Can you move the location of a toilet?
Relocating a toilet in your home can seem like a daunting task, but I‘m here to walk you through the process step-by-step. With proper planning and care, moving a toilet to a new location is quite feasible. As a home improvement expert, I‘ve helped dozens of homeowners successfully reposition their toilets for various reasons. My goal is to provide you with the knowledge and confidence to take on this project yourself.
When You Should Consider Moving Your Toilet
There are a few common reasons homeowners decide to relocate their toilet:
Bathroom Remodel
If you‘re doing a full bathroom renovation, you may want to reconfigure the layout. According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, nearly half of all bathroom remodels involve moving plumbing fixtures to new positions.
Improved Accessibility
For homeowners with mobility challenges, moving the toilet can provide easier access. Relocating it a few feet can make all the difference.
Correcting Previous Mistakes
In some cases, a toilet may have been installed incorrectly. Moving it to comply with building codes is advised.
Noise Reduction
If a toilet is located on a shared wall, repositioning it can decrease noise heard by neighbors when flushing.
No matter the reason, I‘ll guide you through what‘s involved so you know what to expect.
The Toilet Relocation Process Step-by-Step
Relocating a toilet involves careful planning, precise plumbing work, and step-by-step installation. Here‘s an overview of the complete process:
Step 1: Turn Off Water Supply and Remove Existing Toilet
First, locate the water shut-off valve behind the toilet and turn it clockwise to shut off the water. Flush to empty the tank and bowl. Use towels to soak up remaining water. Disconnect and remove any supply lines.
Loosen the bolts holding the toilet to the flange and lift the toilet straight up to avoid damage. Cover the open drain pipe so dangerous sewer gases don‘t escape.
Step 2: Cap Off Open Plumbing
With the toilet removed, you‘ll see the drain pipe coming up from the floor. Place an airtight cap over it to contain odors and sewer gas until you‘re ready to install the new toilet.
Step 3: Relocate Drain Line and Vent Pipe
Extend the drain and vent pipes under the floor to the new toilet location per local building codes. The toilet must connect to a 3-inch drain pipe sloped at least 1/4 inch per foot. Hire a plumber if DIY is too complex.
Step 4: Install New Water Supply
Run new hot and cold water supply lines over to the planned toilet site. Install a new shut-off valve 18-24 inches above the floor. Ensure all pipes are secured properly.
Step 5: Set and Secure the Toilet Flange
The flange is the piece that connects the toilet to the drain pipe. Set it level with the finished floor and anchor with flange bolts. Avoid overtightening.
Step 6: Perform a Water Pressure Test
Temporarily connect toilet supply line to valve. Turn on water and check for any leaks. Fix issues before moving on.
Step 7: Set the Toilet
Place a new wax ring gasket over the flange. Set toilet and rock back and forth to seal the wax ring. Don‘t move toilet once placed. Reconnect supply line.
Step 8: Make Finishing Touches
Caulk base of toilet and reinstall fixtures. Update permits. Make any repairs to flooring or wall surfaces. Finally, give everything a thorough cleaning.
Assessing If You Can Move the Toilet
Before moving forward with a toilet relocation, you need to assess if it‘s possible given the size and layout of your bathroom. Here are three key factors to consider:
Is the Drain Line Accessible?
The toilet must connect to a drain line. If relocating the toilet more than a few feet, are drain and vent pipes accessible under the floor? Or will major work be needed to add new plumbing behind walls or under tile? Accessing pipes often requires extensive demolition.
Is There Adequate Clearance?
Most building codes require at least 21 to 30 inches of clearance in front of a toilet for comfortable access. Take measurements to ensure enough space exists at the desired new toilet location.
Do Building Codes Allow It?
Many municipalities prohibit installing toilets near kitchens, laundry rooms, or food prep areas due to health concerns. Check your local building codes to ensure regulations don‘t forbid placing a toilet in the planned location.
If major plumbing work seems necessary or building codes don‘t permit it, moving the toilet may not be possible without major remodeling. Consulting a professional plumber at this stage can provide valuable insight on what‘s involved. They can help you decide if relocating the toilet makes sense.
Draining and Removing the Existing Toilet
Once you‘ve decided to proceed with the toilet relocation, the first step is draining and removing the existing toilet. Follow these steps:
Shut Off Water Supply
Locate the water supply valve behind or below the toilet tank. Turn it clockwise to shut off the water.
Flush Toilet to Drain Tank/Bowl
With the valve closed, flush the toilet several times to drain as much water as possible from the tank and bowl.
Disconnect Supply Line
Unscrew the flexible supply line from the fill valve on the bottom of the tank. You may need an adjustable wrench.
Plug Supply Line
Place a stopper on the end of the supply line so water doesn‘t drain out. A clean rag stuffed into the opening should suffice.
Remove Toilet Bolts
Use an adjustable wrench to loosen and remove the nuts holding the toilet to the floor flange. There will likely be one on each side.
Lift Toilet Straight Up
With the bolts detached, carefully lift the toilet straight up off the flange to avoid damage. Have an assistant help maneuver it out.
Plug Drain Pipe
Place an airtight cap or plug over the open drain pipe coming up from the floor to contain odors and sewer gases.
With the toilet removed, you can now focus on the necessary plumbing work.
Relocating the Drain and Vent Pipes
The key plumbing task in moving a toilet is relocating the drain and vent pipes. Doing this properly ensures the relocated toilet functions correctly.
Extend Main Drain Line
The drain line must slope downward at least 1/4 inch per foot to facilitate proper drainage. Use a tape measure and level to maintain the proper slope.
Add Vent Pipe
Vent pipes prevent sewer gases and odors from entering the home. Consult local building codes for proper vent placement.
Avoid Sharp Bends
Use 45-degree elbow joints instead of 90-degree joints when possible to keep drainage smooth.
Hire a Professional If Needed
If DIY seems too complex, hire a professional plumber to safely extend drainage and vent lines to the new toilet site.
Properly relocated plumbing is critical for effective drainage and preventing sewer gases. Taking time to do it right avoids major problems down the road.
Installing New Toilet Water Supply
With the new drain line complete, the next step is installing dedicated water supply lines and valve for the relocated toilet.
Position Valve 18-24 Inches Above Floor
Mounting the shut-off valve at this height provides easy access for maintenance. Make sure it aligns with the planned toilet site.
Run Hot and Cold Supply Lines
Flexible braided stainless steel supply lines are common. Ensure they connect properly.
Secure Supply Lines
Use pipe hangers, clips, or metal straps as needed to securely anchor supply lines to framing. Prevent sagging or movement.
Insulate Cold Water Line
Wrap cold water line with foam insulation to avoid sweating and condensation. This step often gets overlooked.
Proper plumbing will ensure adequate water flow to your relocated toilet for years to come. Rushing this stage risks leaks or other problems.
Installing and Anchoring the Toilet Flange
The toilet flange is the connector piece that links the toilet to the drain line. Installing it securely is critical.
Set Flange Height With Flooring
The flange should be level with the finished floor. Account for tile, vinyl, or other floor covering thickness.
Anchor Flange With Bolts
Slotted flange bolts hold the flange firmly in place. Hand tighten only – overtightening can crack the flange.
Use Extra-Long Bolts if Needed
If thicker flooring elevates the flange, use extra-long 7-inch flange bolts. Ask at your local home improvement store.
Stabilize on Uneven Floors
Use flange shims or spacers to stabilize flange if floor is uneven. Prevent rocking.
A properly leveled and anchored flange provides a stable foundation for the relocated toilet. Rushing this step can lead to leaks or movement.
Testing Water Lines and Drainage
Before installing the toilet, test water pressure and drainage to identify leaks ahead of time.
Connect Toilet Supply Line Temporarily
Link the flexible supply line to the valve as it will be after toilet is installed. Don‘t attach to toilet yet.
Open Shutoff Valve and Check for Leaks
Turn on water supply and inspect along supply line for drips or leakage. Fix any issues before moving on.
Flush Drain and Check for Leaks
Pour buckets of water into drain pipe to simulate flushing. Look for water surrounding flange. Fix as needed.
Taking the time to test for leaks now prevents having to remove the installed toilet later to make repairs. This step gives you peace of mind before finishing the job.
Installing the New Toilet
Once all plumbing is complete and leak-tested, you‘re ready to install the relocated toilet.
Set Wax Ring in Place
Install a new wax ring gasket on bottom of toilet. This seals the toilet to the flange and prevents leaks.
Lower Toilet Onto Flange
Position toilet squarely over flange bolts and carefully set into place. Rock toilet slightly to imprint wax ring.
Reconnect Water Supply
Attach flexible supply line to fill valve. Tighten by hand, then give an additional quarter turn with wrench.
Install Flange Caps
Add rubber gasket and metal washer to flange bolts. Tighten caps to hold toilet firmly in place.
Go slowly here – any rocking once toilet is placed can break the wax ring seal. Take time to get it right.
Making the Final Finishing Touches
You‘re in the home stretch now. Just a few finishing touches and you can admire your toilet‘s new home.
Caulk Along Toilet Base
A smooth bead of silicone caulk helps cover any gaps and gives a clean look. Wet your finger and smooth caulk for best results.
Replace Flooring or Wall Surfaces
Match existing floor or wall coverings as closely as possible. This helps the relocated toilet blend into the bathroom.
Reinstall Nearby Fixtures
Put back any items you removed like grab bars, toilet paper holders, or mirrors.
Make Final Plumbing Checks
Flush toilet several times and inspect for leaks. Verify proper operation.
Clean Up Construction Debris
Remove any tools or construction debris. Vacuum and sanitize the entire bathroom before using.
Take your time with the final touches. They make all the difference in having your relocated toilet look and function like it belongs in its new home.
Bottom Line
I hope this detailed overview gives you confidence to undertake relocating a toilet on your own. While it‘s a complex task requiring precision, the sense of accomplishment in doing home plumbing yourself makes it worthwhile. Careful planning and adherence to codes ensures success.
I‘m proud of you for taking this project on rather than paying a plumber. You‘ve got this! Feel free to reach out if any questions pop up along the way. I‘m always happy to provide extra tips or advice to help homeowners like yourself master DIY plumbing projects.