Moving the Toilet Wall Inward

Moving the toilet wall inward involves multiple issues and is not recommended to be done lightly. If it must be modified, it should be handled with caution and follow professional advice.

Structural Safety Hazards

Generally, the walls in the bathroom are built on the beams around the four sides of the bathroom. If the wall is moved inward, it will be directly built on the slab. The shear resistance of the bathroom ceiling slab is weak, and moving the wall may cause cracks in the ceiling slab. In severe cases, concrete may fall off, posing a danger. If it is a structural load-bearing wall, it is strictly prohibited to move it. Forcibly moving it can cause safety hazards to the entire building. Even non-load-bearing walls are not recommended to be moved. Many buildings are designed with concrete beams under non-load-bearing walls during construction. According to waterproofing specifications, there must be a 20-centimeter-high concrete upturned sill under non-load-bearing walls. After moving the wall position, there will be a beam head on the bathroom ceiling slab, which is unfavorable for ceiling installation. There will also be a concrete upturned sill on the floor, which requires chiseling treatment.

Water, Electricity, and Floor Heating Issues

In northern regions, floor heating is generally used. When moving a secondary structural wall to a new position, there are floor heating pipes underneath. It is not allowed to have joints in the middle of the modified floor heating pipes; otherwise, they are prone to leakage later. The originally reserved water and electricity points on the wall need to be extended. Having joints in the middle of water and electricity pipelines poses a hazard. If the pipelines are rerouted on the floor, it will raise the floor level, resulting in insufficient height difference between the bathroom floor and the room floor, and water in the bathroom may flow back into the room.

Waterproofing Issues

After moving the wall, the waterproofing must be redone completely, and a 48-hour closed-water test should be carried out. Partial repairs are not allowed. Poor connection between the new waterproofing material and the original one can cause leakage hazards. From a professional waterproofing perspective, it is not recommended to modify the original building structure during renovation, especially in water-using areas. If you want to avoid leakage after modification, it is best to find a professional waterproofing company for treatment. After modification, at least three layers of waterproofing should be applied: one layer of detailed enhanced waterproofing (such as the gap between the new wall and the floor slab), one layer of rigid waterproofing, and one layer of polymer flexible waterproof coating with non-woven fabric added in the middle to increase elasticity and strength. This can ensure that there will be no leakage for at least ten years.

Modification Suggestions

If you insist on making modifications, it is recommended to find the original construction drawings to familiarize yourself with the original construction method and consider the above-mentioned hazards. Submit the modification plan to the property management company for approval before making any changes. Reroute the water, electricity, and gas pipelines. It is best not to move the drainage, especially the drainage point of the toilet. It is strictly prohibited to modify the drainage riser. The water supply should preferably be routed through the ceiling and less on the floor. If there is floor heating, be sure to protect the original pipelines well. It is recommended to carry out pressure testing during construction and check for leaks before and after construction through pressure testing.