How To Remove A Pedestal Sink (Step-by-Step Guide)

Upgraded Home Team
by Upgraded Home Team

If you have a pedestal sink that needs to be removed, you may be wondering where to even start. Pedestal sinks are not so different from regular sinks, but there are some key differences that you will need to know. With more advanced knowledge of pedestal sinks and their inner workings, you can ensure your objective is met.

Removing a pedestal sink is a fairly straightforward process. It involves turning off the water supply, removing the mounting nuts, and enlisting help to remove it from its position. There are additional nuts to remove when separating it from the water supply.

Our step-by-step process and comprehensive knowledge base will help make the process fast and easy. Removing your pedestal sink will allow you a number of freedoms and give you the access that you need. Read more of our guide to learn more about the process.

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Reasons to Remove a Pedestal Sink

There are a number of potential reasons that you may be looking to remove your pedestal sink. It’s important that you are familiar with them so that you don’t remove your sink unnecessarily. Here are some of the most common reasons to remove your pedestal sink.

Damaged

Though we never want it to happen, it sometimes cannot be avoided. If your pedestal sink becomes damaged, you will most likely have to remove it. This may be required if you want to replace or repair it.

Removing your pedestal sink can provide you access to the parts of the sink that are damaged. Additionally, you can access the water lines if the problem lies there. For most damaged components on the sink, you’ll have to remove the sink.

Replacing

It may not be that your sink is damaged, but rather you’ve decided to move on from it. If you want to replace your pedestal sink, you’ll have to remove it. This could be the result of an upgrade, damage, or just a new style.

Regardless, if you want to have success in replacing it, you will certainly need to remove it. Replacing your pedestal sink should be seen as an opportunity. You can pick a style that works for your room and also has the functionality that you need.

Maintenance

There are times that your pedestal sink may need maintenance. This could be due to a cosmetic damage issue or a functionality problem. If you’re having problems with your pedestal sink, you may need to remove it to diagnose those problems.

If you have hired a professional to service your sink, it may be necessary for them to remove the sink. Performing maintenance on your pedestal sink can lead to a longer life for your sink. It can also result in improved functionality.

Moving

Another possibility that could lead to wanting to remove your pedestal link is moving locations. This is common, especially if you are going to be doing some remodeling. If you are changing around rooms, you’ll want to relocate your pedestal sink.

If this is the case, it’s even more important that you know everything possible about moving your sink. Without this knowledge, you could damage your pedestal sink in the process. Be sure you know what you’re doing before you move your pedestal sink.

Step by Step Guide to Removing a Pedestal Sink

If you want to know how to remove your pedestal sink, then you’re in the right place. This step-by-step guide will show you exactly what you need to know. If you follow these steps, you’re sure to have success.

Step One

The first step to removing your pedestal sink is turning off the water supply. This is essential to doing any maintenance on your sink or removing the sink. You don’t want the water to spray everywhere when you remove the sink.

To turn off the water supply, unscrew both hoses that connect the sink to the water supply. Before you do this, it’s best that you put a bucket under the hose. This will ensure no water damage is done to your floor. You may need adjustable pliers for this step.

Step Two

Each pedestal sink has a p-trap attached to a drain stub-out. This will need to be loosened and released before you remove your pedestal sink. Many times, you will be able to loosen it by hand. If not, you should use adjustable pliers to perform this task. Remove the nut from the wall once you have loosened it.

Step Three

A pedestal sink that is installed well will have a silicone seal around the back of the sink. It should also have a seal at the bottom of the pedestal sink. This will need to be removed if you want to remove the sink. This is best done by using a utility knife.

Carefully use the utility knife to cut the seal that secures the sink to the floor and the wall. Cut around the entire perimeter.

Step Four

For step four, you will need two people. The next step is to unscrew the mounting nuts. These are the nuts that hold the sink to the floor. However, loosening these could put the sink at risk of tipping over. Have you or another person hold the sink before starting.

As the sink is held in place, start to unscrew the mounting nuts. This will allow the sink to move more freely. Once the nuts are gone, you can remove the sink carefully.

Step Five

Once you have the sink removed from the wall and floor, you can move to the next step. You should place the pedestal sink upside down on a durable table or a workbench. This will allow you to remove the drain and other mechanisms.

Step Six

The final step is to remove the base from the floor. This is generally attached with bolts. Remove it using pliers.

Preparation: What Will I Need?

The best way to ensure your project has success is to be prepared. Part of preparation is making sure you have all the supplies that you need. For this project, you will need the following supplies:

  • Bucket
  • Adjustable pliers
  • Utility knife
  • Wrench
  • Workbench/durable table

With these supplies, you’ll be able to perform all of the steps. You should be sure to gather all of these supplies well in advance of your project. This will ensure you don’t have to go looking for them when it’s time to do the work.

Do You Need to Hire Sink Installers?

Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you.


Related Questions

Should I hire a professional to remove my pedestal sink?

The answer depends on how confident you feel in your abilities. It will also depend on what you are needing to do when it comes to your pedestal sink. If it is a simple case of removal, then you can probably do it yourself. If it is removal and relocation, you may want to hire a plumber to do this if you are unfamiliar with the necessary skills. 


Can a pedestal sink be repaired without removing it?

If the damage to your pedestal sink is cosmetic and limited to the exterior, it may be possible to repair the sink without removing it. However, if the repair is being done to internal components, it will be necessary to remove it. 


What are the most common locations for a pedestal sink?

Pedestal sinks are most commonly used for their small size. This makes them good candidates for small bathrooms and utility rooms. 

Upgraded Home Team
Upgraded Home Team

We are a team of passionate homeowners, home improvement pros, and DIY enthusiasts who enjoy sharing home improvement, housekeeping, decorating, and more with other homeowners! Whether you're looking for a step-by-step guide on fixing an appliance or the cost of installing a fence, we've here to help.

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