How to add basement toilet?

[Borrall Wonnell]

Hi all,

First, please excuse my terminology in the following post...I am new to the plumbing world.

Second, I want to add a bathroom to my unfinished (concrete floor) basement. There are existing stubs for a toilet connection, and pipe is already in place for a sink drain. My concern is for the toilet connection.

1. If I simply attach a flange, wax seal, and toilet to the existing stub (+ cold water supply line), will this be sufficient? I have heard of 'venting', but have heard that each fixture requires a separate vent to roof. It sounds expensive/unfeasable to run a separate PVC vent to the roof for each fixture. Alternately, I have heard that tying into the existing 4" stack maybe sufficient for venting. I live in a 2-storey building. Is there any way to tell if the roughed-in stub is vented correctly?

For what it's worth, there is a 4" stack in the corner of my basement. The toilet stub is approximately 7.5' away from the stack. I also see a cleanout and a drain.

1. For the layout I have in mind, ideal location for the toilet is in the corner (right next to the 4" stack). This would mean *not* using the existing toilet stub. Does anyone have any idea what would be involved in this? Is it possible to dig up the concrete and connect directly to the stack? Venting?

Wall-mount may be an alternative to breaking concrete, but I'm interested in maximizing floor space (i.e. make the wall as thin as possible).

I realize that any solution must comply with local plumbing codes (fair enough...I am prepared to accept this). However, I am interested in what options could potentially be explored before I bring in a plumber for a 'free' estimate.

Best regards, Dave

[Speedy Jim]

Yes, venting is a big issue. Connecting the new toilet directly into the stack (without vent) will be a violation.

I could speculate all day about how you might do this job, but the place to start is at the city bldg dep't. Get the requirements direct from the horses mouth. They may also be able to steer you to a list of contractors who are approved to do work in your community.

Jim

[Jeff Wisnia]

Try posting your inquiry to this newsgroup:

pdaxs.services.plumbing

But be prepared for some salty responses too. That newsgroup is full of guys who do know what they are talking about, but some of them seem to enjoy ragging on DIY folks.

Jeff

[Dave]

I did this once, and the best resource was the local building plumbing inspector. I showed him a schematic and some drawings, he made suggestions, and then I jacked up the basement concrete and glued all the pipe together. Then I called him in to look at the work before I laid the dirt and concrete back into place. With a professional at my back I felt pretty confident that I wasn't going to make a gross mistake. If you approach those guys with the right attitude, they usually work hard to make sure that you do it right.

Dave