Installing a toilet in your basement can be a daunting task. Not only do you have to worry about running water and drainage, but you may also need to break through concrete in order to run the necessary piping.
Here is a guide on how to install a toilet in your basement without breaking concrete.
Decide on the Toilet to Install
Before you proceed with the task, make sure to pick the right type of toilet to install in the basement-
1. The Standard Toilet
The standard toilet is the most common type of toilet and is probably what you have in your upstairs bathroom right now. Standard toilets are easy to find and relatively inexpensive, making them a good choice if you’re on a budget.
However, because they rely on gravity to flush, they may not work well in a basement where the sewer line may not be at the same level as the toilet.
2. The Pressure-Assisted Toilet
Pressure-assisted toilets use air pressure to force water into the bowl, which means they can flush effectively even when the sewer line is at a lower level than the toilet.
These toilets are typically more expensive than standard toilets, but they’re still a relatively affordable option.
The main disadvantage of pressure-assisted toilets is that they tend to be noisy—so if you’re looking for a quiet bathroom experience, this might not be the best option for you.
3. The Macerating Toilet
Macerating toilets are similar to pressure-assisted toilets in that they can flush effectively even when the sewer line is at a lower level than the toilet.
However, instead of using air pressure, macerating toilets use blades to chop up waste before it’s flushed away.
This makes them ideal for situations where there may be limited space for a sewage pipe or where the soil isn’t conducive to traditional sewer lines.
Macerating toilets are also relatively quiet, making them a good choice if you’re looking for a peaceful bathroom experience. However, they are typically more expensive than both standard and pressure-assisted toilets. And you’ll need electricity to use it.
So, with these three options, pick one that best suits your needs and budget and move to the next step.
Step by Step For Installing Standard & Pressure-Assisted Toilets in Basement
Note, you must have plumbing stub-outs on your basement floor to install these types of toilets in the basement. Ensure you choose toilets with low-water usage for this purpose.
Tools Needed:
- Drill
- 1/2 inch drill bit
- Toilet flange installation kit
- Toilet wax ring
- Toilet bolts
- Washers
- Nuts
- Wrench or socket set
- Level
- Tape measure.
Step One: Choose the Right Location for Your Toilet
You’ll want to consider factors such as where the sewer line is located and how much space you have available.
Once you’ve chosen the perfect spot, mark off the area where the toilet will go with chalk or painter’s tape.
Step Two: Drill a Hole Through the Floor Using a ½ Drill Bit.
Drill bits are designed to drill through hard materials like concrete and brick. Before beginning, it is important to wear eye protection and a dust mask to avoid inhaling the fine particles generated by the drilling process.
Additionally, you will need to lubricate the drill bit with water to prevent it from overheating. Note that these holes should be slightly smaller than the flange bolts so they can be easily inserted.
Step Three: Install the Flange According to the Manufacturer’s Instructions.
Once the hole has been drilled, it is time to install the flange. Begin by threading the bolts that come with the flange through the holes in the base of the unit.
Then, use a wrench to tighten each bolt until it is snug against the concrete. Next, apply a generous amount of plumber’s putty around the edges of the flange.
Finally, set the unit in place and use a level to ensure it is level before tightening down all bolts.
Step Four: Place a Wax Ring Onto the Bottom of the Flange, Ensuring It’s Centered.
Now it’s time to install the wax ring that will create a seal between the flange and the toilet. Center the wax ring on the flange and press it into place.
Make sure that the hole in the center of the wax ring is lined up with the bolt holes in the flange.
Step Five: Lower the Toilet Onto the Flange.
Once the wax ring is in place, carefully lower the toilet onto the flange. Make sure that all four bolts are lined up with the bolt holes in the base of the toilet before gently setting it down.
Step Six: Install the Bowl Bolts & Washers According to the Manufacturer’s Instructions.
Now it’s time to install the closet bolts that will secure the toilet bowl to the flange. Begin by threading a bolt through each hole in the flange.
Then, add a washer to each bolt and thread on a nut. Use a wrench to tighten each nut until snug. Be careful not to overtighten the nuts, as this could damage the flange or break the bolts.
Step Seven: Use a Level to Ensure the Toilet Is Properly Seated and Leveled.
Now it’s time to check the level of the toilet. Use a level to make sure that the toilet is properly seated and leveled. If it’s not, you may need to adjust the bolts accordingly and the feet until it is level.
Once the toilet is level, use a pencil to mark the location of the bolts on the floor. This will help you when you’re ready to install the flooring around the toilet.
Step Eight: Install the Tank.
The next step is to install the tank onto the bowl. Begin by lining up the tank bolts with the bolt holes in the bowls.
Gently lower the tank into place and hand-tighten each bolt until snug. Next, use a wrench to finish tightening each bold one-quarter turn. Be careful not to overtighten these bolts, as this could damage the tank or bowl.
Step Nine: Connect Drainage and Water Supply.
Now it’s time to connect the drainage and water supply lines to the toilet. First, connect the flexible drain line to the outlet on the bottom of the bowl.
Make sure that you use a rubber washer to create a tight seal. Next, connect the water supply line to the inlet on the back of the tank. Again, be sure to use a rubber washer to create a tight seal.
Step Ten: Test Your Toilet for Leaks by Flushing It Several Times.
Once all lines are connected, it’s time to test your toilet for leaks by flushing it several times. If there are no leaks, congratulations! You’ve successfully installed your macerating toilet in a basement without breaking
How to Install Macerating Toilet in Your Basement
Follow the steps to install a macerating toilet in your basement-
Step One: Set The Macerating Unit in Place Behind The Wall Frame
Assuming you have already framed out your bathroom in the basement, the first step is to set the macerating unit in place behind the wall frame.
You will need to leave enough space above the unit for a future access panel. Mark the rough-in location of the discharge pipe on the back wall studs and cut out a 2” x 3” hole for access.
Cut a hole in the bottom plate of the wall studs to accommodate the macerating unit’s inlet connection.
Install a 1/2” plywood or solid backing behind the wall-framed opening to provide nailing support for the wall-hung toilet.
The macerating unit can now be positioned in its final location and secured to building framing with appropriate fasteners (i.e. wood screws).
Make sure that the macerating unit is level so that waste will be properly discharged through the discharge pipe.
Also, make sure that there is adequate space around the unit for maintenance and repairs.
Step Two: Make the Necessary Electrical Connections.
The unit will need to be plugged into a GFCI outlet, so if you don’t have one installed already, now is the time to do it.
The outlet needs to be within 12 inches of an access panel and facing toward the room. Do check local codes before installing this outlet in your basement.
Step Three: Attach The Discharge Pipe To The Macerating Unit
The next step is to attach the discharge pipe to the macerating unit. Note that macerating units operate via gravity, so you’ll need a ¼” foot per drop of run on the way to the pump.
Begin by building a shower pan with a minimum height of 6”. Then attach a 90-degree elbow to the outlet of the macerating unit.
Measure and cut a length of PVC pipe that will run from the elbow to the main soil stack (or other designated drainage point).
Once you have cut the PVC pipe to size, glue it into place using PVC solvent cement/primer/adhesive. Be sure to double-check all connections for leaks before moving on to the next step.
Step Four: Connect The Inlet Hose To The Macerating Unit
The last step is to connect the inlet hose to the macerating unit. Begin by attaching a 90-degree elbow to the inlet of the macerating unit.
Then, measure and cut a length of hose that will run from the elbow to the toilet bowl (or other water sources). Once you have cut the hose to size, attach it to the other end of the elbow using a hose clamp.
Step Five: Install the Toilet Using Anchors.
Now you are ready to install the toilet. Wall-hung toilets are installed using anchors that are mounted into the wall framing.
The first step is to mark the location of the anchor holes on the back wall. There should be two holes per side, spaced 16” apart (measured from center to center).
Then, use a drill to create pilot holes for the anchors at each mark. Next, insert and tighten the provided screws into each pilot hole until they are snug against the wall studs.
Once the anchors have been installed, line up the bowl with the anchor bolts and gently push it up until it is level with the discharge pipe connection on the macerating unit.
Now, use the provided washers and bolts to secure the bowl to the wall anchors. Be sure to hand-tighten the bolts until they are snug against the bowl – do not over-tighten.
Step Six: Connect the Flexible Inlet Boot to the Toilet Discharge Port and Then to the Macerating Unit.
Macerating toilets need an airtight seal between the toilet bowl and the macerating unit to function properly. To create this seal, start by applying a generous bead of silicone caulk around the discharge port on the bottom of the toilet bowl.
Then, fit the flexible boot over the discharge port and press it into place so that it makes an airtight seal. Finally, use a hose clamp to secure the boot to the outlet connection on the macerating unit. This will complete the installation!
Conclusion
Installing a toilet in your basement can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and knowledge, it doesn’t have to be. With these steps as a guide, you should now have all the information you need to install a macerating toilet without breaking concrete.
As always, make sure to check local codes for specific requirements before beginning your project. Good luck!