SUPPLIES
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Pedestal sink in two parts (bowl and pedestal)
- Faucet and drain kit compatible with your sink
- Screwdriver
- Power drill
- 1/4-inch bit
- Heavy plastic wall anchors to fit the mounting screws that came with your sink
- Two 2-by-4 boards, each 4 feet long
- Circular saw
- An assistant
Overview
Pedestal sinks give a look of old-world elegance to a bathroom. They're also more difficult to install than regular sinks that sit on vanities, because it's difficult to connect the plumbing and anchor the bowl when the pedestal is in place. To install one, you'll need an assistant and a little patience. A good, strong wall is also recommended, though once the sink is in, most of the weight is taken by the pedestal, and the wall anchoring just steadies the bowl.
Step 1
Stand the sink bowl on top of the pedestal with the help of an assistant, then stand the whole thing next to the wall where you want it to go. With your pencil, mark the top and side edges of the sink on the wall so you can put it back in exactly the same spot. Then mark on the wall through the two screw holes under the bowl.
Step 2
Remove the sink from the wall. Drill 1/4-inch holes at the two pencil marks. Tap in your screw anchors with your hammer.
Step 3
Lay the bowl on the floor and attach the faucet, handles and drain pipe according to the manufacturer's instructions. Move it to the area where it will be installed and connect the hot and cold water supply hoses. Tighten everything.
Step 4
Set your sink and pedestal back in place, using your pencil lines on the wall as guides. Look under the sink and make sure the screw holes in the sink are lined up with the holes and anchors in the wall.
Step 5
Measure and cut two 2-by-4s to prop under the sink so it will stay at that level when you remove the pedestal. Wedge the freestanding boards under the sink, and have your assistant hold the bowl in place from the front while you remove the pedestal.
Step 6
With your assistant still holding the sink against the wall and on the 2-by-4 braces, get under the bowl and insert the mounting screws that came with the sink, making sure to first thread them through the rubber washers they came with to protect the porcelain. Tighten the screws snugly into the anchors, but don't overtighten or you could crack the sink.
Step 7
With your assistant still holding the sink and your 2-by-4 braces still in place, hook the drain pipe of the sink to the trap and drain from the floor. Test the water to make sure there are no leaks. If there are, tighten and seal as needed before you put in the pedestal, because it will be difficult to get to the plumbing once the pedestal is in.
Step 8
Slide the pedestal under the bowl and set it in place, with the open back side of the pedestal covering the sink drain and trap. Make sure it's steady, then caulk around the base of the pedestal with silicone caulk. Remove the 2x4 braces and make sure the sink feels steady. Caulk around the perimeter of the sink.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- TIP : Pedestals generally are freestanding, but if yours has holes and screws for anchoring it to the floor, drill those holes in advance, using a masonry bit on your drill if you have to go through a ceramic floor.
- WARNING : Wear eye protection when drilling into the wall.
