5 Pedestal Sink Installation Problems – Reason & Solution

Are you considering a pedestal sink for your bathroom? Pedestal sinks can add a touch of elegance to any bathroom.

But silly mistakes during installation can destroy the overall elegance of the pedestal sink. Besides, it may not even be suitable to use.

The most common pedestal sink installation problems are improper leveling the sink, p-trap is not aligned with the exit drain, installing incorrect or damaged supply pipe, water leakage and incorrect sealing around the sink.

In this article, I will discuss 5 common problems associated with pedestal sink installation along with their reasons, symptoms, and solution.

5 Pedestal Sink Installation Problems With Solution

Problem 1 Of 5: Sink Is Not Leveled

The most common problem with the pedestal sink is its not properly leveled during installation. If you are not aware of it, the sink may be high, low, or not aligned at the center. Then It will be difficult, uncomfortable, and unpleasant to use.

Reason

• The sink is installed on an uneven surface
• Didn’t do the right measurement during installation
• The sink drain is installed incorrectly or install with leakage/damage

Symptoms

• Appear higher or lower than the perfect height
• Water does not drain properly from the sink

Solution

• You can shim the sink base with washers or shims until it is level
• If the sink is lower, you can use a floor leveler underneath the pedestal
• If the sink is higher or not centered, better to hire a plumber to re-install the sink with perfect height and place

Problem 2 Of 5: P-Trap Is Not Installed Correctly

The next common and frequent installation problem of the pedestal sink is not installing the p-trap properly. It is lower or higher than the drain entry.

And if the P-trap of a pedestal sink is not attached correctly, the sink will not function properly and may even leak.

Reason

• The sink was not installed level
• Using wrong size P-trap
• Not concerned about the right  alignment of drain exit and P-trap

Symptoms

• Can produce odors
• Can cause water leakage

Solution

• Choose the right size P-trap for your sink
• Best to choose the flex P-trap with a deep-water seal
• Reinstall the P-strap level with the sink and the drain pipe

Problem 3 Of 5: Leakage

If you don’t install the Pedestal sink properly, you can experience water leakage. That can make dirty to your sink countertop as well as your home too.

Reason

• The sink is not properly sealed to the countertop
• The sink pipe and water supply are not properly installed
• Installing a broken or damaged pipe
• Using a poor quality water faucet
• Not tighten the water faucet

Symptoms

• A puddle of water around the base of the sink
• Water seeping through the cracks around the sink
• A musty smell coming from the sink area
• Hear the sound of trickling water

Solution

• Tighten the connections or replace the gaskets
• Apply a new bead of silicone caulk or plumber’s putty around the base of the sink
• Inspect the entire sink for any cracks or chips. If you find any, use a putty knife to smooth them out
• If the pipe is damaged badly, hire a plumber and replace it
• Buy a quality faucet and reinstall it properly so that it does not leak

Problem 4 Of 5: Incorrect Size Supply Pipes

Using an incorrect-size supply pipe is another common mistake. It may not sound that serious, but it’s a major pedestal sink installation problem. If you’re planning to install a pedestal sink in your home, be sure to measure the supply pipes carefully.

Reason

• Not concern about the pipe size
• Lack of installation knowledge

Symptoms

• Can experience continuous water leakage
• The sink drain can be clogged
• Water supply may stopped

Solution

The solution is to install the right size supply pipe

• Measure the inside and outside diameter of the supply pipes that come out of the wall.

• If the inside diameter of the wall pipes is smaller than the outside diameter of the sink pipes, you will need to replace the supply pipes with a larger size.

• If the inside diameter of the wall pipes is larger than the outside diameter of the sink pipes, you will need to use pipe reducers or adapters to connect the two together.

Problem 5 Of 5: Improperly Sealed Around The Sink

Last but not least mistake is the improper sealing around the pedestal sink.

If you are planning to install or have a pedestal sink in your home, it is important to make sure that it is properly sealed around the sink. Otherwise, water can leak through the cracks and cause damage to the sink and surrounding areas.

Reason

• Didn’t use enough sealing material
• Use the wrong type of sealant
• Use more thicken or more liquid sealant solution
• The sink is not level or if there are any gaps between the base and counter top
• Come to water contact before sealing ware not dried properly

Symptoms

• Continuous water leakage
• Algae on the sink countertop
• Require special cleaners or sealants to clean properly
• Can be a breeding ground for bacteria and other germs

Solution

• The solution is to choose the right sealant
• You can use plumber’s putty or a silicone-based caulk should be used instead
• Keep it dry for the next 24 hours
• Make sure you’re not using the sink until it dries properly
• Make sure their is no hole while inserting the sealant

FAQs

Are pedestal sinks hard to install?

No, pedestal sinks are not that much hard to install. Pedestal sinks are installed by first attaching the sink to the wall with brackets. Next, the plumbing is installed underneath the sink. Finally, the pedestal is attached to the sink and the wall.

How to clean a pedestal sink?

To clean a pedestal sink, use mild soap and warm water to clean the basin, pedestal, and fixtures. You can use baking soda instead of soap. Then use a sponge or microfiber cloth to scratch the surfaces. Rinse the sink with clean water and dry with a soft towel.

How do you secure a pedestal sink to the floor?

You can secure a pedestal sink to the floor in multiple ways. One way is to use L-brackets that are mounted to the floor. Another way is to use a sink mounting kit that comes with everything you need to secure the sink to the floor.

Final Verdict

So, it’s time to wrap up this content.

Here I have tried to discuss the possible 5 common pedestal sink installation problems with their possible reasons, symptoms and solutions.

These problems all happen during the installation process for several reasons, mostly for lack of concentration.

But if you pay a little bit extra attention during the installation, you can surely get rid of these unwanted problems.

Hopefully, the entire discussion will be helpful for you to avoid these problems.

Don’t hesitate to share your queries, and suggestions with us!

Stay tuned!