How to Plumb a Pedestal Sink

Installing a pedestal sink will transform your cramped bathroom into a stylish and spacious part of the house. However, before you are going to do that, you need to tear out the sink and vanity cabinet to have more room to work. So if you are planning to remodel your bathroom, this is the easiest way to it.

Basically, pedestal sinks can make your bathroom look and feel bigger. Installing new lighting and mirror could also make this project look more elegant and should add to the overall resale value of your house. But you should take note that pedestal sinks could be a bit tricky to install. Even pros admit that this could go wrong if not handled properly.

If you want to know how this is done, here are a few tips to guide you when you need to install a pedestal sink on your own.

1. Take Out Old Vanity Cabinet

First, you need to disconnect the pipes, then remove the sink. Shut down the water supply from the main valve. You can now remove the trap by unscrewing the slip nuts until it can be pulled out. If possible, try to cut the water tubes with tubing cutter or hacksaw. You can also loosen the nuts so that it can be pulled out easily. After doing this, you can now pull off the vanity top and remove the cabinet.

Try to secure the location of the supply and drain pipe so that you can put the new sink correctly. It should be best to put the pipes in the middle. Just position the sink and loosely install the new faucet, P-trap and popup drain.

2. Re-Plumb the Water Supply and Drain Pipes

Using plastic pipes makes it easier to relocate the drain. So you need to begin by clamping the elbows toward the transition couplings on the vent and drain pipes. Thus, you can now work your way up to the sanitary tree so that it will be on the center of the new sink with the right height. Complete the drain through flexing the drain assembly enough to bond at the end of the pipe.

Just don’t glue the drain stub yet before finishing the drywall. You simply need to cut the stub in order to fit the trap adapter exactly to the drywall then glue them altogether. You can also screw the wood backing to the studs in order to support the drywall edges. If you need a permit on your work, you can contact a plumbing inspector before you close the wall.

3. Install New Pedestal Sink

After prepping is done, it will now be possible to mount the sink after about three hours. Just install the valves first then the drain stub and mounting bots of the sink. You also need to follow the directions of the faucet before installing the faucet as well as the sink drain. After that, you can now mount the sink then connect the plumbing.

Simply make sure that you make the connection between the valve and faucet correctly. Don’t forget to use wrenches to tighten the compression fittings that should tighten the nut and hold the valve at the same time. Also, install a P-trap assembly to complete the installation and hand-tighten slip joints. Double check the connections to avoid leaks. When you have done everything, reopen the water supply valve and enjoy your new pedestal sink!

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