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While the drain connection for a garbage disposal is nearly universal and fits standard sink drain holes of 3 1/2 to 4 inches, the size of the disposal unit itself is not. You must have enough space in the cabinet underneath your sink to accommodate the disposal's housing. A larger model may not fit in a compact cabinet or if the existing plumbing is arranged in an unusual way. Before buying a new garbage disposal, measure the available space under your sink. If you are replacing an old unit, it's often easiest to choose a new model of a similar size.

The best option is to alter the plumbing. Moving and centering the drain pipe behind the sink usually does the trick and creates the sleek, minimalist look that pedestal sinks offer. If you don’t want to do any plumbing work, there are a few decorating hacks:

• Painting the pipes

• Placing shelves, plants, or baskets in front of the pipes

• Adding a sink skirt 

Hairline cracks—tiny cracks in the surface—in porcelain sinks can happen due to age, chemical damage from cleaning products, dropping heavy objects on the sink, thermal shock from drastic temperature changes, stress during repairs, and manufacturing errors. Hairline cracks often start very small and grow longer and wider over time. While they may appear problematic, hairline cracks don’t indicate structural problems and may not impact the performance of sinks. However, they can eventually cause water leaks and mold growth if left to grow.

Due to the exposed plumbing, pedestal sinks are more challenging to install than traditional closed vanities. Pedestal sinks may also require additional floor and wall support or demolition. However, if you have the correct plumbing in place, then installing a pedestal sink is pretty straightforward and can be completed in a day. However, it’s best to hire a professional sink installer to ensure it’s done correctly.