Can the Toilet Position Be Moved?

The toilet position can be moved, but legal regulations, technical conditions, and special requirements need to be carefully considered.

Legal Regulation Aspect

According to the 'Residential Design Code' GB 50096 - 2011, bathrooms should not be directly arranged above the bedrooms, living rooms (halls), kitchens, and dining rooms of lower-floor occupants to avoid affecting their lives. Meanwhile, in accordance with the 'Measures for the Administration of Interior Decoration and Renovation of Residential Buildings', it is prohibited to convert rooms or balconies without waterproof requirements into bathrooms. If renovations are carried out in violation of regulations, not only may fines be imposed, but also rework and rectification will be required to ensure compliance with relevant regulations.

Technical Aspect

• Sewage System Renovation: Toilets and other sanitary fixtures need to be connected to sewage pipes with a diameter of 110mm, and a slope (usually ≥ 2%) must be ensured to ensure the smooth discharge of sewage and prevent blockages. If flat pipes are used for relocation or the floor is raised, drainage problems or even bad odors may occur due to insufficient slope. Moreover, raising the floor may make the bathroom higher than other areas, posing a risk of water backflow.
• Waterproofing Treatment: The new area needs to be re-waterproofed, with the waterproofing height being no less than 1.8 meters, and the number of coats should meet the standard (usually 2 - 3 times). Waterproofing treatment is crucial. If not done properly, it can easily lead to water leakage, which will not only damage the bathroom facilities in one's own home but may also affect the living environment of the occupants on the lower floor.
• Pipe Layout and Noise: When re-planning the water supply and drainage pipes, if the pipe routing is unreasonable, water flow noise may be generated, affecting living comfort. Improper sealing at the floor-penetrating points may also cause condensed water to drip, causing damage to the lower floor.

Compliant Renovation Plans under Specific Conditions

• Partial Expansion of the Original Bathroom: Without changing the main position, incorporate adjacent enclosed balconies or other areas with waterproof conditions into the bathroom. It is necessary to ensure connection with the original sewage pipes and conduct a 48-hour closed-water test to verify the waterproofing effect, ensuring the normal use of the renovated bathroom and preventing water leakage problems.
• Slight Relocation of the Toilet: If the relocation distance is ≤ 30cm, an eccentric relocator can be used, and the floor slope should meet the drainage requirements. At the same time, proper sealing of pipe joints and waterproofing treatment should be carried out. This can meet the demand for adjusting the toilet position to a certain extent while reducing renovation risks.