How to Install a Pedestal Sink

By: Thomas Baker, This Old House magazine

Shopping List

Supplies You Will Need

1. PEDESTAL SINK

2. LEAD-FREE SOLDER

3. PVC CLEANER AND SOLVENT
for joining PVC pipe

4. FLUX
acidic paste applied to copper before soldering

5. FINE-GRIT SANDPAPER ROLL
for polishing the outside of copper tubing before soldering

6. FENDER WASHERS AND 2 1/2-INCH LAG SCREWS, TWO EACH
for attaching sink basin to wall) Damp cloth (for cleaning and wiping up freshly soldered joints

7. SPRAY WATER BOTTLE
for preventing fires that may be ignited while soldering

8. BUCKET
for collecting water drips

9. PIPE DOPE
Teflon-based paste for sealing pipe threads

10. PLUMBER'S PUTTY
for sealing drain and faucet flanges against the sink

Close
Tools List
Tools You Will Need
- Hacksaw,
  for cutting PVC and thick brass pipe
- Propane torch,
  for soldering copper tubing joints
- 1-foot level,
  for leveling basin
- Water-pump pliers,
  for gently tightening large nuts on drain pipes
- Crescent wrench,
  for tightening small nuts on compression fittings
- Compact tubing cutter,
  for cutting copper tubing in tight locations
- Tubing cutter with reaming blade,
  for faster cutting on bigger, accessible tubing
- Wire brush,
  for cleaning inside of copper tubing before soldering
- Basin wrench,
  for tightening the nuts on faucet valves and spouts in the virtually inaccessible regions under the sink's basin
- Socket wrench,
  for driving lag screw
- Drill and bit,
  for drilling holes for lag screws
- Slotted screwdriver,
  for attaching lift rod to actuator arm
- Tape measure
Close

Photo: David Carmack

Introduction
Overview
Steps:
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10

9. Check your work

Make sure the faucet valves are closed, then turn main water supply back on.

Remove the spout's aerator and filter. Stand to one side and partially open one faucet valve.

Let the water run for a minute to clear air and any debris. Repeat with the other valve.

With the faucet shut off, check for leaks at all supply connections between the wall and the faucet's valves.

Reattach the aerator and filter. Admire the results of your handiwork.