Remodeling and Home Repairs With Peter Bales: Tips for Installing a Pedestal Sink

Client Testimonials

"Peter did an incredible job on our latest renovation. We are so excited about how he opened up our kitchen/dining room area! Its exactly what we wanted. His quote for price and time of completion was spot on. We will definitely call Peter for future projects and highly recommend him to any one looking to update their home." -Ryan & Daniela, Nashville

"We couldn't be happier with the work Peter has done for us! We had delayed a home improvement project because some past experiences with people we hired left us feeling anxious, and we just didn't want the hassle. However, Peter really put us at ease right from the start! Not only is he creative and skilled at his craft, but he is also extremely professional, courteous and trustworthy. He always took the time to answer our questions and really paid attention to the details that were important to us. We will definitely call Peter again, and we would recommend him to anyone." -Kassie & Andy, Mt. Juliet

"Peter recently converted my attached garage to a beautiful new office space. I was recovering from a major car accident and really didn't have the ability to oversee the work. Peter completely took charge, coordinating and ensuring quality of his own work and that of subcontractors. He even selected all the fixtures, doors, and windows completely to my taste since I couldn't shop. He worked creatively and efficiently and was on time and budget. Peter has a great attitude and is very communicative in person and on his blog. Living in a 1930's home by myself, it gives me great comfort to know I can call Peter, whose skills and character I can trust." - Aynsley, East Nashville

“Recently, Peter put in a new tile floor in our kitchen and dining room. I couldn’t be more pleased with his workmanship. The floors look great and the work is as professional as any I’ve seen. My wife and I are so pleased with his work ethic that we’ve asked him to take on some other projects for us. He definitely gets a thumbs-up from me.” -Gary Phillips, Nashville

"Peter does excellent work and I would hire him again without reservation. His assessment and quote of the project was accurate and competitive. The job was started and completed on time. While he was working, he was always very professional and neat. The finished product exceeded our expectations. All in all, it was a great experience and I would recommend him to anyone.” -Justin, Inglewood

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Tips for Installing a Pedestal Sink

At my Inglewood Cottage renovation project (these posts), we're trying to put things back together in a way that fits the older character of the home. This means the bathroom has new beadboard wainscoting and cool black-and-white hex tile. Next, of course, is the pedestal sink.

A pedestal sink is a common choice for a smaller bathroom when space is an issue. In this particular bathroom there is a huge toiletry closet behind the door, so there is plenty of storage. This is sometimes a concern when there will be no storage in the bathroom vanity.

The homeowners picked out a beautiful Kohler pedestal sink and it was time for me to install it. The old sinks usually had some metal brackets that first attached to the wall for the sink to rest on. I guess that was too easy... :) Now you have to find a way to attach the sink through the two holes provided. Because of the location of these holes under the sink where there's not usually any elbow room, you have to approach this differently.

Step zero: install the faucet and drain. It will be much easier for you if this is done before you attach it to the wall. You could wait to attach the connectors, but go ahead and get most of it installed.

Then, unless the hole is located right over a stud, you'll want to pick up a couple toggle bolts to attach the sink. I'm going through quite a bit of plaster and drywall, so I bought 4" toggle bolts.

Set the sink up with the pedestal and use a level to get it in the right spot. You want the surface of the sink to be level front-to-back and left-to-right. Once it's there, mark the two holes on the wall.

Next, drill a couple holes sized as recommended for your toggle bolts. My holes were 3/4". When that's done, you can put the toggle bolts through the sink and then insert them into the holes. Make they've sunk deep enough so that the 'wings' spread out against the back of the wall.

Now you need to tighten the toggle bolts. Some pedestal sinks may be designed so that you can actually get a screwdriver in there. However, many are not and you'll go crazy trying to figure out how to do it. Here's the secret: get a right angle screwdriver.

There are many versions of the ol' right angle screwdriver from fancy ratcheting ones, to cheap ones like mine that get the job done. I mainly just use this for installing pedestal sinks, but it's the right tool for the job.