Can the Toilet in the Suite Be Moved?

The toilet in a suite can be moved, but it depends on the specific situation and involves multiple factors.

Small-distance relocation (10 - 15 cm)

A toilet offset connector can be used. It is low-cost and easy to install. However, when the relocation distance exceeds 15 cm or there are many elbows, the risk of blockage increases.

Large-distance relocation (over 15 cm)

• Raising the floor: Build a new 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 use experience of the indoor space.
• 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. This option can to some extent avoid the inconvenience caused by raising the floor.
• Modifying pipes downstairs: This requires the consent of the neighbors and a new waterproofing test. Since modifying the pipes downstairs involves the neighbors' rights, communication and coordination are crucial. Meanwhile, the waterproofing test is the key to ensuring no leakage problems.

Bathrooms with different drainage types

• Same-floor drainage (sunken bathroom): The floor is about 40 cm lower than the floor level of the adjacent room, and the drainage pipes are in your own unit. It is relatively convenient to make modifications, and you can directly change the pipes in the backfill layer.
• Inter-floor drainage: The drainage pipes pass through the floor slab for drainage. When the rough-in house is delivered, you can see water pipes above the bathroom when looking up. Using a toilet offset connector for relocation is relatively simple, but the relocation distance is not recommended to exceed 2 m. It is best to create a drainage slope, and using an offset connector requires raising the floor slab. Changing from floor drainage to wall drainage, that is, directly connecting the toilet to the sewage riser (the toilet can only be moved to the adjacent wall of the sewage riser, not to the opposite wall), makes the toilet less likely to get blocked after the modification. However, changing to wall drainage requires building a false wall.

Legal and technical factors

• Legal aspects: If the renovation contract clearly stipulates that the position of the bathroom cannot be changed, unauthorized modification will constitute a breach of contract. The modification must comply with building safety and planning regulations and should not damage the building structure. It should not affect the rights of the neighbors.
• Technical aspects: Changing the position of the bathroom involves the reconstruction of the drainage system. The sewage pipes of the entire commercial building are in fixed positions. When changing the position of the bathroom, new pipe connections are required, and the slope of the water pipes must be ensured to facilitate smooth drainage. If it is indeed necessary to change the position of the bathroom, it must be done in a legal and compliant manner. First, discuss it with the renovation company, obtain the consent of the property management and the neighbors, take proper waterproofing measures, handle the drainage issues properly, and it is best to consult professional lawyers, property management, and professional designers.