Toilet Relocation

Toilet relocation refers to changing the original installation position of the toilet. The common methods and precautions are as follows:

Common Relocation Methods

1. Using a Relocation Device
   Suitable for small-scale and short-distance relocations (10 - 30 cm, not exceeding 40 cm). It achieves position adjustment by connecting the toilet's drainage outlet to the original drainage pipe. Its advantages include minimal modification and low cost. However, it may lead to a decrease in flushing performance due to pipe diameter reduction or the addition of elbows, and the risk of blockage increases. During construction, a slope of 1% - 3% should be reserved to ensure smooth sewage discharge.

2. Raising the Floor Method
   By building a base platform 180 - 200 mm high to embed the drainage pipe, it is suitable for longer-distance relocations. This method offers flexible layout and can meet the needs of large-scale position adjustments. However, it raises the floor height, affecting the overall aesthetics and usability of the bathroom (e.g., requiring steps) and may reduce the ceiling height.

3. Re-drilling or Wall-mounted Drainage
   Change the traditional floor drainage to wall-mounted drainage, with the pipes laid along the wall to the main drainage pipe. This method does not require raising the floor and has strong pipe concealment. However, it is necessary to confirm whether the building structure allows drilling and obtain the consent of the downstairs residents (which may involve drilling holes in the floor slab). At the same time, the waterproof layer needs to be redone to avoid leakage risks.

4. Same-floor Drainage Relocation
   For sunken bathroom structures, pipes are directly arranged within the sunken layer, with few relocation restrictions and no need to damage the floor slab. However, this method depends on the original building design and is only applicable to same-floor drainage systems. Non-sunken bathrooms cannot use this method.

5. Changing Downstairs Pipes Method
   Suitable for inter-floor drainage systems, it requires professional personnel to enter the downstairs residents' bathroom to modify the drainage pipes. This method has a high risk and requires strict consent from the downstairs residents and the property management. Otherwise, it may lead to legal disputes or neighbor disputes and is usually used as a last resort.

Construction Precautions

• Drainage Slope and Sealing: All relocated pipes must have a sufficient slope (usually 1% - 3%) to avoid sewage stagnation. The joints should be tightly sealed to prevent leakage.
• Waterproofing: After relocation, the waterproof layer needs to be redone, especially when raising the floor or drilling holes. A closed-water test should be carried out to ensure no leakage.
• Risk Assessment: Before relocation, confirm the bathroom's drainage method (same-floor/inter-floor), relocation distance, and building structure conditions to avoid blind construction that may cause blockage or structural damage.