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Pedestal sinks are classic, timeless, and make efficient use of limited bathroom space. It can make a huge difference in the look of your bathroom, and most experienced DIYers can learn how to install an elegant pedestal sink in one day. It’s one of the easiest ways to remodel a bathroom with one simple change-out.
They come in two pieces — the actual sink itself and then the stand (pedestal). The plumbing fits inside the pedestal, which is secured to the floor. The sink is mounted to the wall and also rests on the pedestal (the sink’s secondary support).
Keep in mind: While this project can certainly be done by one person, it always helps to have an extra set of hands. Some of the pieces are heavy and bulky, and no one wants to see a beautiful piece of porcelain in a thousand bits on the floor.
Video Tutorial
Some of us are “watchers” and some of us are “readers.” We’ve got you covered either way!
If you prefer to read step-by-step instructions, just scroll down and get started.
If you prefer video, you can watch the entire process here:
Source: Home Repair Tutor on YouTube
What You Will Need For This Project
Of course, you’ll need to pick your sink, faucet and drainage assembly and make sure to comply with any of the requirements or instructions that come with them.
In addition, you’ll need the following:
Tools:
- Water-pump pliers
- Hacksaw
- PVC saw
- Screwdriver
- Adjustable wrench
- Drill
- Small level
- Wall patching tools
Materials:
- Pedestal sink
- Trap
- Faucet with pop-up assembly
- 2×8 lumber (for brace)
- Screws
- Drywall piece
- Wall-patching materials
- Silicone caulk
How To Install a Pedestal Sink in 7 Steps
1. Dry run it first!
Do a quick mock up by placing the pedestal sink in the space where it’s going to go.
How to Install an Elegant Pedestal Sink in One Day
You want the pedestal to fit right under the P-trap (the bend in the drainpipe) before you dry fit the sink on top of the pedestal.
How to Install an Elegant Pedestal Sink in One Day
Often there is a lip under the sink; if so, you want to make sure the pedestal is flush with the lip.
How to Install an Elegant Pedestal Sink in One Day
Pro tip: Double check that the pedestal you choose has a cutout deep enough to accommodate the P-trap height in your bathroom.
2. Mark and Drill
With the pedestal in place and the sink flush with back of wall, mark the position of the holes on the back of the sink onto the wall. Confirm that there is a stud or wood blocking where the mounting hole positions are going to be.
Then drill an 8-inch hole through drywall and into the wood blocking.
Pro tip: Find the blocking or stud by knocking with your finger & notice difference in pitch. You can also use a stud finder to identify them.
3. Install the Faucet
Follow the instructions and tool provided with your particular faucet assembly for installation.
You’ll want to put the supply lines down through center hole in the sink. Then, before tightening it up, turn the sink back around and ensure the faucet is lined up the way you want it to be.
Make sure the faucet points straight down into the drain.
Pro tip: Keep the tool that came with your faucet for down the road, put in tool box or keep in bathroom.
4. Install the drain and pop-up
Disassemble the pop-up assembly, and set it aside.
Pro tip: Take the pop-up assembly apart and put it down on a towel in the same exact way it was assembled to make it easier for yourself.
Take the time to clean the sink area around drain, then use a generous amount of silicone sealant to the bottom of the flange before reassembling your drain.
Pro tip: Make sure the pivot piece faces the back of the sink
Wipe off any excess sealant that is on the sink before sliding the pop-up down into drain assembly. You can choose whether to make the pop-up removable or not.
Pro tip: Once you’re done putting the pop-up together, test and see if it actually works before finishing the installation!
5. Connect your pipes
When you’re ready to put the sink back on the pedestal, test fit the sink on top of the pedestal.
Pro tip: Make sure the drain assembly on the sink goes all the way down into the P-trap at least an inch or an inch and a half. If it doesn’t quite reach, you’ll need to add on an extension pipe.
Once you have any necessary tubing set, use a slip nut and plastic washer to create a watertight seal into the P-trap
Pro tip: Make sure the tapered edges face down into the P-trap for a tight seal.
Next, connect your P-trap to the gooseneck piping. Check that the two pipes are flush and tightly connected.
6. Put the Sink in Place
Mount the sink, ensuring that any extension tube is fed smoothly into the P-trap. Make sure all your connections are tight, then grab the whole unit and push up against the wall to line up the sink with the holes you drilled into the wall.
Then attach the sink to the wall using either lag screws or a toggle board.
7. Connect it all up!
Now it’s time to connect the water lines. Be mindful of hot and cold and ensure the rubber fitting is flush with the shut off valve.
Pro tip: Tighten these connections by hand at first, then use a wrench to tighten another quarter to half turn more.
Test again that the sink is secure to the wall, then last step is to remove the aerator (the mesh screen metal piece attached to the end of the faucet) from the faucet to ensure no debris gets trapped, then flush the line. Screw the aerator back in to the end of the faucet, and you’re done.
Pro tip: Apply a bead of silicone sealant between the sink and wall to prevent any stray water going behind the sink.
Final thoughts…
Keep in mind that a key step we didn’t cover is the absolute first one: removing your old vanity cabinet and sink. You may encounter some surprises when you do, including a lack of flooring under the vanity, or an odd placement of pipes. Don’t worry – take any of these challenges one at a time and you’ll figure it out.
You’ll be able to find a sink in your price range also with a little looking. Pedestal sinks can range in price from $70 – $700; you might want to consider picking your faucet first, if that’s important to you, so you can make sure to select a sink that works with your chosen fixture. You do want to make sure as you set up your sink that the drain and supply pipes are centered, and as much as possible, hidden by the sink itself.
Hopefully, this helped you feel more comfortable with refreshing your bathroom and installing a pedestal sink. It can make even the smallest bathroom feel bigger. To complement it, consider adding extra lights and a mirror, or even a fabulous vanity above your new sink.
Please tell us all about your experience with this project, and remember to share it with your friends!
