How to Add a Toilet in the Basement
Since the drainage system on a toilet works based on gravity, installing a toilet in a basement below the sewer level presents a problem. While certainly not impossible, this task will take some careful planning, and some specialized equipment. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Up-flush toilet
- Drain pipe
- GFCI outlets
- Wiring
- Piping
- Water valves
- Sink
Instructions
-
-
1
Determine the best location for the toilet. You can reduce the amount of work and material cost of this project if you are able to locate the toilet beneath an upstairs bathroom. This will allow you easy and close access to a drain line, water lines and a vent line. While you will not be installing a conventional bathroom in the basement, it will still require these basic necessities.
-
2
Install water lines to the new toilet and sink area. Depending on your local codes, these can be either copper or PVC. For most do-it-yourselfers, PVC is much easier to work with. Run a hot water line to the sink and a cold water line to the sink and toilet. In both cases, it is highly recommended you install valves at each of these appliances. You should be able to tie into an existing water line with a T connection to bring the water to the new area of the basement. Test all joints and valves.
-
-
3
Install electrical wiring. This design is for only a half bath, which will require an outlet for the toilet, an outlet near the sink and a power supply for an overhead or vanity light. Each of these devices should be a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interruption) device that monitors the flow of current and will shut off power if a short is detected. If at all possible, have the basement bathroom be on its own circuit, do not tie in to an existing circuit from above.
-
4
Tie in to an overhead drain. The toilet will have a drain line that will include a back-flow check valve. This drain must be coupled with an overhead drainpipe. The junction should be as close to the downstairs bath as possible to eliminate excess pumping. Be certain the junction is sound and tested thoroughly before moving on. Any leaks in this area can result in costly, and very undesirable, mishaps.
-
5
Install the toilet. The up-flush toilet is equipped with an electric pump that removes the waste water to an overhead drain. Some of the better up-flush toilets also have connections for the sink and an optional tub/shower. This allows only one pumping station for the entire bath, which saves cost and installation time. Most toilets will plug into a standard 110-volt outlet, while some will be hard-wired. Once the toilet is installed, connect the water line, drains and power, and the toilet is ready to be tested.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Your largest expense for this project will be the up-flush toilet. You will be best served by spending a little more and getting a quality toilet you will be happy with than to save a few dollars with a lesser model.
When wiring your electrical devices, remember you cannot have any splices within walls, attics or crawl spaces. All splices must be completed in an accessible junction box.
