How to Remove a Pedestal Sink

A pedestal sink against a wall.
  • 2-4 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 35-75
What You'll Need
Wrench
Hacksaw (if needed)
Towels
A helper
What You'll Need
Wrench
Hacksaw (if needed)
Towels
A helper

Removing a pedestal sink will take less than a day of labor to complete. Although it is moderately challenging—as most plumbing projects are—it is a very doable DIY project. With the right tools and a little bit of knowledge, save the money you would spend on a professional plumber and put it toward the purchase of a new sink.

Step 1 - Turn Off Water

Before you begin the removal of your pedestal sink, turn off all water supply to the sink. You may wish to turn off the main water supply to the house for extra added safety. If you plan to reuse the present faucet on a replacement sink, make sure you check to see that the new sink has the proper spacing for supply lines.

Step 2 - Remove Lines

Place towels below the water supply lines on the floor. Disconnect both water supply lines. Although you have turned off the water supply, there will be a little left over in the lines that will escape when you disconnect them. The towels will catch the water in the drain and in the supply lines.

Step 3 - Disconnect P-Trap

Disconnect the P-Trap from the wall. The P-trap is a device that prevents any backflow of noxious air or gases from your sewage system. Leave the faucet and drain pipes attached for now. They will be easier to disconnect from the wall once the pedestal is removed.

Step 4 - Pull the Sink Away

Make sure all connections to the sink have been released properly. Employ the assistance of a helper to make sure the P-trap successfully moves off the wall while the sink is also moving. Make sure to remove all mounting bolts if present. Retain them if you plan to reuse them for a new installation.

Step 5 - Remove P-trap

Now you can remove the P-trap from the pedestal sink. If you plan to reuse any of the same hardware on a new installation, you can clean out the pipes and P-trap before attaching them to a new sink for installation.

Step 6 - Remove Hardware

Many municipalities have separate rules and regulations regarding the disposal of materials such as porcelain and metal. It is a good idea to remove all metal hardware from your old pedestal sink to meet any disposal requirements. Additionally, if you plan to reuse the hardware on a new installation, remove it as soon as the sink is disconnected so you can examine the hardware, checking to see if it is appropriate for a new installation. If so, once removed the supply lines and faucets can be soak cleaned to rejuvenate their appearance for your new installation. In many instances, particularly when replacing considerably older pedestal sinks, you may not be able to remove hardware with a wrench and will need to use a hacksaw to cut through to free the sink. Always make the cut on supply lines as close to the sink as possible. You can attach new end fittings when installing a new sink.

Check with your local municipality about the proper disposal methods for your old pedestal sink. Be careful moving an old porcelain sink that may already be cracked. cracked porcelain can be razor sharp. Always wear protective gloves when handling a damaged pedestal sink to protect yourself.