I never thought renovating a bathroom floor could be so challenging until I decided to do so last summer. That was when I was faced with a serious question – can you move a toilet over a few inches? Or did I have to buy a completely new toilet?
Since I didn’t want to spend a huge chunk of my wallet on a new model, I started researching. After some thorough research, I came to the conclusion that it was possible. It wasn’t so hard after all, but only if you knew what to do.
Hence, I have discussed this pressing matter in today’s article, so you don’t have to spend hours speculating on this matter.
Can You Relocate a Toilet by Few Inches?
If you are not satisfied with your toilet’s location in the bathroom, then you might be thinking of relocating it without facing much hassle. Most people think this requires a complete overhaul of your plumbing system. However, this only depends on how far you choose to move the toilet.
If you want to relocate it by just a few inches, you don’t have to worry about meddling with the plumbing system. Yes, you heard it right. It is possible to move the toilet at your own accord without relying on a plumber. You can do it all on your own.
For that, you will need the instructions I provided in this article and just a few instruments. To relocate a toilet, you will need an offset flange.
This tool will allow you to move your toilet over to the side without damaging its mechanics. The toilet will use the same wastewater pipes as it did before, but only if you do it properly.
You can also read our article on: How Do You Move a Toilet Drain in Concrete?
How Far Can You Move a Toilet?
You can detach and place your toilet almost anywhere in your bathroom. Keep in mind that you might need to drill new holes and install new pipes under the flooring at a certain distance. This usually requires more effort and can cost you a lot in the long run.
There is still a certain distance you can move it over without installing new pipes. This usually depends on the diameter of your waste pipeline system. If the diameter lies around 3 inches, you can relocate the toilet within 6 feet of the stack.
In terms of a waste line that is 4 inches, you will be able to move it about 4 feet further.
As this article is specifically for those of us who want to move their toilets no more than 6 inches, a 3-inch waste line diameter is enough for you. It means you neither need to drill additional holes nor buy new wastewater pipes.
If you are confused about what size pipe is best for your toilet drain? Please read this article.
How Much Does It Cost to Move a Toilet?
As far as I can tell, each of you must have a question lingering in your mind right now – how much does it cost to move a toilet over? You might have already realized that no matter how much I sugarcoat it, moving a toilet over is not such an easy task. It can be pretty troublesome and costly.
Even in an ideal situation, relocating a toilet can easily cost between 2500 and 3500 dollars. And that’s if you don’t need to change the vent line and source of water supply. For that, you will need to spend an additional bill of 1500 to 2500 dollars.
So, it’s pretty evident that even moving a toilet by 3 inches won’t be easy on your wallet. It would be best if you were prepared to pay a hefty price for that, to say the least.
How to Relocate a Toilet?
Now that you are aware of the costs, it’s time to answer a very important question – how do you relocate a toilet?
I can answer this question with two not so simple steps. The first step, which is the challenging one, is moving the toilet drain. After that,I will discuss how to move the water supply.
Steps for Moving the Toilet
1. Detach the Toilet
Carefully remove the toilet if you want to use it again. Place it gently in the corner of the bathroom while you continue with the rest of the steps. If you want to replace it entirely, dispose of it as soon as possible.
2. Gain Access to the Drainage System
Now that you have taken care of the old toilet, you need to cut a hole in your floor to access the drainage pipes. You can use a circular saw to cut the subfloor by a few feet.
To make sure you don’t damage the joists, set the circular saw to go 1/8 inches deeper than the subfloor thickness. You can also try to access it by breaking the drywall ceiling from the room underneath.
3. Remove Toilet Flange
You can use a drill driver to remove the toilet flange in the next step. In the case of cast iron flanges, you might need to use a hammer to break them. Solvent glued flanges might need a reciprocating saw instead.
4. Cut the Bend
Use a reciprocating saw to cut the toilet bend carefully. Make sure it is as close to the waste-vent as possible. This is where the new toilet drain will splice over.
5. Place New Drain Location
If you are moving the toilet six inches from its stack, you need to make sure the drain is located 15 inches away from all floor walls. This will keep the toilet drain away from the walls and other obstacles.
Apart from that, we highly recommend to read our article on Standard Toilet Rough-In Size.
6. Install New Drains
Now it’s time to install the new drains. Remember where you severed the old drain? Attach a wye fitting on it. Then using a long sweep 90-degree bend, direct the drainpipe six inches away from the initial location.
Attach the pipes with glue. Make sure the pipes are carefully supporting the joists.
You can also read our article on: Can A Toilet And Shower Share The Same Drain?
7. Install Drain Stub-Out
Fix a 90-degree bend to the drainage pipe with adhesives. Use a six-inch length upper-facing socket to extend it upwards through the floor.
8. Connect Water Supply Lines
With the help of PEX pipes, you can connect the water supply lines through the joists. You can use push-fit union fittings to connect them. When the water supply reaches the new location, stop the water flow using a shut-off valve.
When the pipe exposes through the wall, attach a copper stub-out elbow that is connected to a flange. Fix the PEX tubes to one end of the elbow and attach the valve to the other.
9. Fit Toilet Flange
Place the new subfloor around the new water supply system. Cut the drainpipe according to the level of the flooring. Attach the closet flange to the stub-out with glue. Screw the flange tightly to the subfloor.
10. Install New Toilet
You can finally install the new toilet to the closet flange. Attach the water supply line, and you are good to go.
Final Words
In case you have read through the entire article, you probably have a good answer to whether can you move a toilet over a few inches, and are looking to take matters into your own hands. If you decide to do so, your best bet is to take all necessary precautions before you delve into it.
