Master the Art of Pedestal Sink Installation: A Comprehensive DIY Guide

Installing a pedestal sink can dramatically transform the look of your bathroom, adding a touch of elegance and saving valuable floor space. While it might seem daunting, with the right tools, preparation, and a step-by-step approach, it’s a project many homeowners can confidently tackle. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process, from gathering your materials to making the final connections, ensuring a successful and stylish outcome. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or a weekend warrior, this detailed tutorial will equip you with the knowledge to install your pedestal sink like a pro.

Before You Begin: Planning and Preparation

Before you even think about touching a wrench, meticulous planning is key. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Gather Your Tools and Materials

Having everything at your fingertips will make the installation process smoother and faster. Here’s a list of what you’ll likely need:

• New Pedestal Sink: Obviously! Make sure it comes with all necessary hardware (mounting bolts, washers, etc.)
• Old Sink Removal Tools: You may need a basin wrench, pipe wrench, putty knife, and possibly a hacksaw.
• Plumbing Tools: Channel-lock pliers, pipe wrench, adjustable wrench, plumber’s tape (Teflon tape), and possibly a pipe cutter.
• Measuring Tools: Tape measure, level, pencil.
• Safety Gear: Safety glasses, work gloves.
• Drilling Tools: Drill, masonry drill bits (if drilling into tile or concrete).
• Anchoring Hardware: Appropriate anchors and screws for your wall type (drywall, stud, concrete).
• Silicone Caulk: To seal around the base of the sink and against the wall.
• Clean Up Supplies: Rags, bucket.
• Optional Tools: Stud finder, flashlight.

2. Understand Your Existing Plumbing

Take a close look at your existing plumbing. Note the type of supply lines (copper, PEX, etc.) and the location of the drain. You’ll need to ensure these align with your new pedestal sink’s configuration. If you’re unfamiliar with plumbing, consider taking pictures for reference, or consult a professional if you have doubts. Check the distances between the existing hot/cold water supply lines to the center of the sink drain opening, and compare it with the instruction manual of your new sink. Pay special attention to the distance of the drain pipe to the wall. If the distance is not sufficient, you might have to install a special drain extension and an offset in your drain pipe.

3. Check Your Sink and Wall

Before you start any demolition, hold the pedestal sink against the wall in its intended location. This will help you verify that the drain and water lines align properly and that the sink will sit flat against the wall, floor, and pedestal. Also, verify that the sink has enough clearance from any corners, doors, or other fixtures in your bathroom. Also, check the height of your drain pipe and water supply pipes to the new sink in the intended position. You may have to adjust the height of the pipes. This also is a good time to check your pedestal against the sink to make sure that it is the correct height for the sink. If necessary, purchase additional pedestal shims to stabilize the pedestal sink. Finally check the structure of your wall, to ensure it will withstand the load and can be drilled into.

4. Shut Off the Water Supply

Before you touch any plumbing, locate and shut off the water supply to your existing sink. This is typically found under the sink itself or in a nearby utility space. Turn off both hot and cold water valves completely. After closing, turn on the existing faucet to release any remaining water pressure. Also, remove your old vanity and sink.

Step-by-Step Pedestal Sink Installation Guide

Now that you’re prepared, let’s get to work. Follow these detailed steps for a smooth and successful installation:

Step 1: Remove the Existing Sink (if Applicable)

If you’re replacing an old sink, carefully remove it. First, disconnect the water supply lines using your adjustable wrenches. Use a basin wrench to detach the drain assembly from the sink. Then, carefully lift and remove the sink from the vanity. Be mindful that sinks are fragile and heavy. Finally, remove the old faucet and other hardware from the vanity. If your old sink is a vanity top sink, then you have to disassemble it from the vanity base. You may have to cut the sealant using a putty knife, then loosen any screws holding the sink to the vanity base.

Step 2: Prepare the Wall for Mounting

Mark the Mounting Points: Hold the sink against the wall in its desired location. Use a level to ensure it’s straight and mark the location of the mounting holes on the wall with a pencil. If you are unsure of the locations for your mounting holes, check your instruction manual. It usually provides the distances from the center of the drain and from the top of the sink. If no locations are specified by the manufacturer, hold the sink against the wall and check the underside of the sink to determine the optimal mounting positions to provide adequate support for the sink. Carefully check the locations of the water supply and drain pipes. In most cases the mounting holes must be at least 4 to 6 inches away from the water supply and drain pipes.
Find Wall Studs (Optional but Recommended): If possible, locate wall studs behind your marked locations. Securing the sink to studs provides the most stable support. Use a stud finder to locate the studs. If no studs can be used for securing the sink to the wall, then heavy-duty drywall anchors are recommended for this purpose.
Pre-Drill Holes: If you’re using anchors, use a drill and masonry drill bits (if applicable) to pre-drill the holes at your marked locations. Make sure the hole is smaller than the diameter of your wall anchor. If you are using wall studs, you can drill a smaller pilot hole in the wall studs.

Step 3: Attach the Sink to the Wall

Install Anchors: If not mounting into studs, insert the appropriate wall anchors into the pre-drilled holes. Tap them gently with a hammer if needed. Ensure the anchor is flush with the wall surface.
Attach Mounting Hardware: Loosely attach the mounting bolts to the anchors or directly into the studs. Do not fully tighten them yet.
Install the Sink: Carefully lift the sink and align the holes on the back of the sink with the mounting bolts. Gently slide the sink onto the bolts. Make sure the sink is flush with the wall.
Secure the Sink: Place washers and nuts onto the bolts from the inside of the sink. Carefully tighten them using a wrench or channel-lock pliers, but don’t overtighten. You may have to readjust the sink’s position slightly as you tighten it. Use a level to check that the sink is plumb. Make sure that the sink is flush with the wall. Verify that the sink is not wobbling on the bolts or against the wall. At this point the sink must be sturdy and stable. If the sink wobbles slightly, then loosen the nuts and add thin plastic shims to stabilize it. When you are certain that it is stable, then tighten the nuts completely.

Step 4: Install the Faucet and Drain

Install the Faucet: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the faucet onto the sink before attaching the supply lines. Install the faucet in the mounting hole on the sink using any washers or gaskets as directed. Connect the faucet to the supply lines with proper connections.
Install the Drain Assembly: Insert the drain flange into the drain hole of the sink. From underneath the sink, attach the gasket and the drain pipe. Tighten the drain pipe using a channel-lock pliers. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper assembly. Do not over tighten as it could damage the rubber seals. Make sure that you are using the proper gaskets for the sink and the plumbing connections. Apply plumber’s tape (Teflon tape) to the threaded drain pipe connections to prevent leaks. Check all the gaskets and seals before tightening the connections.

Step 5: Connect the Water Supply Lines

Connect the Supply Lines: Attach the supply lines to the faucet tailpieces using an adjustable wrench. Make sure you connect the hot water supply line to the hot water connector on the faucet and the cold water supply line to the cold water connector on the faucet. Use plumber’s tape (Teflon tape) on the threaded connections to prevent leaks. Tighten the connections by hand and then use an adjustable wrench to tighten them. Do not over tighten the connections, as this may damage the water supply lines or the tailpieces. Ensure they are snug but not overly tight. Do not use too much plumber’s tape on threaded connections. Too much tape can make it more likely to leak. Make sure the water supply lines are in good shape and replace them if they show any signs of damage. Now is a good time to flush the new supply lines. After connecting the supply lines, turn on the main water valve just a little bit and let the water flow through the new lines for about 2 minutes into a bucket. This will help flush out any debris or rust in the supply lines. Turn the water back off.
Connect the Drain P-Trap: Install the P-trap to the drain pipe and the drain flange using an appropriate adapter. Make sure the P-trap is installed in the correct direction. Use plumber’s tape (Teflon tape) on all threaded connections. Make sure you tighten the connections enough to prevent leaks. If you have PVC drain pipes use the proper PVC primer and glue to make the connections.

Step 6: Install the Pedestal

Position the Pedestal: Carefully slide the pedestal under the sink. It should align with the base of the sink and the floor. If you have installed the sink first, then you may have to slightly lift up the sink to put the pedestal underneath it. Be careful not to damage or misalign the plumbing connections during this process.
Secure the Pedestal (Optional): Some pedestals may come with brackets that you can secure to the floor. If so, use a level to ensure the pedestal is straight and mark the mounting holes on the floor. If you are installing into concrete use a concrete drill bit and concrete anchors. If you are installing on hardwood, use wood screws and drill a small pilot hole.
Adjust the Height: If the pedestal is not perfectly level on the floor or the sink is wobbling on the pedestal, use plastic shims to adjust the height of the pedestal. Place the shims underneath the pedestal or on the top edge of the pedestal as needed.

Step 7: Check for Leaks

Turn on the Water Supply: Slowly turn on the water supply to the sink. Check all connections (faucet, supply lines, drain) for leaks. If you spot any leaks, turn off the water, tighten the connections further, and check again. You may need to dissemble the connections to check the rubber seals. Make sure the seals are in good shape.
Test the Drain: Run water into the sink and check that the drain flows freely and doesn’t leak. Verify that the water drains freely through the P-trap.
Check the Faucet: Check both the hot and cold water faucets to ensure they are functioning properly and without leaks.

Step 8: Apply Silicone Caulk

Apply Caulk: Once you’re confident there are no leaks, apply a bead of silicone caulk around the base of the sink where it meets the wall and also around the base of the pedestal where it meets the floor. This seals the unit and prevents water from seeping behind the sink. Use your finger or a caulking tool to smooth the sealant for a professional finish. Use a damp paper towel to quickly wipe off excess silicone from the surface. Let the caulk cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically 24 hours. Clean up any mess created during the caulking process.

Step 9: Final Touches

Clean Up: Clean up your workspace, remove any tools, and discard any packaging or waste materials. Wipe down the sink and faucet with a clean cloth.
Inspect Your Work: Take a step back and admire your handiwork! Double-check that everything is properly aligned, sealed, and functioning correctly.

Important Tips and Considerations

• Safety First: Always wear safety glasses and gloves when working with tools and plumbing. Be careful when lifting heavy objects and follow all safety instructions for using tools.
• Consult a Professional: If you’re unsure about any aspect of the installation, don’t hesitate to call a licensed plumber. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
• Manufacturer’s Instructions: Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific sink model. There might be minor variations in installation procedures.
• Proper Anchoring: Ensure you’re using the correct anchors and screws for your wall type. The sink should be securely fastened to prevent wobbling or potential accidents.
• Plumbing Codes: Be aware of your local plumbing codes. Ensure your installation complies with the regulations. Different regions may have different plumbing codes and require special permits. Check your city’s building code for details.
• Sealant: Use 100% silicone caulk for sealing around the sink. Silicone is waterproof and durable, which is important for bathrooms.
• Take Your Time: Don’t rush the process. Carefully follow each step and double-check your work. Take breaks as needed.
• Test for Leaks: After installing the sink, turn on the water slowly, and then check for leaks. This will help catch any issues before the installation is completely finished.

Conclusion

Installing a pedestal sink is a rewarding DIY project that can elevate the look and feel of your bathroom. By carefully following these step-by-step instructions, you can achieve a professional-quality installation. Remember to take your time, double-check your work, and consult a professional if you’re ever in doubt. With a bit of patience and planning, you’ll be enjoying your new stylish pedestal sink in no time. Good luck!