Hate Your Current Bathroom? How to Install a Pedestal Sink for a New Look

How to Install a Pedestal Sink

1. Prepare the Installation Area

   Before you install the sink, bring all surfaces to finished quality, especially if you removed a bathroom vanity cabinet to make way for the pedestal sink. Replace or install bathroom flooring, as the pedestal will sit on top of the floor. Repair and paint the back and side walls.

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2. Measure and Mark the Sink Height

   With the tape measure, measure the height of the pedestal sink’s mounting bracket or bolts, as specified in the instructions. Place the mark on the wall. Set the bubble level on the mark so it is level. Draw a line across the bubble level.

3. Locate and Mark the Studs

   With the stud finder, locate three studs along your horizontal line and mark them.

4. Mark the Mounting Brace

   Mark the location of the horizontal mounting brace on the wall behind the sink:

   • Cut the brace: Cut the two-by-six to 34 inches long.
   • Locate the drywall cut area: Center the brace vertically on the height line you drew earlier. Also, center it horizontally so that each end of the two-by-six will rest on a stud, with a third stud in the center.
   • Mark the cut area: Draw a line around all four sides of the two-by-six.

5. Remove the Drywall

   Cut the drywall on the cut lines with the multi-tool fitted with a drywall blade. Remove the drywall carefully.

6. Notch the Studs

   Mark the notch cut lines on the sides of the three exposed studs. Each notch should be 1-1/2-inch deep by 5-1/2 inches high. Use a scrap piece of two-by-six to draw the lines. Cut the three notches in the studs with the multi-tool fitted with a wood blade.

7. Install the Mounting Brace

   Place the two-by-six mounting brace in the notched area and attach it with six wood screws (two screws per stud).

8. Patch the Wall

   Cut a section of drywall to 5-1/2 by 34 inches. Screw the drywall in place with drywall screws. Apply drywall compound over the board’s edges and apply paper drywall tape. Sand and paint the patched section to match the bathroom wall.

9. Install the Faucet on the Sink

   Install the bathroom faucet and drain tail piece on the sink basin. Rest the sink on its side and support it with towels to avoid damaging the sink and its components.

10. Install the Sink Drain Trap

    Install the sink drain (P-trap) on the wall drain pipe extension. The drain must be straight and remain fairly tight to the wall to fit into the hollow pedestal.

11. Drill the Mounting Bolt Holes

    Place the sink basin on the pedestal. You’ll usually need to add pads to the top of the pedestal first. The pads will be included with the sink. Slide the sink so it is touches the back wall. Mark the mounting bolt holes. The sink should have holes underneath the basin. Slide the sink aside. Pre-drill the holes for the mounting bolts.

12. Attach the Sink to the Wall

    Slide the sink and pedestal against the wall again. Screw the mounting bolts in place with the ratchet wrench. Tighten the bolts carefully to avoid cracking the porcelain sink.

13. Attach the Pedestal to the Floor

    Drill a hole through the anchoring hole at the bottom of the pedestal. Then, drive the included mounting bolt through the anchoring hole and into the bathroom floor.

14. Attach the Plumbing

    Attach the P-trap to the sink’s drain tail piece. Attach the hot and cold water supply lines to the sink faucet.

When to Call a Professional

Consider hiring a carpenter or handyperson to install the wood mounting brace, as notching out the wall studs can be tricky. A plumber can assist you with moving or installing the water supply lines and drainage pipe.