Toilet Downpipe Relocation

The toilet downpipe can be relocated, but it must be done carefully according to the relocation distance and on-site conditions, strictly following construction specifications.

I. Short-Distance Relocation (Within 40 cm)

1. Material Selection: It is recommended to use a dedicated flat relocation device or round pipe. Flat pipes save space, while round pipes offer smoother drainage; choose based on actual needs.
2. Slope Requirements: The pipe must maintain a slope of 1%-2% to ensure smooth drainage and prevent water accumulation or blockages.
3. Elbow Control: Minimize the number of elbows used, as each additional elbow significantly increases drainage resistance and the risk of blockages.
4. Minimum Relocation Distance: When using a flat pipe, the minimum relocation distance is approximately 12 cm, which ensures smooth pipe connections and normal usage. If the relocation distance is too short, it may result in poor sealing at the joints or inadequate drainage.

II. Long-Distance Relocation (Over 40 cm)

1. Raising the Floor: The floor must be raised by more than 20 cm to relay the pipes. This method is suitable for larger relocation distances or when larger-diameter pipes are required, but it occupies bathroom ceiling height and may affect aesthetics and user experience.
2. Special House Type Handling:
   • Sunken Bathrooms: Pipe positions can be freely altered, but cast iron pipes must be secured with clamps and sealed with sealant to prevent leaks or loosening.
   • Same-Floor Drainage: Relocation plans can be decided independently without additional approval.
   • Inter-Floor Drainage: Approval from the property management and signatures from neighbors are required to avoid disputes arising from construction.

III. Solutions for Original Drain Openings Encased in Walls

1. Raising the Floor to Relocate the Toilet: Guide the pipe through the floor to the new position, then raise the floor to bury the pipe. Suitable for large relocation distances or when large-diameter pipes are required, but may affect the overall aesthetics of the bathroom.
2. Creating a New Hole to Relocate the Toilet: Convert a front-flush toilet to a rear-flush toilet and create a new hole in the wall to install the drainage pipe. Suitable for situations where the original drain opening is completely sealed and cannot be restored, but requires structural modification to the wall and must be carried out by professionals.
3. Installing a Wall-Hung Toilet: Occupies less space, offers flexible layout options, and produces low flushing noise. Suitable for small or aesthetically conscious bathrooms, but installation is complex and requires a false wall to hide the water tank and pipes, necessitating professional design and construction.

IV. Construction Precautions

1. Sealing Treatment: Pipe joints must be sealed with sealant or dedicated sealing rings to prevent odors or leaks.
2. Structural Protection: Avoid cutting into steel reinforcement when creating grooves in the floor to prevent a reduction in the floor's load-bearing capacity and potential safety hazards.
3. Waterproofing Treatment: After construction, the waterproof layer must be redone, and a 48-hour water closure test must be conducted to ensure no leaks before proceeding with subsequent renovations.