Now that you've decided to rejuvenate your bathroom with a pedestal sink, it's time to bring your vision to fruition.
There are only two parts to this sink (the basin and the pedestal), and installing one will take some planning, measuring and drilling-as well as an extra set of strong hands so your sink doesn't crash to the ground.
For this installation, you'll need:
Pipe wrench
Level
Drill
Plumber's putty or Teflon tape
Adhesive caulk
First thing's first: cut the water supply and drain the hot and cold lines.
Because your pedestal basin will be bolted to the wall, it's going to need a sturdy anchor. If your wall is made of plaster or drywall, install blocking beneath the wall surface.
Remove a section of the wall large enough to nail or screw a 2x4 between studs at basin height. This should provide a robust wall anchor for the basin. Water-resistant drywall is an ideal replacement choice for this section.
Now that your anchor is set behind the wall, set the basin and pedestal in position (remember that extra set of hands?). A pair of 2x4s to prop up on each side of the basin works great. Making sure the sink is level, mark and drill at the mounting locations on the wall for the basin and on the floor for the pedestal.
Before you mount the basin to the wall, attach the faucet and drain assembly to the bottom of it. Just a bead of plumber's putty or Teflon tape ensures a watertight seal.
Move both sink parts back into position, support the basin with those 2x4s and bolt ONLY the basin in place. Don't over-tighten the bolts or you'll risk cracking the sink. With the basin bolted to the wall (and still supported by the 2x4s), slip the pedestal out from under the basin.
Connect the P-trap, and attach the water supply lines. Once again, apply a bead of plumber's putty or Teflon tape to prevent leaks.
Shimmy the pedestal back into its final resting place beneath the basin and bolt it to the floor. If your pedestal won't take on floor bolts, applying adhesive caulk at the top and bottom of the pedestal before putting it in position should do the trick.
Finish the project by applying adhesive caulk to the spot between the sink and the wall. Use your finger to smooth and blend.
A pedestal sink is an efficient and elegant addition to any bathroom. And, as you can see, it doesn't take too much to set it up for use and a lifetime of good looks.
Until next time, Happy Home Improving!
