How to Install a Pedestal Lavatory

Pedestal sinks are valued for their timeless style and affordability.

A pedestal lavatory, or pedestal sink, is an affordable alternative to installing large vanity countertops. The bowl of a pedestal sink mounts to the wall while the pedestal column hides plumbing fixtures underneath, specifically the trap and water lines, to create a seamless visual transition from the sink to the wall. A pedestal sink needs adequate stud support inside the wall--determine if your wall is equipped to support the weight of this heavy porcelain fixture by checking it for studs with a stud finder before purchasing the sink itself.

Things You'll Need

• Pedestal sink
• Helper
• Level
• Pencil
• Pipe wrench
• Drill
• Bolts or fasteners
• Socket set

Instructions

1. Position the pedestal against the wall, over the drain and water connections. Set the sink basin on top of the pedestal--have a second person support it.

2. Check the basin with a level to ensure it is level from front to back and side to side. Mark where the mounting holes for the sink basin and the pedestal fall on the wall with a pencil by pushing its tip through the empty holes, making sure the sink's holes fall over studs. Place the pedestal off to one side.

3. Secure the faucet to the sink basin with the hardware supplied with the faucet. Connect the hot and cold water lines to the shut-off valves located on the faucet using a pipe wrench.

4. Connect the sink drain basket and down pipe to the sink basin using a pipe wrench.

5. Drill holes into the wall over your pencil marks. Create holes half the diameter of the bolts you plan to use to install the sink basin and pedestal.

6. Position the pedestal back in place against the wall. Set the sink basin in place over it. Line up all of the sink's bolt holes over the drilled holes in the wall. Secure the sink basin to the wall with bolts. Have a second person support the basin while you work.

7. Set the pedestal to one side.

8. Secure the trap to the sink's down tube and then to the drain in the floor or wall using a pipe wrench.

9. Secure the cold water and hot water hoses to their respective shut-off valves protruding from the wall or floor.

10. Turn on the water and check for leaks in the water lines and drain. Tighten any loose connections.

11. Place the pedestal in place and secure it to the wall with bolts or fasteners, inserting them through your pre-drilled holes.

References

• Easy 2 DIY: Installing a Pedestal Sink