Installing a pedestal sink is a straightforward home improvement project that can significantly upgrade the look of your bathroom. The process typically involves preparing the space, securing the pedestal and sink to the wall, and connecting the plumbing.
Tools and Materials You'll Need
Before you begin, gather the necessary tools and materials to ensure a smooth installation process:
- Adjustable Wrench or Basin Wrench: For plumbing connections.
- Pliers: For general adjustments.
- Drill and Drill Bits: Masonry bits for tile/concrete, wood bits for studs.
- Level: To ensure the sink is perfectly straight.
- Measuring Tape: For accurate placement.
- Pencil or Marker: For marking drill points.
- Caulk Gun and Silicone Caulk: For sealing.
- Safety Glasses and Gloves: For personal protection.
- Pedestal Sink Assembly: The bowl and pedestal.
- Faucet and Drain Assembly: New or existing.
- Water Supply Lines: New or existing.
- Hanger Bolts and Washers/Nuts: Often included with the sink or purchased separately.
- Wall Anchors: If drilling into drywall without studs.
- Optional: Drop cloth, towels, bucket.
Before You Begin: Preparation
Proper preparation is key to a successful installation.
- Turn Off Water Supply: Locate the main water shut-off valve for your house or the specific bathroom and turn it off. This is crucial before disconnecting any plumbing.
- Drain Existing Lines: Open the faucets to drain any remaining water from the lines.
- Remove Old Sink (If Applicable): Carefully disconnect the existing water supply lines and drain trap. Unscrew any mounting bolts and remove the old sink and vanity.
- Clear the Area: Ensure the installation area is clean, dry, and free of obstructions.
- Check Wall Structure: Determine if you will be mounting the sink directly into wall studs or if you'll need appropriate wall anchors for drywall or tile. Studs provide the most secure mounting.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Follow these steps carefully to install your new pedestal sink.
1. Position and Mark
Begin by accurately positioning the pedestal and sink bowl to mark the drilling points.
- Assemble Loosely: Place the pedestal in its desired location, centering it against the wall where your water supply and drain pipes emerge.
- Set the Sink Bowl: Carefully set the sink bowl on top of the pedestal.
- Level the Sink: Use a level to ensure the sink bowl is perfectly horizontal. You may need to slightly adjust the pedestal's position.
- Mark Mounting Holes: Once leveled and positioned correctly, use a pencil or marker to mark the locations of the mounting holes on the wall. These are typically at the back of the sink bowl where it will attach to the wall. Also, mark any holes for securing the pedestal to the floor or wall, if applicable for your model.
- Mark Drain and Supply Lines: Trace the outlines of the drain pipe and water supply lines on the wall to ensure they will align correctly with the sink's openings.
2. Prepare the Wall for Mounting
After marking, you'll prepare the wall to receive the mounting hardware.
- Move the Sink and Pedestal Aside: Carefully move the sink bowl and pedestal away from the wall to give yourself clear access to the marked drilling points.
- Drill the Holes: Using your drill and the appropriate drill bit (e.g., masonry bit for tile, wood bit for studs), drill the three holes or however many are required for your sink model at the marked locations. Ensure the drill bit size matches the diameter recommended for your hanger bolts or wall anchors. Drill to the appropriate depth.
- Install Hanger Bolts: Next, install hanger bolts in the wall at the drilled locations. If drilling into studs, screw the hanger bolts directly into the wood until they are secure. If using wall anchors for drywall or tile, insert the anchors first according to the manufacturer's instructions, then screw the hanger bolts into the anchors, leaving enough of the threaded end exposed for the sink to attach.
3. Secure the Pedestal
Some pedestal models require being secured to the floor or wall for added stability.
- Position Pedestal: Slide the pedestal back into its final position, aligning it with any marked floor or wall holes.
- Secure Pedestal (If Applicable): If your model has mounting holes for the pedestal, drill pilot holes into the floor or wall as marked earlier, and secure the pedestal using screws or bolts provided, ensuring it is level and stable.
4. Mount the Sink Bowl
This step connects the sink bowl to the wall and pedestal.
- Apply Plumber's Putty: Apply a bead of plumber's putty around the drain opening on the underside of the sink bowl.
- Install Faucet and Drain Assembly: Before mounting, install the faucet and drain assembly (tailpiece) onto the sink bowl according to their respective manufacturer's instructions. This is much easier to do before the sink is secured to the wall.
- Set the Sink: Carefully lift the sink bowl and align its mounting holes with the hanger bolts protruding from the wall. Gently slide the sink onto the bolts, guiding it down onto the pedestal.
- Secure the Sink: Place washers and nuts onto the hanger bolts and tighten them hand-tight initially. Use a wrench to carefully tighten the nuts, ensuring the sink is pulled snugly against the wall without overtightening, which could crack the porcelain. Continuously check with your level to ensure the sink remains horizontal.
5. Connect the Plumbing
With the sink securely mounted, it's time to connect the water and drain lines.
- Connect Water Supply Lines: Attach the hot and cold water supply lines from your wall shut-off valves to the corresponding inlets on your new faucet. Use an adjustable wrench to tighten the connections, but avoid overtightening.
- Connect the Drain Trap (P-Trap): Connect the tailpiece (extending from the sink's drain) to the P-trap, and then connect the P-trap to the drain pipe coming out of the wall. Hand-tighten all slip nuts, then give them a quarter-turn with pliers for a secure, leak-free seal. Ensure all washers are correctly seated.
6. Seal and Finish
The final touches ensure a watertight and finished installation.
- Test for Leaks: Turn the main water supply back on slowly. Open the sink faucet and let water run for a few minutes. Carefully inspect all water supply connections, the drain assembly, and the P-trap for any signs of leaks. Tighten any leaking connections gently.
- Apply Caulk: Apply a continuous bead of silicone caulk along the seam where the back of the sink bowl meets the wall. This prevents water from seeping behind the sink and provides a clean, finished look. You can also caulk the base of the pedestal to the floor if desired. Smooth the caulk bead with a wet finger or a caulking tool.
- Clean Up: Wipe away any excess caulk or water, and clean the sink thoroughly.
By following these detailed steps, you can successfully install a pedestal sink, transforming your bathroom's aesthetic and functionality.
