Help & advice
Why moving a toilet is a big decision
If you're replacing your toilet, look for highly efficient (HET) or ultra-low flush (ULF) toilets to minimise water use. Or to save on your budget, buy a cistern displacement / water saving mediaQueries.
Moving a toilet involves more than just rearranging the furniture. It could be worth it in order to make the most of your space or increase privacy, however it will add to the overall time required to complete the project, which, in turn, increases the cost.
Still keen? The key question is - how would the soil pipe get to the new position?
The soil pipe - the wide pipe that carries the waste water and solids away from the toilet - is usually located under or behind your toilet.
Moving where the toilet is will mean either relocating the soil pipe to enter the room from a different part of the wall / floor or routing inside the room, built into a false wall or unit or just disguised with simple boxing in.
How to work out your options:
- Work out where the soil pipe is- Can you easily work out where the current soil pipe joins the main waste stack (the large pipe, sometimes referred to as the vented soil stack, that carries waste water and solids away from the house)? You can normally see the waste stack attached to an outside wall, or you might want to look at plans for your building.
- Hidden means complicated which means expensive - Is the connection point obstructed or hidden? The more hidden it is, the more complicated it's going to be to do anything with.
- Sanity check gravity will run in your favour Can the soil pipe connection run downhill from the new toilet location to connect with the waste stack? Gravity plays a role in taking the wastewater away, and toilets are mostly a standard height!
- Have an idea as to how this would effect your floors and walls Would moving the toilet require modifications to the floor or walls? Structural changes are time consuming and involve additional materials so will increase cost.
Frequently asked questions
How can I figure out where the soil pipe connects to the main waste stack if it's hidden or blocked from view?
Finding the soil pipe and its connection to the main waste stack can be a bit of a puzzle, especially if it's tucked away or covered up. Start by checking the outside wall where the waste stack usually runs, or dive into the building plans. The harder it is to access, the more complex moving it could be, but it's all part of the reno adventure.
What should I keep in mind if I want to route the soil pipe inside a false wall or box it in when moving a toilet?
If you're thinking about hiding the soil pipe in a false wall or boxing it in, there's one big thing to keep in mind: can the pipe still slope downhill from the new toilet to the waste stack? Gravity is your friend here! The pipe needs a downward slope to keep everything flowing smoothly. It's not just about looks - it's about making sure everything works properly while staying within budget.
Can I move the toilet without touching the floor or walls, and avoid big structural changes?
Yes, it's possible to move the toilet without ripping up floors or walls, but it depends on the new location. The key is making sure the soil pipe can still slope downhill to the waste stack. If you can make that happen, you'll avoid costly structural changes and keep things simpler - both for your budget and the overall project.
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