Moving a Toilet: A Comprehensive Guide
Planning Your Toilet Relocation
Moving a toilet requires careful planning and consideration, especially if you aim to maintain the bathroom’s footprint while enhancing its layout.
Accessing the Plumbing
To access the toilet’s drainage and water supply lines, you can either remove a section of subfloor or demolish a portion of the drywall ceiling below. Choose the method that best suits your situation and minimizes disruption.
Removing the Existing Toilet
Remove the old toilet from its location and cap the drainpipe to prevent sewer gases from entering the home. Carefully set aside the toilet for reuse or dispose of it appropriately.
Relocating the Drain Pipe
The new drain pipe should be routed to connect to the waste-vent stack while maintaining a downward slope of 1/4-inch per horizontal foot. Use long-sweep 90-degree bends and wye fittings to ensure smooth drainage.
Installing the Drain Stub-Out
Attach a 90-degree toilet bend to the end of the new drain pipe and glue a short length of pipe vertically through the subfloor.
Running the Water Supply Lines
Extend the existing water supply line using PEX piping, connecting it to the new toilet location with a fixture shut-off valve exposed through the wall.
Installing the Toilet Flange
Replace the subfloor and flooring, cut the drain pipe flush with the floor level, and solvent-glue the toilet closet flange in place. Secure the flange to the subfloor with screws.
Reinstalling the Toilet
Place the toilet on top of the flange, connect the water supply, and turn it on. Test the toilet to ensure proper operation.
Considerations for Specific Situations
Moving a Toilet on a Concrete Slab:
This typically requires professional assistance as it involves breaking up the slab to access the plumbing.
Moving a Toilet a Few Inches:
The cost and complexity vary depending on the space and plumbing conditions.
Installing a Toilet Anywhere in the House:
While technically possible, it requires sufficient space and appropriate plumbing and electrical infrastructure, which may need to be installed professionally.
Relocating a Toilet to a Shower Drain:
Technically feasible, but the drainage pipe may need to be modified to accommodate a toilet.
Additional Tips:
- Use a roughing guide to determine the precise piping location and avoid obstructions.
- Consider adding structural reinforcement if pipe alterations compromise the floor framing’s strength.
- Support drain and water supply pipes along their length with straps.
- Ensure all fittings are securely glued or connected to prevent leaks.
- Test the toilet thoroughly after installation to ensure proper functionality.