Only buy supplies if you’re comfortable with advanced-level DIY.
Need professional help with your project?
Get quotes from top-rated pros.
What you'll need:
TOOLS
Hacksaw
Tape measure
Pencil
Keyhole drywall saw
Basin wrench
Adjustable wrench
Slip-joint pliers
Bubble level
SUPPLIES
Pedestal sink assembly
2-by-8-inch lumber material
2 1/2-inch stainless steel screws
Two faucet supply connectors
Drywall tape
Drywall compound
Drywall primer
Plumber’s tape
Plumber’s putty
2-inch lag screws with washers (optional)
Silicone caulk
Pedestal sinks can add beauty and elegance to a bathroom. Replacing your sink and vanity combination with a pedestal sink can create an airy feel in what may otherwise seem like a cramped space. It’s best to hire a pro to perform the rough-in plumbing, but beyond that, pedestal sink installation isn’t out of reach for a highly skilled DIYer.
Prepare for Installation of a New Pedestal Sink
Although a pedestal sink works just like any other type of bathroom sink, installing one is a unique experience. Wall-mounting the sink basin while hiding the drain plumbing takes some special skills. We recommend having a helper by your side for this project.
Getting ready to install a pedestal sink takes considerable preparation. The first step is purchasing a pedestal sink and removing your current sink or vanity. You might want to hire a local plumber to move or install the drain and supply plumbing to fit a pedestal sink, including a drain adapter fitting and supply angle stop valves.
If you’re replacing a vanity, some flooring repair may be necessary. In any case, you’ll need a solid place to mount the sink and will likely need to adjust the plumbing.
Install the Sink Support Blocking
A pedestal sink consists of a basin and a pedestal. The basin needs support from the wall and only rests on the pedestal, which mainly hides the plumbing. Depending on the sink you choose, you might install it with a support bracket or lag bolts.
If your sink has instructions included, follow them to determine the height of the mounting bracket or support bolts. If your sink came without instructions, assemble the top and bottom against the wall with a helper. Measure the distance from floor to the support height.
With a keyhole saw, remove a section of drywall at least 6 inches above and below the determined support height between two adjacent wall studs. Cut a piece of 2-by-8-inch board to fit between the two studs and center on the determined support height and angle-drive at least four stainless steels screws through to the studs to secure the piece. Replace the drywall, taping, mudding, and finishing as needed.
Install the Sink Support
Support the sink basin with a mounting bracket or lag bolts. To do this, use your earlier measurement for the support bracket and mark the wall at this height.
If your sink requires lag bolt supports, assemble the pedestal and basin against the wall and mark the location of the bolt holes. Check that your marks are level.
If your sink uses a support bracket, install and level it at the determined height following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Prepare the Drain Plumbing
To simplify the final installation steps, get the drain plumbing cut and prepped before moving forward. These steps are the same whether you’re using chrome or plastic parts.
First, install the drain assembly into the sink following the manufacturer’s instructions. Don’t install the pop-up parts at this time.
Insert the drain elbow into the drain fitting in the wall. Leave it loosely inserted for now.
Assemble the pedestal and sink in its desired location. Assemble the P trap section of plumbing and test fit it to the drain elbow and the drain tailpiece.
Remove the sink from the pedestal and cut the tailpiece, if needed, with a hacksaw. Retest the fit before moving to the next step.
Assemble and Install the Faucet
Photo: kuchina / Adobe Stock
It’s much easier to install the faucet before mounting the sink on the wall.
Install the faucet following the manufacturer’s instructions. Connect the supply connectors to the faucet but not the water supply valves yet.
Mount the Sink
You can do this step in a pinch if you’re by yourself, but it’s much easier to have a helper in the room with you.
For sinks supported by a bracket, slide the pedestal and basin into place and slip the back of the sink onto the support bracket.
If your sink requires bolts for support, predrill the bolt locations, slide the pedestal and basin into place, and install the bolts into the wall, but don’t tighten them yet. Check that the sink is level, adjust it if needed, and gently tighten the lag bolts.
Connect the Plumbing
With the sink and pedestal securely in place, connect the P trap to the drain elbow and drain tailpiece. Secure by hand and tighten with slip-joint pliers if needed.
Install the pop-up assembly parts. Connect the faucet supply connectors to the angle stop valves.
Check for Leaks
Slowly open the supply valves while keeping an eye out for any water leaks at the faucet. Turn the faucet on, and let the water run for several minutes while checking for supply and drain leaks. If no leaks are present, you’re ready to complete your installation.
Follow the installation instructions if your pedestal requires fastening to the floor. Caulk the seam between the sink top and wall along the top and sides of the basin. If desired, caulk the seam between the front and sides of the pedestal and the floor.
Installing a Pedestal Sink Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro
Even if you’ve installed other sinks yourself, installing a pedestal sink presents unique challenges. Careful planning and measuring can reduce difficulties, but it may not be everyone’s favorite installation project. The DIY cost of installing a pedestal sink is between $250 and $1200. Most of that is the sink price and the cost of hiring a plumber for the rough-in plumbing.
You’ll need a backsplash behind your pedestal sink in your bathroom. Because pedestal sinks mount directly to the wall and usually have smaller basins with narrow rims, it’s easier to splash and get water on the wall or floor. You’re better off having a backsplash while brushing your teeth or washing your hands.
Pedestal sinks can be worth it, depending on your goals and bathroom setup. These sinks are an excellent option for saving space in a small bathroom and making the floor feel bigger. You can also save money by installing a pedestal sink instead of a bathroom vanity, which usually costs more. Lastly, you won’t have as much clutter on your pedestal sink as on a vanity countertop.
Pedestal sinks typically come with two pieces: the pedestal (also known as the base or pole) and the sink basin. You may hear it referred to as a standalone sink. The sink sits on top of the pedestal, which attaches to the floor and hides the plumbing. Both pieces usually come in porcelain or ceramic.
Deane has spent 30+ years in residential construction, contracting, remodeling, maintenance, and home repair, and now contributes DIY and educational articles for publications like Forbes Home and U.S. News. Throughout his career, he has strived to help homeowners find the potential hidden within the walls of every home and empower them to take control of their household repair and remodeling endeavors.
Deane has spent 30+ years in residential construction, contracting, remodeling, maintenance, and home repair, and now contributes DIY and educational articles for publications like Forbes Home and U.S. News. Throughout his career, he has strived to help homeowners find the potential hidden within the walls of every home and empower them to take control of their household repair and remodeling endeavors.
The homeowners guide to Plumbing
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
