I'm considering converting from a standard toilet to a wall mounted toilet. There is a 2x4 wall behind the toilet with little or no access on the other side of the wall.
1) Is this project doable? I've read that some wall mounted toilets require access from the other side of the wall, and others say it requires a 2x6 wall.
2) Any recommendations on what to watch out for?
3) Any Brand recommendations?
Thanks in advance... r

Why do you wish to convert? This will be a major, major remodel for you. The wall hung bowl must be mounted on a wall that has a 3 or 4" vent stack in it. All the fixtures that use this stack as a vent will have to be revented as you have changed, with the addition of the wall hung bowl, it from a vent stack to sa stack vent. And that's just for openers. The wall will have to be furred out and beefed up to accept a carrier, (see image) to mount the bowl on. If you use a flush valve in place of a tank the water pipes will have to increased from 1/2" to 3/4 or 1 inch. Once again, what's your reason for doing this? Regards, Tom

Thanks for the info... I didn't think it was so major. My reasons for changing are purely esthetics, free access underneath for cleaning, and also to get away from the wax seal leaking in the future. I thought it was a simple matter of changing the flow of water... Looks like I'm better just replacing the standard type of toilet... Thanks... rudy

Hello Rudy...

Tom gave you advice that would scared just about anybody thinking about upgrading to wall mounted toilet. :D Before you give up on your excellent idea, let me give you more info on the subject...

Our company installs wall mounted toilets for over 20 years with quite a success. Wall mounted toilets are stylish, comply with all water saving features (have option of 1.6 gln flush and 0.6 gln flush ), and save space ( the bowl measures only 16" from the wall to the front of the bowl as opposed to 29-32" with conventional toilets ).

We use Geberit frames and flush trim with Duravit bowl and toilet seat. Wall mounted toilets use dedicated toilet seats.

Price: The frame will run you about $370.00, Trim about $60.00 depending on style and finish. Inexpensive Bowl (Duravit ) is about $250.00 and Seat will set you back about $100.00. This is the best combination you can assemble for the money. If you want to spend more on bowl and trim than I can assure you there are many options to do so...

You are not telling us whether you are on slab or on raised foundation. This is an important info that will determine doability of your project. If you are on concrete slab work will be more intense than if you were on raised foundation. Also, we don't know whether your bathroom is located on first of second story. But either way, it can be done.

Tom correctly states that wall behind the toilet has to be 2x6 wall to accept the frame. You can either build up wall around the frame only (behind the toilet ) or you can fur out the wall all the way to the ceiling for clean appearance.

( Few corrections regarding Tom's previous post: Tom shows incorrect combination of frame and toilet. His frame is commercial frame (4 bolts ) used for American Standard type toilet at airports and hospitals ) while his finished photo shows what you would be actually installing (2 bolts / Stark bowl / residential application ). Also, disregard his suggestion about flush valve since you will not be utilizing this option in residential installation. No increased water supply is necessary. You will be using your existing water supply only in new, specific, location.)

Wall mounted toilet requires regular 1/2" water supply that you will reroute into the tank frame of the toilet. Pressure is not a concern here. As far as drain goes it requires 3" drain. Each toilet has to be vented with 2" vent which you should have already in the wall unless your house has vent stack drain/vent system installed. But even in this case, you could install new vent for your new wall hung toilet.

The finished look of wall hung toilets is clean and overall pleasing. I am enclosing photos of suggested frame and bowl. Also, enclosed is one photo of finished installation from one of our previous project's with Duravit toilet seat.

For starters, call few plumbers who are experienced in installing wall mounted toilets to see your house and to give you their advice and opinion about the installation.

Let me know what you decided to do. Milo

Thanks for the update and correction Milo. We don't install many wall hung bowls in my area with the exception of commercial installations. Thanks again, It's guys like you that keep guys like me straight. Guess being retired for 21 years shows, huh? Tom

Fantastic... Thanks guys. I will check into this further with some experienced locals and will be hiring an experienced plumber to do the install, but at least now I have an idea of what I'm talking about. To be clear, the toilet is on the second floor of a house with a 2x4 inside wall behind it and a 1/2 inch water supply. I'm assuming that the existing stack and vent will accommodate the changes required with some retooling. Major problem will probably be the 2x4 wall... We'll see. The pictures you're both showing me are beautiful. Thanks again... Rudy

Another problem that I mentioned in a earlier post was that if you have first floor fixtures venting into the stack that you're going to cut into that those fixtures will have to be revented back to at least 6" above the discharge point of the new lavayory if one will be installed. Regards, Tom

Rudy, that bathroom being on the 2nd story is what I hoped for. It will probably be relatively easy to reroute the toilet drain. In fact, if you are lucky, you can only extend the closet ring from present location to the wall to accommodated location of drain for wall hung type toilet. You may not even deal with vent at all. In addition, if you have 4" vent stack in the wall now than your wall could be 2x6 already.

Commit yourself to the remodel, hire a plumber and start the work. So far, we are only guessing. You need to open up the floor and wall to know exactly what's going on plumbing-wise. It sounds like it is not such a big deal to do at all.


Pop in if you need any additional advice. Keep us updated about the progress. Good luck. Milo

After rereading the posts the first floor fixture vents should not be of concern. However since you state you have a 2 X 4 wall it will have to be furred out. Milo's the expert here, listen to him. Do you know if your present toilet's connected to a stack that vents through the roof or does it wet vent through the lavatory? Regards, Tom

I believe it vents through the roof... I'll know more as I work with a professional here in Surrey and let you guys know the outcome... As this is part of an overall remodel, it may take a few months as my time is limited... Thanks for all your input... Rudy

it may take a few months as my time is limited... Take all the time you need We'll be here when you're ready. Tom