6 Things to Consider When Buying a Pedestal Sink
Having a small bathroom in your house is better than having no bathroom at all. But what if there was a way to make the tiny area feel a bit roomier?
One popular design approach for small bathrooms is to install a pedestal sink that takes up less space and make the room appear bigger. That’s the good news.
However, it’s not always as easy as removing the old, larger vanity and putting the new, sleek pedestal sink in its place. There are a few considerations and decisions you need to make before installing a pedestal sink.
- Faucet holes and spread – There are different configurations for the faucet holes on a pedestal sink. The standard is two holes that are spaced four inches apart but some have a single hole or wider spacing. You can either pick out a sink you like and then find a faucet that matches, or start with the faucet and then select a sink that has the right hole configuration.
- Plumbing visibility – For the sleekest look, the pipes will be hidden behind the pedestal sink. The downside is that it might require moving plumbing around to fit into the new sink. If you keep the plumbing where it is, some of it might be visible or you can try finding a pedestal sink with a wider base that may cover more of the pipes.
- Anchoring and bracing – When it comes to installing the pedestal sink, the base will likely need to be anchored to the floor and the basin braced to the back wall. The bracing is typically done by installing a piece of 2×6 or 2×8 inch lumber behind the wall between the wall studs. Once you pick out your sink, it’s important you read and understand the installation requirements for your model.
- Water supply lines and shutoff valve – As much as possible, the water lines and shutoff valve should be tucked behind the pedestal so they’re not as visible. Since some of the plumbing will be visible from certain angles, we recommend having any special fittings match or complement the sink fixtures or surrounding décor.
- Drain location – The drain pipe should be aligned in the middle of the pedestal sink, with the two water supply lines on either side. The pipe and trap also need to be the correct height to reach the drain hole underneath the sink. To get this right may require cutting and installing new pipe.
- Repairing the floor and wall – Keep in mind that when you pull off your existing vanity or sink, you will likely need to repair or finish some of the floor and wall. These areas that were covered by the old sink may not have the same material or color as the rest of the bathroom. Or, you may get lucky and you’ll just need to clean and retouch the areas. You won’t know until you pull off the old sink.
With a little research and planning, installing a pedestal sink can be a great way to make a small bathroom feel more luxurious and spacious.
If you need help installing your pedestal sink, you can trust the team at Emergency Plumbing & Solar. We offer a full range of plumbing services to Oahu and Maui. To schedule an appointment, call (808) 691-9309.
