Bathroom Pedestal Sink Installation
#1
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Bathroom Pedestal Sink Installation
I just finished the tile floor and painting the walls. Its now time to reseat the toilet and install the sink. So I brought the sink in to mark both the floor and wall to where the anchors go, and it doesn't appear like the sink sits properly on the pedestal.
Its a Kohler Archer pedestal sink, bought at Lowe's. When I put the sink itself ontop of the pedestal, I would assume the pedestal sits nicely in some pocket in the bottom of the sink. Not really. I double checked, and I have the correct 2 parts, but they just don't seem to line up properly.
Any thoughts or suggestions? Is that normal? How do you go about securing the sink to the pedestal then and levelling it properly?
Thanks.
Its a Kohler Archer pedestal sink, bought at Lowe's. When I put the sink itself ontop of the pedestal, I would assume the pedestal sits nicely in some pocket in the bottom of the sink. Not really. I double checked, and I have the correct 2 parts, but they just don't seem to line up properly.
Any thoughts or suggestions? Is that normal? How do you go about securing the sink to the pedestal then and levelling it properly?
Thanks.
#2
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I ripped out the pedestal sink in my house as soon as I could to replace it with a vanity; my sink was secured to the wall, the pedestal was not weight bearing. Yours is different?
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Yea, I'm pretty sure the pedestal is doing 80-90% of the load carrying. The sink doesn't have any real clip or flange or anything that bolts to the wall that it sits on. Just 2 holes that go through the porcelin that I use bolts to help pull/secure it to the wall. But the porcelin isn't going to hold the sink weight, I think its just there for securing, the pedestal does all the heavy lifting. And there's a hole in the base of the pedestal to bolt it to the floor.
#4
You need a 2x8 in the wall between the studs under the Sheetrock. Either one continuous sink hanger or to individual sink hangers are screwed through the Sheetrock and the sink is mainly supported by this. The screw holes in the back apron of the sink just hold it in place on the hangers. Hangers are usually included.
The pedestal is mostly decorative. The hangers used are the same as are used with wall hung sinks. A 2X10 or two 2X6s in the wall will give you more wiggle room in getting the height just right for the pedestal and leave wood for both the hanger and screws on the bottom of the sink.
The pedestal is mostly decorative. The hangers used are the same as are used with wall hung sinks. A 2X10 or two 2X6s in the wall will give you more wiggle room in getting the height just right for the pedestal and leave wood for both the hanger and screws on the bottom of the sink.

Last edited by ray2047; 08-05-11 at 08:21 AM.
#5
Hi,
If you dont have backing in the wall IMO your wasting your time installing that sink.
Pedestal sinks are more trouble then good. Like Mitch, I ripped mine out when I bought the home.
As a plumber I never recommend pedestal sinks to any customers. I guess they look nice but thats a matter of opinion.
Plus the storage space you lose, constant leaks from the trap proximity(hard to tighten), And very often getting ripped from the wall.
The pedistal is not the support. Its mainly for looks. The sink mounted to the wall is really the main support with proper backing plate and bolts.
http://www.us.kohler.com/onlinecatal.../1118222_2.pdf
Mike NJ
If you dont have backing in the wall IMO your wasting your time installing that sink.
Pedestal sinks are more trouble then good. Like Mitch, I ripped mine out when I bought the home.
As a plumber I never recommend pedestal sinks to any customers. I guess they look nice but thats a matter of opinion.
Plus the storage space you lose, constant leaks from the trap proximity(hard to tighten), And very often getting ripped from the wall.
The pedistal is not the support. Its mainly for looks. The sink mounted to the wall is really the main support with proper backing plate and bolts.
http://www.us.kohler.com/onlinecatal.../1118222_2.pdf
Mike NJ
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.....Maybe I missed them in the box, but as far as I can tell, there's no hanger, just the holes in the porcelin. Which is why I made my comment that the pedestal does all the load carrying. I wouldn't trust the porcelin to hold that weight. Its just 2 3/8 bolts with double ended thread (wood screw on one end, machine screw on the other). Directions don't say anything about a hanger. Now maybe its molded into the sink itself....but its still surrounded by porcelin, which I still wouldn't trust not to crack.
I just read through that PDF you attached, and would you trust the sink hanging from the wall without the pedestal? There are no clips, just those 2 screws. I'm just saying.
http://www.us.kohler.com/onlinecatal.../1063452_2.pdf
Says specifically sink must be supported by pedestal.
I just read through that PDF you attached, and would you trust the sink hanging from the wall without the pedestal? There are no clips, just those 2 screws. I'm just saying.
http://www.us.kohler.com/onlinecatal.../1063452_2.pdf
Says specifically sink must be supported by pedestal.
#7
I have bought hangers and installed them then found the hangers in the crumpled paper packing of the shipping box as I threw it out.
One other note don't try to use 1-1/2" P-trap (and reducer washers). For many sinks the radius of the trap loop is just a bit to wide. You must use a 1-1/4" P-trap or there isn't enough space between the wall and tail piece for the trap.
One other note don't try to use 1-1/2" P-trap (and reducer washers). For many sinks the radius of the trap loop is just a bit to wide. You must use a 1-1/4" P-trap or there isn't enough space between the wall and tail piece for the trap.
#8
Wilie....I have to agree with you. Well...mostly. The attachment keeps the sink from tipping and supports some weight...but the pedestal supports a majority when someone leans on it while brushing teeth or shaving. Some sinks can be held to the wall without a pedestal...just look at gas station bathrooms, the ones that haven't broken off from someone standing on them...lol.
#9
You need a backing plate. Is there one? There is no bracket. It mounts by those two bolts into the backing plate.
Like I said IMO you are wasting your time if there is no plate. I am only telling you from yrs of experience.
The pedistal assist with support thats all.
Only trying to help you install correctly so you will not be upset down the road.
Mike NJ
Like I said IMO you are wasting your time if there is no plate. I am only telling you from yrs of experience.
The pedistal assist with support thats all.
Only trying to help you install correctly so you will not be upset down the road.
Mike NJ
#10
Yes gunguy the other wall mount sinks have a bracket for the wall and those two bolt holes. The weight is pullling from the top if you lean on them.
Yes the pedistal assists with the overall support and the two low bolts are all thats attached to the wall. But what I am trying to say is if there is no backing plate then you elimiate the strongest point then IMO all else is null. There is no molly I know that will support that sink just through the sheet rock.
Sure you can say, "welll I just wont lean on it"...LOL.
Most of the calls I got with pedistals are trap leaks, and the sink sitting on the floor in several pieces
Like I said just say'in......
Mike NJ
Yes the pedistal assists with the overall support and the two low bolts are all thats attached to the wall. But what I am trying to say is if there is no backing plate then you elimiate the strongest point then IMO all else is null. There is no molly I know that will support that sink just through the sheet rock.
Sure you can say, "welll I just wont lean on it"...LOL.
Most of the calls I got with pedistals are trap leaks, and the sink sitting on the floor in several pieces
Like I said just say'in......
Mike NJ
#12
Mike...agree completely.....backing plate or its a no-go situation.
I prob wasn't clear enough...
I prob wasn't clear enough...