Yes, a toilet can drain to a wall, depending on the plumbing. In most cases, the toilet is connected to a vertical drain pipe that runs from the floor to the roof of the home. The pipe runs through walls and floors to allow the waste to flow away from the toilet.
However, if the space doesn’t allow for a vertical drain pipe to be installed, a toilet may be connected to a wall mounted or horizontally installed drain pipe. Wall mounted or horizontally installed drain pipes are more common in smaller homes or bathrooms with space constraints.
Prior to installation, it is important to ensure that the drain is properly plumbed and diverted into a building’s sewage line to ensure that the waste is disposed of safely and appropriately.
Can a toilet and shower share the same drain?
Yes, a toilet and shower can share the same drain, but it is not recommended for several reasons. Toilets need to be plumbed separately from a shower because of the varying water temperatures, soap residues, shampoo, and other grooming products that can go down the shower drain.
In addition, when a shower is in use, a large amount of water will be released quickly and this could cause a back-up in a shared drain, creating a nasty mess and an unpleasant smell. Further, a toilet should be connected to an independent plumbing system so if it is clogged, it won’t affect the flow of the shower.
Ultimately, it is possible for a toilet and shower to share the same drain, but it can lead to additional complications. It is recommended that a toilet and shower have separate plumbing systems installed.
How far should toilet waste be from wall?
Toilet waste should be kept at least 6 inches away from the wall in order to allow for proper airflow and adequate circulation. This is especially important if you have an older model of toilet, as they need more space than newer models to function properly.
Additionally, having a little extra space can keep your toilet from clogging and leaking, as the extra space allows for any waste material to fall properly into the sewer line. Finally, keeping the toilet waste away from the wall also helps to prevent moisture damage to the wall and the surrounding flooring by helping to absorb any unforeseen wastewater spills.
How far can a toilet drain run horizontal?
Generally speaking, horizontal toilet drain runs are limited to a maximum of 3 feet, or 36 inches. This restriction is based on common building codes and is designed to prevent potential blockage from fixtures and other plumbing in the line.
If more distance is needed between the toilet and the sewer pipe, installation of an overhead vent pipe is necessary in most cases. The vent pipe will help control the air pressure and will create a vacuum that permits toilet waste to flow beyond the 3-foot limit.
It also alleviates noise from water hammer, which is usually created when water flowing through pipes sufficiently slows down. In some cases, a toilet can even be located a full 10 feet away from the sewer line provided the vent pipe is properly sized, designed and installed.
Proper installation of the vent pipe is an essential part of the installation. A single vent pipe can often be used to serve multiple fixtures in some cases, but generally speaking, it is better to plan a separate vent pipe for each fixture.
How long can toilet waste pipe be?
The maximum length of a waste pipe for a toilet is determined by local plumbing codes. Generally, toilet waste pipes should not be any longer than three metres in length and connect directly to a sewer drain.
It is important to ensure that all local building codes are followed when installing a waste pipe, as any deviation could prove to be dangerous and cause considerable damage over time. Some additional components may be needed to effectively install the waste pipe, such as a septic tank or a grease trap if connecting to a septic system, and a vent pipe will also be required if the waste pipe is longer than one and a half metres.
If the waste pipe is not connected directly to a sewer drain or a septic system, a water seal must also be installed. Lastly, the pipe should be pitched downward at a rate of 1/4 inch per foot, allowing for proper drainage.
Can you put a toilet where a shower drain was?
In general, you cannot put a toilet in the same space where a shower drain was, as the plumbing for a shower drain and a toilet are very different, and the sewer lines for a toilet require a much larger pipe than that of a shower drain, which would likely not fit into the previously existing space.
You may however be able to repurpose the existing drains to some extent if they line up in the same location. You would need a professional plumber to assess and determine the feasibility of this option.
Additionally, there are some specialty plumbing fixtures which could be used to make this possible, however, these might be difficult to come by. Therefore, it is best to invest in new plumbing and save the old plumbing and shower drain for parts.
Do bathtubs and toilets share a drain?
Yes, bathtubs and toilets typically share the same drain—often referred to as a wet vent or an integral trap. This means they are connected to the same drainpipe and that the water used when you flush the toilet also flows out of the bathtub.
This is because the toilet is considered part of the wet vent system, which ensures the correct venting of the plumbing system. This helps to prevent clogs and other plumbing issues. In addition to connecting bathtubs and toilets, a wet vent often connects other fixtures such as sinks, showers, and even laundry machines.
Ultimately, a wet vent helps keep the drainage systems of bathrooms functioning properly and running smoothly.
Why is my toilet and shower clogged at the same time?
The probable cause of why your toilet and shower are both clogged at the same time is due to a clogging in your main drain line. This means that the problem is likely not an issue with the individual fixtures, but rather with the plumbing that connects them.
The main drain line is responsible for draining both the toilet and the shower. If there is a blockage in that line, the water from both fixtures will not be able to go down the drain properly and will result in a clog.
It is likely that whatever is clogging the main drain is also preventing water from going down the toilet, resulting in both the toilet and shower being clogged at the same time. In order to diagnose the problem, it is important to find the source of the clog in the main line.
To do this, you will need to contact a professional plumbing service who can use a specialized camera to inspect the main drain line and locate the source of the blockage. Once the source is found, the clog can be cleared and the toilet and shower will be restored to proper working order.
Can rats come up through shower drains?
Yes, it is possible for rats to come up through shower drains. Rats can fit through small cracks and gaps, including those found in shower drains. They can enter homes by crawling through drainage systems and often search for food or water sources in the home.
As showers generally provide ample sources of moisture and can also contain food particles, they can be attractive to rats. Additionally, showers typically provide direct access to higher floors, allowing rats to climb up walls and directly access second-story bathrooms.
To prevent rats from entering your home via the shower drain, it is important to regularly inspect your plumbing for any openings or potential entryways and seal off any gaps with caulk. In addition, ensure all food scraps and debris are cleaned out of the shower to limit the appeal for rats.
How do you know if you share a drain?
To determine if you share a drain with another home or property, you will need to locate where your main sewer line connects to the local sewer main in the street. If this line is shared with another home or property, then you will share a drain.
You can do this by digging around the main sewer line where it comes out of the house, as well as where it connects with the sewer main in the street. Additionally, you can check property records to determine if there is an underground easement or right of entry that makes the connection to the other property.
If your local public works department is helpful, they may be able to tell you where the maintenance trap and clean out covers are located in the street, so that you can better ascertain which drains are shared with other properties.
How do you rough in a toilet drain?
Roughing-in a toilet drain involves preparing the plumbing prior to installing the toilet. This includes attaching the vent pipe, running the drain pipe, and connecting the water supply line to the toilet tank.
First, the vent pipe must be attached. This pipe will attach to the bottom of the soil stack on a level with the toilet base, usually between twelve and eighteen inches above the finished floor. Make sure to use an appropriate size pipe.
Next, the drain pipe needs to be installed. The drain pipe should run from the base of the toilet to the soil stack, making sure to align the bottom of the drain pipe flush with the rough floor level.
When fitting drain pieces together, use a primer and a solvent-welding primer. Make sure the joints are tight and watertight.
Finally, connect the water supply line to the toilet tank. This includes connecting the water shut off valve to the wall, running the supply line to the tank, and attaching the flexible supply line to the tank valve.
Roughing-in a toilet drain takes some experience, but with proper preparation and knowledge, anyone can do it. Making sure to keep an eye out for any water leaks and carefully checking that all fittings are tight, you can make sure the job is done properly.
How far from the wall should a toilet rough in be?
The distance from the wall for a toilet rough-in should be determined by the manufacturer of the toilet that you intend to install. This can typically be found in the product’s installation instructions.
Generally, the minimum recommended distance from the wall for a rough-in is 12 inches. If the rough-in is too close to the wall it can make the installation of the toilet more difficult, so some manufacturers may recommend a distance of up to 14 inches.
When measuring the distance from the wall, make sure to measure from the finished wall to the center of the nearest water supply pipe. Additionally, measure the length of the water supply pipe to ensure the toilet will fit in the allotted area.
What does 12 inch rough in mean when installing a toilet?
Rough-in for a toilet refers to the measurement between the wall behind the toilet and the center of the toilet drain’s opening. The most common measurement is 12 inches, although some bathrooms may have a 10-inch or 14-inch rough-in instead.
This is an important factor to consider when purchasing a new toilet, as many toilet models only accommodate one rough-in size. For example, a toilet designed for a 12-inch rough-in will not fit a 14-inch rough-in.
Additionally, any bathroom remodeling job involving a toilet will require knowing the rough-in size beforehand in order to purchase a toilet that fits the bathroom space.
Can you put an elbow in a toilet drain pipe?
No, you should not put an elbow in a toilet drain pipe. An elbow is a bent pipe that is used to change the direction of the flow of water or other fluids. An elbow can be used in drain pipes, but it is typically used for pipes that come from multiple sources where the flow needs to be adjusted or redistributed.
An elbow should not be used in a toilet drain pipe since it could create a blockage due to the reduced diameter of the drain pipe in the 90 degree bend. Additionally, the soil pipe leading from the toilet to the main drain line is usually a smaller diameter pipe, so an elbow could create a restriction in the flow of water.
If an elbow is needed to change the direction of the pipe, it is best to replace the existing pipe with a larger diameter pipe that can accommodate the reducer.
Can you have a 90 degree turn in a toilet drain?
Yes, you can have a 90-degree turn in a toilet drain. This is usually located between the toilet and the toilet waste pipe and is necessary to move the waste water in the correct direction. It is a part of the toilet’s drainage system.
A 90-degree turn will typically consist of two 45-degree elbows which are connected in the centre of a short piece of initial lead pipe. This then typically redirects a toilet’s waste pipe so it is in line with the main sewer line.
Care must be taken to ensure that the drainage system is correctly installed to prevent blockages and potential floods. The elbows should also be securely fastened together with heavy-duty screws or clamps and surrounded by adequately sealed caulking to ensure there are no leaks.
It is important to check that the system is correctly installed and that all the seals have been adequately done to ensure it doesn’t cause any damage.