Should You Install a Pedestal Sink?
Pedestal sinks free up floor space, make tight bathrooms feel larger, and showcase timeless style. Yet many Toronto homeowners avoid the upgrade because rough-in pipes, blocking, and wall anchors must be perfect. In this 2025 guide by ANTA Plumbing, you’ll learn the exact tools, code-compliant rough-in heights, and step-by-step sequence to swap out a bulky vanity for a sleek pedestal sink—usually in a single day.Tools & Materials Checklist
Tool | Why You Need It |
Adjustable wrench & basin wrench | Tighten supply nuts in cramped spots |
Compact tubing cutter / PVC saw | Trim copper or ABS drain precisely |
Level & tape measure | Confirm basin is square and rough-in is on-center |
Pencil, painter’s tape, stud finder | Mark wall blocking and anchor holes |
2″x 8″ blocking (pre-cut) | Code-approved backer for lag screws |
Faucet kit, pop-up drain, P-trap | Most basins ship without traps or supply lines |
Silicone sealant & plumber’s putty | Seal pop-up flange and faucet base |
Toronto Tip: A building permit is required if you move supply or drain lines, because it’s considered a “material alteration” under the Building Code Act toronto.ca.
Planning & Rough-In Requirements
Target rough-in dimensions (standard basins):
- Drain stub-out height: ~18–19 in. above finished floor
- Supply stub-outs: ~21 in. above floor, 4–6 in. left/right of center homedepot.comthespruce.com
- Blocking height: Basin mounting holes usually 30–32 in. high—install 2×8 blocking before drywall.
Code notes:
- Ontario Code requires fixture drains to slope ¼ in. per foot to the stack..
- All fixtures must vent properly; if the trap arm exceeds 1.5 m, add an AAV or vent tee (Part 7, OBC).
- Floors around plumbing fixtures must be “reasonably impervious to water” toronto.ca.
Step-by-Step Pedestal Sink Installation
1 Shut Off & Demo
- Close the bathroom shut-offs; if none exist, shut off the home’s main valve.
- Disconnect the vanity supply lines and trap; cap the stubs.
2 Prep Drain & Supply
- Using a compact cutter, trim copper or PEX flush to 3 in. beyond wall.
- Clean burrs and sand; solder new ½-in. sweat ells or attach push-fit adapters.
- Dry-fit a 1¼-in. ABS elbow so its center is on the basin centerline (Family Handyman method) familyhandyman.com.
3 Install Wall Blocking
- Locate studs; cut drywall slot if needed.
- Screw 2×8 block between studs at basin-hole height; patch with moisture-resistant board.
4 Set Pedestal & Mark Anchor Holes
- Slide pedestal against wall; set basin on top.
- Level front-to-back and side-to-side; shim pedestal foot if floor is uneven.
- Mark through basin anchor holes onto wall; mark pedestal base on floor.
5 Mount Faucet & Pop-Up on Workbench
- Insert faucet stems with O-rings or plumber’s putty if none supplied.
- Tighten tailpieces; install pop-up drain with a bead of putty under flange.
6 Anchor Basin & Pedestal
- Drill ¼-in. pilot holes into blocking; drive 3-in. stainless lag screws with fender washers.
- Apply a thin silicone bead where basin meets wall for extra support.
7 Connect P-Trap & Supplies
- Cut the tailpiece to length; connect P-trap so it lines up without strain.
- Attach braided stainless supply lines; open stops and flush debris.
8 Pressure & Leak Test
- Run warm water for two minutes; inspect all joints.
- Check floor and wall seams for seepage; re-level if the basin settles.
Toronto-Specific Plumbing Code Tips
Requirement | Detail |
Permit | Needed if relocating drains/vents or adding new shut-offs toronto.ca |
Venting | Trap arm to vent ≤ 1.5 m, fall ≥ 6 mm/m (OBC Part 7) |
Clearance | 750 mm min. from sink’s center to side wall/adjacent fixture homedepot.com |
Moisture protection | Waterproof floor within basin footprint toronto.ca |
Install Pedestral Sink – Common DIY Errors & Fixes
Mistake | Prevention |
Mis-centering drain by 1–2 in. | Dry-fit pedestal and mark BEFORE gluing elbows |
Skipping wall blocking | Basin lags will crack drywall—always install 2×8 support |
Over-tightening supply nuts | Hand-tight + ¼ turn stops leaks without crushing gaskets |
Forgetting escutcheons | Cover rough copper/PEX for a finished look |
Pedestal Sink Installation Cost & Time Expectations
Scenario | DIY (CAD) | Pro Install (CAD) |
Basic swap, no pipe move | $250–$400 parts+permit | $600–$850 labour |
Re-route drain/supply | $400–$650 | $1,200–$1,600 incl. permit |
A well-planned DIY takes 6-8 hours. Factor extra time for drywall or tile repair.
When to Call ANTA Plumbing
- Drain needs to move more than 2 in.
- Vent re-routing or AAV install required.
- Lead, galvanized, or non-standard pipe sizes present.
- You want permit handling and warranty protection.
Book a Professional Pedestal Sink Install →
Frequently
Asked Questions
Yes. Drain and supplies must align with the slender pedestal; offset pipes require relocation.
Aim for 18–19 in. above finished floor, centered behind pedestal
Only if existing pipes align perfectly and blocking is already present; otherwise drywall access is inevitable.
Moving any drain or vent typically needs a plumbing permit
Precise measurements—“If one mark is off, you throw out the plumbing,” says ANTA master plumber.
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Key Takeaways
- Precise rough-in is critical; verify centerlines before cutting pipes.
- Wall blocking supports heavy vitreous-china basins.
- Ontario Code compliance avoids inspection failures.
- DIY is possible in one day for straightforward swaps—call a pro for pipe moves.
Also Check Out
Authoritative References
- Bathroom Rough-In Dimensions, Home Depot
- Family Handyman: Plumb a Pedestal Sink
- City of Toronto Building Permit Guide
- Toronto Plumbing Permit Data Sheet
- Ontario Building Code Part 7 Slope Requirement
- Toronto Property Standards, Floor Waterproofing
