Water Line Placement for a Wall-Mount Vanity
1. Height from Finished Floor
You’ll want your hot and cold water lines to sit between 22–24 inches from the finished floor. This allows for enough clearance above the drain and keeps things tidy behind the sink basin.
Pro Tip: Measure from the finished floor—not the subfloor. Tile, backer board, and mortar can add over an inch of height.
2. Horizontal Placement
Aim to center both supply lines about 4 inches apart, centered on the sink. For example, if your sink is 24" wide and centered on a 60" wall, then place the lines around 18" from the nearest wall.
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Cold water typically goes on the right
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Hot water on the left
(Yes, it's still that simple.)
3. Inside the Vanity Cabinet
Most wall-mount vanities will have a cut-out or designated chase for the plumbing. Always check the vanity specs before you rough in the plumbing. Some designs are more forgiving than others. A misaligned pipe can mean cutting into your vanity—or worse, your finished tile.
What About the Drain Line?
While we're talking water, don’t forget the drain! Your drain line should typically be placed at 18–20 inches off the finished floor and centered between your supply lines. It also needs a stud bay that can house a P-trap and allow for venting.
Things to Watch Out For
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Wall depth: Make sure your wall cavity is deep enough for plumbing (standard 2x4 walls may need a little finesse).
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Blocking: Add solid wood blocking behind the wall before closing it up. Wall-mounted vanities are heavy, and the plumbing shouldn’t be the only thing holding them up.
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Check local code: Always confirm with your local plumbing codes—they may have specific requirements for height, spacing, and venting.
A wall-mount vanity is a great design choice, but it does come with extra planning. Getting your water lines in the right place not only makes the install easier but also protects your vanity and ensures clean, functional plumbing behind that minimalist look.
Do the prep work now, and your future self (and plumber) will thank you.
