Installing a pedestal sink can create a sense of more space in your small bathroom because they take up less room than a conventional sink and vanity.
Plan Ahead
The popular pedestal sink is a stylish but affordable choice for any bath. It is considered a more formal alternative to the countertop sink and takes up a lot less space. Choosing the right pedestal sink for your bath and installing it properly takes planning.
As you make your plans for installing a pedestal sink, include finding another person to help you. The weight of the sink can make installation a tricky endeavor for one person, along with the difficulty of fitting the plumbing inside the pedestal. This, along with finding the right level and height for proper installation, will require preparation to ensure you're happy with the final result. With help, you should be able to get the job done in a day.
Before you choose your sink here are a few questions to ask yourself:
- Will I be able to live without storage provided by a vanity?
- What will you do about the bathroom flooring? If you remove a vanity, the floor around the new pedestal sink will need to be addressed.
- Will the water supply lines have to be relocated?
Choosing Your Pedestal Sink
In general, pedestal sinks are either enameled cast iron or vitreous china. If cost is a factor, it's important to know that cast iron sinks tend to be costly. However, they prove to be durable. On the other hand, vitreous china sinks fluctuate in price and quality. Be sure to shop enough to know the difference. Talk to the specialists at your local hardware and home improvement stores.
How to Install a Pedestal Sink
Once you've established the preferred location for your sink, follow these basic steps:
Support
If you don't have studs to hold the weight of the skin, you'll have to cut a section of wall to fit a support board, which should fit flush with the studs. Align the sink with the support board and mark your drill holes. It's best if you temporarily mount the sink just to check that it is level. Then you'll have to remove it to work on the water supply lines. If your wall is only plaster or drywall, and you have to install blocking or a support board so the sink can be supported, here are the steps to accomplish this task:
- Remove the plaster or drywall.
- Nail or screw blocking into place.
- Repair the wall (use water resistant drywall).
Make It Level
When installing a pedestal sink, it's important that the sink is level from the front to back and from the left side to the right. To do this, set the basin and pedestal in position. Prop it up with 2x4s and once you make adjustments so that it is level, mark the spot for the holes to mount both the basin and pedestal on the wall.
Mark the Wall
Using a measure, determine where the center of the sink should be located on the wall. Situate the sink in position on top of the pedestal to confirm proper height and alignment. Mark the wall for proper mounting and then set the sink and pedestal aside.
Note that not every pedestal sink is the same. Some pedestals require bolting into the floor, and some only need caulking. If you need to drill floor holes, this is the time. This way you'll be ready to secure the sink to the floor and the wall. Take precautions to know where your pipes and electrical wiring are located.
Water Supply
If the water supply in your bath must be moved into order to install your new sink, it's a good idea to call a plumber in unless you have the experience to do this right the first time. When installing a pedestal sink it is not always possible to hide every supply line inside of the pedestal. If this is the case, you can buy chrome or brass fittings to match your faucet to present a finished look.
Faucets
Once your water supply lines are in place, install the faucet and drain assembly. Hook up the water supply lines to the faucet and then place the basin and pedestal into position. Support the basin with 2x4s because at this time you'll only bolt the basin in place. Once the basin is properly supported, slip the pedestal from under it and prepare to bolt the basin in place This takes a bit of caution because if you tighten the bolts too much, the sink may crack.
With the pedestal out of the way, finish up the installation of the drain and water supply lines. Once you're done, be sure to test for leaks before you install the pedestal.
Install the Pedestal
Place the pedestal into position. If it is designed with bolts, now is the time to secure it to the floor. If not, line adhesive caulk along the bottom and top of the pedestal and move it into place. Once the sink is in position, run the caulk along the joint where the sink meets the wall.
Small Sinks With a Lot to Offer
Pedestal sinks offer an element of elegance along with more floor space in smaller bathrooms. A selection of pedestal sinks are now made with enough space around the rim to set toiletries as you get ready for the day. Installation of a pedestal sink is a home remodeling project that makes a big difference.
