Can the Toilet Be Moved During House Renovation?

The toilet position can be moved during house renovation, but appropriate methods need to be selected according to specific circumstances, and relevant considerations should be taken into account.

Relocation Methods

• Short-distance relocation (10 - 15 cm): A toilet position shifter can be used. It is low-cost and easy to install. However, attention should be paid to the pipe slope. For sunken bathrooms, due to their structural characteristics, modifications are relatively easier.
• Relocation distance exceeding 15 cm:
  • Raising the floor: Build a new floor platform to bury the pipes. The pipe diameter should be at least 110 mm, and the slope should be maintained between 2% and 3%. However, this method will sacrifice some floor height and affect the sense of indoor space. Generally, moving a short distance of 10 cm is relatively safe. If it exceeds 20 cm, the floor needs to be raised by 12 cm to increase the pipe slope and ensure smooth drainage.
  • Wall-mounted toilet: The pipes run along the wall, eliminating the need to raise the floor. It is suitable for relocations of more than 50 cm. However, when converting from a floor-mounted to a wall-mounted toilet, the toilet can only be moved to the adjacent wall of the sewage riser. Moreover, converting to a wall-mounted toilet requires building a false wall, which can be combined with a niche to create storage space and increase practicality.
  • Modifying pipes downstairs: This method requires the consent of the neighbors and a new waterproofing test. Since modifying the pipes downstairs involves the rights and interests of the neighbors, construction can only proceed with permission. At the same time, proper waterproofing is crucial to prevent leakage.
  • Sunken bathroom: It is more flexible. The pipes can be directly modified in the backfill layer without the need for complex floor raising or wall-mounted toilet modifications as in ordinary bathrooms.

Legality

Whether toilet relocation during renovation is illegal can be divided into two situations. If the consent of the neighbors and the property management has been obtained, the sewage disposal of the bathroom has been properly handled, and the waterproofing measures are well-implemented, it is not illegal. If the consent of the neighbors and the property management has not been obtained, and there is water leakage from the bathroom that pollutes the neighbors' rooms, and the neighbors file a lawsuit to hold you accountable, it is considered illegal. Therefore, before relocating the toilet for renovation, be sure to communicate well with the neighbors and the property management, obtain permission before proceeding with the construction, and ensure the construction quality and proper waterproofing measures.