How Far Can a Toilet Be Moved
In general, a toilet (commode) can be moved a maximum of 15 centimeters through ordinary relocation. Distances beyond this require careful handling, with different solutions for different distances, and the greater the relocation distance, the higher the risk.
When the relocation distance is within 50mm (5 centimeters), a relocation flange can be used directly for the operation. A relocation flange is a relatively simple tool that can adjust the position of the toilet within a small range, meeting some basic layout change requirements. Moreover, the construction is relatively simple and has a minor impact on the piping system.
If the relocation distance is in the range of 50mm - 150mm (5 - 15 centimeters), a pipe slope must be created. Specifically, a slope of 2% is required for every 10mm of relocation. This is to ensure that sewage can be discharged smoothly and avoid blockages. As the relocation distance increases, the path that sewage travels in the pipes becomes longer. Without an appropriate slope, sewage may accumulate in the pipes, leading to poor drainage or even blockages.
When the relocation distance exceeds 150mm (15 centimeters), it is advisable to modify the sewer pipe. However, modifying the sewer pipe involves the ceiling of the downstairs unit, so it is necessary to negotiate with the downstairs residents and obtain their consent before construction. If you want to move the toilet more than 15 centimeters, there are two other methods. One is to saw off the original sewer pipe and reconnect it, but this method is more difficult to construct and may cause certain damage to the original piping system. The other is to raise the entire bathroom floor by more than 12 centimeters. However, this is prone to blockages because after raising the floor, it may be difficult to ensure the proper slope of the pipes. The waterproofing also needs to be redone, increasing construction costs and complexity. Additionally, it will reduce the ceiling height and affect the sense of space in the bathroom.
Theoretically, re-piping can achieve a movement of several meters, but when the distance exceeds 15 centimeters, the risk of pipe blockages increases significantly. For long-distance relocations beyond this limit, a safer approach is to abandon traditional relocation devices and adopt alternative solutions such as re-piping or using wall-mounted toilets. Re-piping can fundamentally solve the relocation problem, but the construction cost is relatively high. Wall-mounted toilets hide the drainage pipes in the wall, reducing the length of the floor pipes, lowering the risk of blockages, and also being more aesthetically pleasing.
