, go ahead and bolt down the sink. Bolt the basin to its wall support first and then bolt the pedestal to the floor. Apply caulk around the line where the basin meets the wall and around the line where the pedestal meets the floor. This will keep water from leaking behind or under the fixture.

There may be exposed water lines beneath your new pedestal sink. Many people hide these with attractive brass or chrome fittings.

Things to Watch Out for

When you’re installing your own pedestal sink, use a gentle touch to avoid damaging the fixture. Porcelain is delicate and can be easily chipped, cracked or broken. Be careful with your tools and don’t bang, strike or drop the basin or pedestal. When you tighten the bolts, don’t tighten them so far that they crack the porcelain.

Take care when making measurements for your drill holes. Double-check that your sink is level and your bolt-hole marks are in the right places. If your holes don’t line up, then you’ll have to measure and drill them again; even worse, you could wind up having to repair holes in your floor and wall behind the pedestal sink that the fixture itself won’t hide.

Get someone to help you when installing the pedestal sink. It takes two people to carefully and comfortably move a heavy porcelain pedestal sink into and out of position several times during the installation process.

A pedestal sink is a great choice for remodeling a small bathroom. If you are careful about measuring, leveling, anchoring and bolting down your new pedestal sink, you’ll be enjoying its sleek lines for years to come.

About the Author: Contributing blogger John Rush has successfully managed his own bathroom remodeling business for 15 years. He loves creating beautiful, relaxing spaces in his clients’ homes.