Last Updated on October 19, 2022 by acechapman
Even a slight adjustment in the size of a toilet can make a huge difference in its function such as moving a toilet drain in a concrete slab. Bathrooms are often not made to make the most of their small space. Relocating the main elements of the bathroom can make all the difference. Perhaps you need to relocate your toilet to make the most of the space. Maybe the toilet was not centered on a wall in the first place. There are many things you should consider when moving a toilet.
How far can you move a toilet drain?
Even though it may seem complicated, moving a toilet drain from its original location from a concrete slab is possible. The diameter of your drainage system will determine how far you can move your toilet drain. It is possible to move drain pipes up to 6 inches from a location if they are 3 inches in diameter.
If the pipe diameter is 4 inches, then you can extend the drain location up to 10 feet. Before you move the drains, make sure to measure the diameter of the pipe beforehand.
How do you secure a toilet on a concrete floor?
To ensure your toilet doesn’t move around after you relocate it, it is important to attach it to the concrete floor. You can use Tapcon anchors to secure the flange. You can attach the flange to the floor using a similar concrete screw.
Plastic flanges can be fragile so be careful. You could damage or break them if the anchor is too tight.
How difficult is it to move a toilet drain?
It is difficult for amateur DIY enthusiasts to move a toilet drain in a concrete slab. This task requires professional experience and skill. A handyperson can still do it with a little bit of tinkering.
You’ll need to invest some money in the right apparatus and tools, and you will also need to follow the instructions provided here.
Can You Move a Toilet On a Concrete Slab?
It is possible to move a toilet on a concrete slab, even though it is more difficult than for regular floors. To break the concrete slab, you will need a jackhammer. While you’re at it, create a trench.
The most complex part of redirecting drain pipes to new locations can be the hardest.
How do you move a toilet drain in concrete?
While most people rely on professionals to do such a job, some people still prefer to do it themselves. DIY enthusiasts, be aware that this is not an easy task. The entire process can be costly.
If you don’t have any previous DIY experience, it’s best to hire a plumbing expert. These are the steps required to move the drain pipe.
Turn off the water supply
This is an important step in the relocation process, no matter how simple it seems. Many people forget to shut off the water supply before removing the toilet. You will need to take out the water supply pipes later on.
Break the Concrete
You should take immediate action to crack concrete slabs that are more than 4 inches thick. There are two options. You can use a sledgehammer to break the concrete. Simply hit the concrete slab repeatedly until it separates.
It can be extremely taxing on your body and cause severe injuries. Even inexperienced people may even end up with splinters.
A jackhammer can also be used to break concrete. This takes less effort. This function is fully automatic and can be done in a shorter time. If you don’t have a jackhammer, you can rent one from a hardware shop.
Use a jackhammer sparingly to avoid damaging the pipes beneath.
It is best to use a jackhammer to cut through the first few inches, then break through the rest with a sledgehammer.
Mark the Pipe
After you have removed the concrete slab, the pipe will be exposed underneath. The amount of pipe visible can be used to determine the route of the piping through the walls. You can now mark the floor with markings to indicate the piping route.
You will be able to identify which section of concrete you must break. This will save you from creating more hassle than necessary.
Make a trench
The next step is to redirect the drain pipes. It all depends on the direction or how far you wish to extend them. It is possible to move the pipes at an angle or to add more to the system. A trench is an effective way to redirect the drainage system.
To encase the pipes in safe housing, you need to dig the trench one foot above the pipes.
Reroute the pipes
You will need to place pipes in the trench according to the location of the toilet. To ensure that there are no interruptions on the flow, connect the pipes to your existing set of pipes. Seal all the connections.
Fill the Trench
After the connecting and sealing the pipes, it is time to finish the job. Fill the trench with dry cement and wait until it dries up. Fill in the remaining holes on the floor with dry cement.
Leave a gap for the drain pipe and smoothen the floor. After the floor has dried, place the toilet and fasten the flanges.
Wrapping Up
You have made it this far. I want to congratulate your efforts to learn how to move a toilet drain in a concrete slab. This is no easy task. It requires a steady nerve and attention to detail. Before you begin, make sure to take all necessary precautions.
Pick A Toilet may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page.
