Probably the most common basin design to be found.  

The pedestal, or full pedestal to give it its full name, basin has been around for quite a while.  It may seem, at first glance, that the pedestal acts as a support for the basin, but in fact it is not designed to do so.  I accept that sometimes it is fitted as a basin support, but this is incorrect installation most likely carried out by an amateur or a lazy plumber in a rush to finish the job.

The function of the pedestal is to hide the hot and cold pipes and also the waste pipe and trap.  When the plumbing for the basin in a bathroom comes up through the floor, then a pedestal style is the easiest and consequently the cheapest type to fit.  For most other styles the plumbing will need to be moved.

 

 

Some examples of pedestal basins: