Can the Toilet Be Moved During Renovation?

The position of the toilet can be moved during renovation, but appropriate methods need to be selected according to specific circumstances, and legal and technical factors should be considered.

Short-distance relocation (10 - 15 centimeters or about 10 centimeters)

A toilet position shifter can be used. It is low-cost and easy to install. However, if the relocation distance exceeds 15 centimeters or multiple elbows are used, the risk of blockage will increase. If a toilet position shifter is used for inter-floor drainage, the floor slab also needs to be raised. To prevent blockage, it is not recommended to relocate more than 2 meters, and it is best to create a drainage slope.

Cases where the relocation distance exceeds 15 centimeters

• Raise the floor: Build a new platform to bury the pipes. The pipe diameter should be at least 110 millimeters, and the slope should be maintained at 2% to 3%, but this will sacrifice the floor height. For short-distance relocation of more than 20 centimeters, the floor needs to be raised by 12 centimeters to increase the pipe slope.
• Use a wall-mounted toilet: The pipes run along the wall, and there is no need to raise the floor, which is suitable for relocation of more than 50 centimeters. Changing from floor drainage to wall drainage means connecting the toilet directly to the sewage riser (the toilet can only be moved to the adjacent wall of the sewage riser, not to the opposite wall). After the change, the toilet is less likely to be blocked, and it is suitable for both same-floor and inter-floor drainage. However, changing to wall drainage requires building a false wall, which can be combined with niches to create storage space during renovation.
• Change the pipes downstairs: Neighbor's consent is required, and a new waterproofing test needs to be carried out.

Special types of bathrooms

Sunken bathrooms are more flexible. The pipes can be directly changed in the backfill layer. The floor slab position is relatively low, and the internal floor can be modified. You can choose to directly lengthen or shorten the pipes for relocation.

Legal and technical factors

Legally, if the renovation contract stipulates that the position of the bathroom cannot be changed, unauthorized changes constitute a breach of contract. The changes should comply with building safety and planning requirements, and should not damage the building structure or affect the rights and interests of neighbors. Technically, the changes involve the transformation of the drainage system. In commercial housing, the position of the sewage pipes in the whole building is fixed. Changing the position of the bathroom requires re-connecting the pipes. The floor of the new bathroom may be higher than that of other rooms, and the slope of the water pipes should be ensured to be inclined to ensure smooth drainage. If it is indeed necessary to change the position of the bathroom, it must be ensured to be legal and compliant. First, discuss with the renovation company, obtain the consent of the property management and neighbors, take good waterproofing measures, properly handle the drainage problem, and it is best to consult professional lawyers, property management, and professional designers.