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View Full Version : Can I remove a basement toilet and leave behind only a floor drain?


Silver_Is_Money
Feb 19, 2011, 02:38 PM
I have an unused toilet in my circa 1964 homes basement that I would like to remove, but rather than capping it off I would like to convert the toilet drain into a basement floor drain. Is this possible, and if so, what is required, and how is it done?

joypulv
Feb 19, 2011, 03:03 PM
Water traps to prevent sewer gas are built into toilets, so you won't find one when you remove the toilet. Plus there's the added danger o sewage itself, and that's the first place it will backup. See what the drain pipe is made of. Put a PVC plug in it (with a rubber/hose clamp fitting). Open it when needed.

ma0641
Feb 19, 2011, 03:13 PM
Somewhat difficult at this point but can be done. There is no trap on the existing line, the toilet water level acts as a trap. You would have to remove enough concrete sideways and depth, so you could attach a floor trap body into the existing stub using a reducer. You will need to find out from your local inspectors what type of system you can install as there are a couple of different types, some may not be approved. Many authorities require trap primers in lieu of deep-seal P-traps where floor drains are used infrequently so they don't dry out. In that case, you will need to run a water line too. Once everything is hooked up, slope the concrete back to the drain so water will flow into it. As I said, not easy at this point.

jrk7490
Feb 26, 2011, 09:43 AM
While the other two answers are correct, there is still a solution. You can install a floor drain and keep within all codes. The best recommendation I can offer is to install a jr smith Fig. 2530 or equal which includes a trap for shallow install and contains a backwater mechanism built in to prevent any sanitary back-ups. I hope this helps.