Ask Me Help Desk - Basement Toilet

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Hi everybody,

I am currently finishing my basement and am planning on installing a half bathroom, but I'm unsure about the toilet.

I have two issues with the toilet.

1. The pipe going into the cement is WAY too close to the walls for me to actually sit the toilet on top of it. What are my options here?

I've attached an image to show the proximity of the pipe to the walls. Sorry about the bad picture - I had just taken this for the progress. If somebody needs a closer picture of the pipe, I can definitely do that at some point tonight.

2. I've been reading a lot about a toilet below grade, and possibly needing an upflush toilet. Is there anything I should be looking for to know if I do need that or not?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance
Dave

As a follow up, the pipe is 6" from the back wall and 9" from the side wall (from the center of the pipe).

Thanks
Dave

It was installed not considering the new inside wall. Looks like a 10 or 12" prior to the walls. Make a niche and set the toilet in it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ma0641

It was installed not considering the new inside wall. Looks like a 10 or 12" prior to the walls. Make a niche and set the toilet in it.

Everything was roughed in when I moved in, so it may have been overlooked. I'm not entirely sure what you mean by "make a niche" though.

Would it be possible for you to explain further? Or perhaps point me to a website that would have an example? I just did a Google search and didn't really find anything relevant.

Thanks!
Dave

Hi Dave

I think you should simply chip up the floor around the toilet pipe and extend it over to where you want it to go. I say, "simply" because it really is pretty simple! Here, you rent a jackhammer (and purchase ear/eye protection) and chip out the floor around the pipe and make a channel over to where you want to extend the pipe. Purchase a couple couplings (or fittings) and extend the pipe... backfill, smooth over with new concrete and you are done. Overall, it shouldn't take more than 4-8 hours max!

I think this is the only correct answer here! Finally, you do NOT need an upflush toilet... ;)

Back to you...

Mark

PS: Is this plumbed up for a tub or shower? Let me know, OK?

Quote:

Originally Posted by AsianDave

Everything was roughed in when I moved in, so it may have been overlooked. I'm not entirely sure what you mean by "make a niche" though.

Would it be possible for you to explain further? Or perhaps point me to a website that would have an example? I just did a Google search and didn't really find anything relevant.

Thanks!
Dave

I had a similar situation when the load bearing wall was put on the wrong side of the line. Rather than cut the slab, I cut the wall and put the drywall on the back of the stud. Then I framed an arched opening and a regular 12" rough in toilet. Toilet sets back 4" into the wall.

Hi Mark,

Thanks so much for the advice. I agree with you that this is really the only way to do it properly. Although I don't feel super comfortable jackhammering the floor myself - it sounds relatively easy, so I could likely get somebody in to do it for me.

I don't have it plumbed for a tub or shower... does that make a difference?

Cheers
Dave

Quote:

Originally Posted by massplumber2008

Hi Dave

I think you should simply chip up the floor around the toilet pipe and extend it over to where you want it to go. I say, "simply" because it really is pretty simple! Here, you rent a jackhammer (and purchase ear/eye protection) and chip out the floor around the pipe and make a channel over to where you want to extend the pipe. Purchase a couple couplings (or fittings) and extend the pipe...backfill, smooth over with new concrete and you are done. Overall, it shouldn't take more than 4-8 hours max!

I think this is the only correct answer here! Finally, you do NOT need an upflush toilet...;)

Back to you...

Mark

PS: Is this plumbed up for a tub or shower? Let me know, OK?

Thanks for the response ma0641!

This could definitely work, but I don't think the wife would go for it :) Thanks again though!

Quote:

Originally Posted by ma0641

I had a similar situation when the load bearing wall was put on the wrong side of the line. Rather than cut the slab, I cut the wall and put the drywall on the back of the stud. Then I framed an arched opening and a regular 12" rough in toilet. Toilet sets back 4" into the wall.

Hi Dave

You could always go to a local unemployment agency and see if they have someone they know a little bit looking for a days work (just an idea)...

And the plumbing for a tub or shower doesn't make a difference to anything... just that if you are going to be opening the floor up it wouldn't be too hard to install a drain/vent for a tub/shower at that time. I just thought I would mention it in case you had not considered it is all!