Kitchen & Bathroom Design Blog

There are several key decisions to consider when starting a bathroom remodel, including the style, products, and of course the layout. The bathroom layout is a top factor in creating a highly functional design that allows your style to shine.  In a bathroom remodel, keeping the same layout will reduce costs, mess, and the timeframe required to complete your remodel. Sometimes, however, your existing layout just does not work.

One issue we see frequently is a toilet that is awkwardly positioned and does not support the layout our customers want to achieve. Why is the position of the toilet such an issue for a bathroom design layout?

• Some customers want to move the toilet for added privacy (behind a half wall or to a separate toilet compartment like the bathroom design above),

• Some want to move it for aesthetic reasons (don't want it to be the first thing you see when you walk in the bathroom), and

• Some want to move it to allow space for another feature (large shower, freestanding tub, different vanity configuration).

If moving the toilet makes sense for your layout, is it possible? Of course! It just requires involving the experts like an experienced plumber and a bathroom design professional.  Both experts are essential to make sure you get the best value out of your investment and check all the boxes in terms of the technical requirements.  Moving a toilet also means you must allow for more time and budget in your bathroom remodel, but this investment is worthwhile if it achieves your design goals.

What is involved?

The issues involved in moving a toilet are not so much related to the toilet itself but more closely related to the plumbing that sits behind (and underneath) it.  This includes the drainage, venting, and water supply.  It also involves opening up surrounding surfaces, e.g. the floor or wall. If the bathroom is on the second floor or above, you may need to open walls on the level below to move the drainpipe to the new location. This will once again require additional repair work, which also increases the budget. All of this is very doable as part of a total bathroom remodel.

Behind the scenes.

Moving a toilet is not a straightforward weekend DIY job, but it is very doable when you involve the professionals.  Once the toilet itself is removed, your plumber will have to move the drainage, as well as the water supply to accommodate the new location.  This will involve access to the floor and wall, and as discussed above may require access on the level below the bathroom.

Moving drainage is more complicated than shifting the water supply), but an experienced plumber will be able to assess your situation and tell you what is or isn't possible.  Due to drainage requirements, it is more complicated to move a toilet than a sink ​since a toilet drain is much larger than a sink drain.

Another consideration is what is underneath the toilet, and therefore what you must dig up in order to move the plumbing​ if your bathroom sits on a concrete slab.  This will be different depending on whether your bathroom is on the first or second floor.

Should you move a toilet?

If your toilet position just doesn't work and you are already embarking on a full bath remodel, this could be the perfect time to move it.  Take advantage of this opportunity while working with bath remodeling experts and while digging up your house to get the layout you want.  If, however, you are trying to reduce costs, perhaps consider whether you can achieve your desired layout without moving the toilet (or by moving something else ​like the door going into the bathroom). 

Get advice from your bathroom remodeling expert, who can assess your bath design requirements and tell you the costs vs. benefits of making this change.  Lang’s Kitchen & Bath’s Good-Better-Best budgeting process is the perfect tool, as it offers alternative design options for consideration and provides clear, transparent pricing for every aspect of a remodel.  Learn more in this video, then contact Lang’s Kitchen & Bath to discuss your bathroom remodeling plans.  We are now available for telephone or online design consultations!