How to install a pedestal sink: step-by-step installation instructions

Among all possible types of sinks, models on a pedestal seem to be the most optimal for a country house. They are suitable for bathrooms with a sewer outlet to the floor.If this is your option, check out the design features of the device and the installation manual offered on our website.

We will tell you how to install a pedestal sink with your own hands. We offer detailed step-by-step instructions to everyone who wants to install tulip-type plumbing fixtures on their own. The article we have proposed thoroughly outlines all the subtle nuances of the process.

To ensure that the installation and connection of the pedestal sink is flawless, familiarize yourself with the possible errors that may occur during the work process - this will help you avoid them.

What is special about installing a sink?

A pedestal washbasin is a functional and practical solution for the bathroom. Before you begin the actual installation process, take a look at your sink. Depending on the design, type of fastening and type of pedestal, the installation method will differ.

What should you pay attention to?

The pedestal - a stand under the sink - has two main functions:

• supporting;
• decorative

The washbasin bowl is mounted on a leg so that part of the weight is distributed directly onto the pedestal. This is especially important for bulky and heavy sinks, since a conventional wall mount may not be able to withstand the load. This is the case when installing a tulip is a necessity.

The pedestal will organically fit into any interior style. A classic white column or an unusually shaped pedestal – it’s up to you

The decorative function of the pedestal is that it allows you to successfully disguise the siphon, water and sewer pipes, which can spoil the appearance of the bathroom. Since the leg is hollow inside, all communications fit perfectly there.

To install a sink, it is important to decide on the type of its design:

• monolithic;
• separate.

And also, with the location:

• corner;
• straight.

The monolithic tulip sink is an indivisible structure. This type of plumbing fixture is stable, quite heavy and quite expensive. As a rule, these are premium models. We are talking not only about earthenware varieties. Natural and artificial stone, acrylic, and glass are used.

If you value compactness and comfort, a corner pedestal is what you need. Takes up minimal space and looks elegant

Manufacturers often offer a separate option: a sink and a pedestal for it from the same series. They are united by the same design and full compliance in terms of technical parameters. But it is not at all necessary to buy a washbasin as a set. The choice of sanitaryware is so large that choosing the right pair is not difficult.

How the sink will be located in your bathroom depends only on the availability of free space and your preferences.There are no big differences in installation technology.

What is a semi-pedestal and what are its features?

A semi-pedestal is a popular type of bowl stand. In bathroom interior design, it is now fashionable to use wall-hung sanitary ware: a toilet, a bidet and a washbasin, which do not rest on the floor, as usual, but are cantilevered to the wall.

A shortened version of the pedestal is a good solution from a hygienic point of view. Dirt will not accumulate around the “leg”, and the floor will become easier to clean

The semi-pedestal itself is a shortened leg. There is free space between it and the floor. It can be rationally used for storage, which cannot be done when installing a regular tulip. In addition, this design greatly facilitates cleaning under plumbing fixtures - the floor remains free and no hard-to-reach places are formed.

As for the main functions, the semi-pedestal copes well with both the aesthetic component (masks communications) and the supporting part. This type of plumbing products can also be purchased separately, but it is important to adhere to the general design idea and avoid mixing styles.

Calculations and dimensions for the wiring diagram

Before proceeding with installation, you need to decide on the project. First, read the recommendations regarding installing a pedestal washbasin in the bathroom, and the rules bowl height position, and then start building a plan and counting materials.

Disguised communications will not be noticeable. For everything to work out, place all the parts in accordance with the installation diagram

First of all, the size of the washbasin itself. It is better not to buy bowls less than 50 cm wide for your home. They will be inconvenient to use. The traditional size is 55-65 cm. The height of the sink should be selected depending on the height of potential users.

There are standards that require installing a sink at a height of 80-82 cm from the floor. This size is optimal for most adults with a height of 160-180 cm. If you are planning to buy a swivel faucet with spout for a sink and bath, then you can deviate a little from the standards and install it at a height of 85 cm.

The drawing shows all the dimensions: between the fasteners, between the cold and hot water outlets, the location of the drain and its diameter

There is nothing stopping you from installing a tulip vanity higher if that is more convenient for you. The height of the pedestal is usually about 65 cm, so you will not be able to mount the bowl lower.But making a raised podium under the tulip is not difficult.

Another important parameter that is often neglected due to limited space in the bathroom is the space in front of the washbasin. There should be at least 70 cm of free space in front of the sink, otherwise it will be inconvenient to use. It is a bad idea to install a sanitary ware bowl in a narrow niche in the wall or between other furnishings.

Each plumbing fixture has its own installation diagram provided by the manufacturer.

It contains basic information for installation:

• from which side is the water supplied?
• height of fastenings and main structural elements;
• location relative to the wall;
• the presence of an overflow and a hole for the mixer;
• dimensions of the device itself.

It is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the installation diagram of your plumbing fixture with a pedestal before starting installation, and if we are talking about laying water supply and sewerage from scratch, then this should be done taking into account the features of the selected plumbing model.

Installation instructions - step-by-step description

To make the installation process clear, consider the technology step by step. Start by selecting your tools. Dismantling an old sink also needs to be done wisely. Then you need to install the sink, faucet, siphon and the pedestal in turn.

Preparing the necessary tools and materials

If you have a wiring diagram on hand and all communications are connected in accordance with it, installing a sink with a pedestal is much easier and faster.

Prepare the necessary tools and materials:

• perforator;
• screwdriver or screwdriver;
• adjustable wrench;
• sealant;
• set of fastenings;
• siphon for washbasin;
• mixer;
• roulette;
• building level.

Since the sink is initially mounted as a console, that is, rigidly fixed to the wall, a hammer drill is needed to drill holes in the concrete of the wall. A screwdriver or screwdriver is needed to tighten the expansion dowels. To work with bolted connections, you will need an adjustable wrench.

No supernatural tools are needed. Most men have all of them in their arsenal. And if you don’t have something, it’s time to buy it

A set of fasteners, as a rule, comes standard with plumbing fixtures. Often this includes a siphon. The mixer needs to be purchased separately. Consider the depth and width of the sink when purchasing a faucet.

A tape measure and a building level are a must in all construction work, and installing a pedestal sink will be no exception. You don’t even have to think about a pencil or marker for marking.

But the sealant, be it tow or FUM tape, must be present in the basic set of tools and materials. Without careful sealing of all connections, no plumbing equipment can be operated.

Dismantling of old equipment

If your bathroom already has a regular sink installed, the old plumbing will need to be removed before installing a pedestal model.

It's easy to do:

1. Turn off the water. Start by removing the faucet. Unscrew the nut and carefully disconnect the water pipes from the faucet.
2. Then remove the siphon. Despite the fact that the water has already been shut off, some of it still remains in the pipes running after the shut-off valves. To prevent all this water from pouring straight onto the floor after removing the siphon, place a bucket or basin in advance.
3. When the sink is no longer connected to the communications, you can begin dismantling the sanitaryware. Unscrew the fasteners and remove the washbasin from the support.

The surface must be flat. If the floor in the bathroom, as often happens, is crooked, it needs to be leveled using a cement screed.

If you make an additional elevation for the tulip, you can compensate for the slope due to it. Now all that remains is to free the room from the old plumbing in order to begin installation of new equipment.

Marking the walls before installation

The next step is the installation of tulip-type plumbing fixtures. First of all, markings are applied. You will need a wiring diagram that takes into account sink dimensions.

Find the distance between the fastening points on it. Or just measure them with a tape measure. Measure the height at which the bowl will be mounted.

Draw a vertical line indicating the axis of symmetry. Installation will be carried out in relation to it. Mark the second axis – perpendicular – with a horizontal, level line. Fasteners will be located on it.

As with any important work, when installing a washbasin, it is better to measure seven times before you start drilling into the walls

There is another simple markup method. Measure the desired height of the top of the sink and draw a horizontal line at this level. Connect the washbasin to the pedestal. Place the structure in the installation location.

Make sure that the bowl and the line on the wall match completely. Take a simple pencil and insert it into the mounting holes. Draw marks on the wall in these places - you will get the exact location for the dowels.

Installing a Pedestal Sink Faucet

So as not to suffer with mixer installation on an installed sink, it is better to do everything in advance. Then there will be no need to reach into hard-to-reach places with a wrench and a screwdriver; all that remains is to connect the water supply.

Connect the purchased faucet with flexible pipes that you connect to the water supply. Most often this is a metal hose or rubber hose protected by a metal braid. All threaded connections must be made with a rubber gasket.

Do not skimp on the length of flexible hoses. Too short ones can bend dangerously and will quickly fail. A length of 80 cm is usually sufficient

Included with the mixer you will find a connecting pin (or two). It must be screwed into the threaded hole at the bottom of the mixer. Place the O-ring. It will protect the material of the pedestal sink and prevent it from loosening.

Do not pinch the connection. If too much force is applied, the rubber gasket may become deformed and no longer perform its function.

Insert the faucet into the hole on the sink.

The sink can have a hole for the faucet in the center, on the side, or without it at all. For the third option, install a wall-mounted tap

Place another O-ring on the bottom for bottom protection. The seal is necessary so that during operation the crane does not start to wobble and “walk”. Take a special metal washer in the shape of a horseshoe and put it on the hairpin. It is needed for stronger pressing over the entire area.

The washer ensures that the load is distributed evenly over the entire surface. It is made of plastic so as not to damage the enamel of the washbasin

Screw the nut onto the stud using a wrench.

Use an adjustable wrench - this is an indispensable tool in a plumber's arsenal.If you don't have one, a regular number 10 nut will do.

The mixer is ready. Flexible hoses are connected to the water pipes after the pedestal sink is fully installed. Please note that the right valve should be responsible for cold water, and the left valve should be responsible for hot water.

For safety reasons, it is not advisable to have a hot water tap under your right hand. If the temperature is too high, you can get burned. This is especially true for children who do not always know how to properly regulate water with a mixer.

Sewage connection - install a bottle siphon

Before turning on the water to check the quality of the installation, you need to install a siphon and connect it. As a rule, the siphon is sold disassembled, so it still needs to be assembled correctly.

Find the part for the drain hole. Using silicone, connect it to the gasket. Insert a bolt into the hole in the center. Replace the drain in its place in the bowl of the pedestal sink.

The diameter of the drain hole in the sink may vary. If you buy a siphon not as a set, but separately, be sure to check this point

If the sink is equipped with an overflow hole, it must also be connected to the siphon using a corrugated tube.

The overflow hole acts as a fuse. If for some reason the main drain is clogged, the overflow will prevent the water from rising above the level of the hole

Assemble the siphon bottle, connect it to the tee to connect the overflow. All conical gaskets must be installed so that their narrow part is directed towards the union nut. Using a bolt, screw the trap to the pedestal sink drain.

The design of the siphon is such that if a leak occurs in any connection, most of the parts will have to be unscrewed and reassembled. That is why the installation must be done carefully - the first time. The siphon is connected to the outlet pipe after hanging the sink and pedestal in place.

Installation of a sink - how to hang it on the wall

Now the markings are ready, the mixer and siphon are installed, you can begin installation. If you have little experience in this matter, the following instructions will be very useful to you. Using a hammer drill or drill, make holes in the concrete at the desired points.

The diameter of the drill is selected in accordance with the size of the dowels. The hole should be slightly smaller so that the fastener fits tightly into the wall material.

If you have drywall walls, use specially designed screws for hanging the sink. They change shape during the process of twisting, expand and increase the area of ​​adhesion to the wall. Then you don’t have to worry about the reliability of installation.

For strength, you can use adhesive sealant or silicone. It is poured directly into the holes before driving the dowel there. The mounting kit includes special screws - plumbing screws.

At one end they are screwed into the wall, at the other end there is a thread. Simple self-tapping dowels with a head for a screwdriver or anchor bolts can also be used.

The size of the hole made by the drill in the wall must correspond to the length of the self-tapping screw. Here again you will need an adjustable wrench and sealant.

To avoid damaging the enamel of the ceramic product, use plastic washers, which are also included in the kit.

Rubber or plastic washers relieve stress concentration around the hole in the sink material and distribute it over its entire area

Place the bowl in place and tighten the nuts. Check for correct installation using a level. The installation of the main part of the washbasin with the pedestal is completed. Now you can start connecting the water supply and sewerage. Since you followed the wiring diagram and installed all communications at the right points in advance, connecting the mixer and siphon will be as easy as shelling pears.

Installation of the pedestal - the final stage

The installation of the pedestal should be done after the siphon and mixer are connected. It will hide all communications, so in the process of installing water supply and sewerage, you need to “try on” the pedestal so that the pipes are not visible.

The pedestal itself is installed last. It will complement the appearance of the structure and will look like one with the sink

The “leg” for the washbasin itself is stable. Once you have placed the siphon inside the sink stand, push it against the wall. The bowl will rest on the pedestal and at the same time fix it with its weight.

The shortened pedestal does not rest on the floor. It will hang on mounting pins, just like the sink. Even at the stage of installing the bowl, you need to take care of the holes for attaching the semi-pedestal. Then, according to the same scheme, the product is hung on the studs, washers are put on and the nuts are tightened.

Installation errors, their causes and solutions

Sometimes after the installation is completed or some time after installation, it turns out that the sink and pedestal were installed poorly.

A number of symptoms that indicate this:

• the sink is wobbly;
• the pedestal is shaking;
• there is a gap between the bowl and the pedestal;
• there is a gap between the bowl and the wall.

Most of these problems can be solved without dismantling the product. If your pedestal washbasin begins to move and tremble at just one touch, the problem is in the level. During editing, of course, you used a spirit level, but perhaps not diligently enough.

Use the level literally at every stage. To avoid measuring the same thing a hundred times, make marks for yourself with a pencil for orientation.

If it turns out that the fastenings are not at the same level, this needs to be corrected. A large difference in height can only be corrected with new fasteners, while a small difference can be corrected by slightly twisting the mounting pin.

To slightly adjust the position of the washbasin, you can place a thicker rubber pad under the mount or, if the diameter of the hole in the sink allows it, move the washbasin a little and press it with a bolt

If the washbasin itself stays level, but only the pedestal wobbles, the problem is in the base. A perfectly flat floor is a rarity. Maybe your pedestal got into the joint of the floor slabs or the problem is in the screed itself, but if you don’t want to level the floor, use silicone.

When drying, it creates a fairly dense layer that compensates for the distortion. Apply silicone to the joint between the “leg” and the floor. The same solution is suitable for eliminating a gap near a wall or between a bowl and a pedestal. Silicone sealant is an indispensable item in a plumber's arsenal.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Of course, it’s better to see it once than to read it 100 times on the Internet. We have made a selection of good video reviews that will help you dot the i's in such a difficult task as installing a pedestal sink.

Video #1.Installation of a pedestal sink using a practical example:

Video #2. Special attention to sealing joints:

If you decide to install a pedestal sink without professional help, read all the recommendations twice, especially if this is your first time. Of course, unforeseen situations may arise; no one is immune from this.

Being theoretically savvy, you will see the full picture of the process. If you strictly follow the instructions, everything should go like clockwork.

Would you like to tell us about how you installed a tulip sink yourself? Do you have any questions that arose while reading the article, or useful information that you would like to share with us and site visitors? Please write comments in the block below.