How to Put an Up-Pump Bathroom Stool in a Basement

Finishing out a basement can add a great deal of livable space to your home as well as value. This space can be used for a variety of things, including extra bedrooms, a play area, hobby shop, or a home theater. Basement space, while very useful, is somewhat limited if you can't include the convenience of a fully plumbed bathroom. Adding a bathroom takes some planning and added expense, but is well worth the effort in the long run.

Things You'll Need

• Up-flush toilet
• PVC pipe
• Hacksaw
• Backflow valve
• GFCI outlet
• PVC pipe
• PVC pipe cleaner
• PVC pipe glue
• Tape measure

Instructions

1. Select the location for your toilet/stool. Ideally this location will be near a water supply and a drain line. Have electrical service in the area if possible. All of these components are needed for installation; the closer you are to them, the easier and less costly installation will be. It also will help avoid long-term problems with the system.

2. Tap into the hot and cold water lines. Turn off the water to your home. Select a convenient location near the site for the toilet/stool. Cut into the hot and cold water lines and install a tee fitting in each. If your home has PVC pipe, you will simply glue the new fitting into place. If your home has copper pipes, you must sweat the fitting into place. Add pipe from the fitting to the location for the toilet.

3. Cut into a nearby drain line and install a tee fitting. It is important this is located as close to the planned toilet as possible to reduce the distance the waste product will need to be pumped. Connect the backflow valve to the tee to prevent any material in the main drain from flowing into the basement drain. Extend the pipe from the backflow valve to the new toilet.

4. Install an electrical outlet near the toilet. Turn off power to the area at the breaker box. The outlet must be a GFCI (ground fault circuit interruption) device. Enclose wiring in the wall or conduit. Once all connections are made, turn the power back on and test the GFCI device by pressing the "test" button between the two outlet openings.

5. Connect the new toilet. You will need only the cold water line for the toilet, the hot water line will be used for the sink or shower. Connect the cold water line to the inlet port of the toilet. Then connect the drain line to the drain outlet of the new toilet. Finally, plug in the electrical supply line. The toilet should now be ready for use.

6. Purchase a 3-in-1 up-flush toilet. There are many brands of up-flush toilets on the market. It is recommended you purchase a unit which has inlet ports for both a sink and shower. This will allow you to have a complete bathroom and only need a single pump unit. Some pump units, which require additional installation steps, can even handle the water discharge from a washing machine. Do some research and select the toilet which best fits your plans and needs.

References

• Up Flushing Toilets: SaniCubic Classic