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How To Install A Pedestal Sink

Close up lifestyle image of pedestal basin in a white tiled bathroom

Published: 31st October 2017

Author: James Roberts

If you’re confident with DIY, you may be able to fit your new bathroom without any professional help. In this guide, we’ll take you through the installation of a pedestal sink. This kind of sink is common, and depending on your ability level, should be simple enough to install.

If you’re not adept at home improvements, however, it’s probably best to use a plumber or a handyman.

Installing a Pedestal Sink

First things first, you’ll have to prepare your working area:

Unpack and Tidy Up

Unpack and inspect your basin before doing any installation. Tidy up the area where you’ll be installing your new sink, and clean away any packaging.

Turn off the Water

Close up image of someone turning off their water supply

Before starting anything, turn off the water in your home at the mains (otherwise you will get extremely damp extremely quickly). Your mains switch can be located inside or outside your property, under the kitchen sink or in an airing cupboard (sometimes under the floorboards), or at the boundary of your home under a small cover.

Once you’ve found your mains water valve (it should look similar to the image above), turn it clockwise to turn it off. The water will not stop immediately, so run a test by turning on a tap until the water stops coming out. You can turn your water back on by turning the valve anti-clockwise.

Remember: If you live in a shared property, turning the water off will also affect your neighbours.

What You Will Need

The job will take a few hours (2-3 hours as a rough estimate), so set aside a fair amount of time to get it completed. Make sure you have the following before starting:

Adjustable wrench
Tape measure
Adjustable pipe wrench
Pencil
Sealant gun and sealant
Spirit level
Screwdriver set
Electric drill
Small spanner
Basin and Pedestal
Basin waste (some basins will come supplied with a waste, so be sure to check when you order)
Taps

How to Install The Pedestal Basin

Now, let’s get on with it! Here is how to get your new sink up and running:

1. Measure Your Sink

Firstly, measure your new sink to make sure it will fit into the space you’ve set aside. You’ve likely already measured this space before ordering, but it’s best to be safe than sorry.

2. Assemble the Taps and Fix Them to the Basin

Close up image of a man attaching a tap to the edge of his basin

Assemble your bathroom taps according to the instructions, then attach them to your basin. Use your small spanner to ensure all pipes and parts are firmly fitted.

3. Install the Waste

Place the waste into position (the basin hole), and remember to place the rubber and nylon washers into the bottom of the waste to avoid leaks and wear and tear between the waste and the basin. Use your adjustable wrench to make sure the waste is in tight.

4. Place Your Basin Against The Wall

Place your basin and pedestal up against the wall, using your spirit level to ensure it’s even. Make a mark of the pedestal position with your pencil and through the holes used to fix it to the wall, so you know where to drill your holes. Now, move the basin and pedestal away from the wall.

5. Drill Pilot Holes into the Wall

Close up image of a man dirlling pilot holes into his bathroom wall

As illustrated above, use your electric drill to make pilot holes in the wall for the rawl plugs and fixing screws you’ll need to secure your basin against the wall. Once your holes are complete, fit the plugs, then insert the screws as they will go using your screwdriver.

6. Connect the Waste and Taps

Next, attach the hot and cold water lines to the pipes of your tap (or taps), and link up the basin waste to the waste pipe. This method can change according to the type of taps and sink you’ve purchased, so check the instructions to be sure of the method.

7. Attach the Basin and Pedestal

Image of a man in dungarees attaching a basin to his bathroom wall

Place the pedestal in position underneath where your basin will be installed, then place the basin back on top of it. Make sure it’s level (using your spirit level) and aligned with the securing bolts, then attach to the wall using the nuts (by hand). Use your spirit level once again, then tighten the nuts with your adjustable wrench.

8. Seal it up

After the basin and pedestal are secure, apply the silicon sealant around the top of the basin (all the way around) and at the foot of your pedestal. Wipe any excess away with a damp cloth before it dries to ensure a clean, tidy finish.

9. Turn the Mains Back On

You’re almost there. Turn the water back on at the mains, then try your taps. Ensure there are no leaks and the hot and cold water are working as they should. If any leaking occurs, turn the water off again, then tighten the bolts and pipes with your adjustable wrench until the leaking stops.

Well done, your sink is installed!