Renovating the bathroom comes with a hefty price tag, especially if you move the toilet. Now you've become more curious about how much it costs to move a toilet, haven't you? Luckily, we've done some digging and have the answer below!
On average, moving a toilet costs $1500 to $6500. However, the price depends on many factors, like the plumbing work required and the distance between the sewer line and the relocation area.
It makes sense to say that even slight alterations to the floor plan can cause a significant increase in the final figure.
We only mentioned the average price range. Some things could come in between and ruin your planning and budgeting. We can help you avoid regrets only when you continue reading this post.
How Much Does It Cost To Move A Toilet?
Did you know that bathroom remodeling is one of the most expensive home renovations? A whole project averages $9,500.
While this relies on many factors, such as whether you will be reusing old fixtures or buying new ones, one main reason for the expensive amount is when you move plumbing fixtures. That includes moving the toilet.
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Why Does It Cost So Much To Move A Toilet?
To move a toilet would not break the bank at all, especially if you reuse the fixture. You have to remove the toilet as carefully and neatly as possible to avoid damage to the porcelain; then, you can transfer it to its new place.
The thing, however, is that moving a toilet does not come this easy. You face a lot of work and two types of expenses: the ones you expect and those that come as a surprise.
Anticipating what might come along the way can save you from going beyond your budget. And that's possible when you know the reasons that make this renovation expensive in the first place.
Here are the reasons that make the cost of moving a toilet come with a hefty price.
Plumbing Work
When you move the toilet to a different location, plumbing work will be involved - and potentially a lot! Depending on the distance between the old and new site, this plumbing work can double and even triple the costs.
In some cases, moving a toilet only costs adding pipes to connect to the existing drain line and water supply line, such as when you move the toilet just a couple of feet. Other times, you would need to redo these lines when the recommended tilt angle is impossible to achieve.
Another reason the costs could skyrocket is when the existing drain line needs an entire update to comply with your state's building codes.
Floor Plan Changes
When the odds are not in your favor, you will face problems such as needing to relocate the existing drain pipe trapped within the joists in the basement.
Some scenarios also require going through walls and digging concrete floors or ductwork adjustments.
There are many other reasons why moving a toilet can affect the floor plan. In the end, getting them all back together requires another expensive spending.
Professional Fees
Your plumber is paid by the hour. Expect to pay $45 for simple repairs and up to $200 for complex projects. The more complicated the work is, the longer the plumber would have to stay.
You know what longer work hours mean, and you must also understand what it means to have two plumbers on the site to do the job.
Plumbing companies sometimes provide a flat rate, but this only includes inspection and the first-hour rate. The succeeding work is paid by the hour.
Professional fees do not stop there. It would help if you had a professional setter for damaged tile work, a building contractor to repair walls and concrete, perhaps an engineer for complicated layout issues, etc. To sum up, you'd agree it is expensive to move a toilet.
Tips To Save Money When Moving A Toilet
The best way to save money when moving a toilet is to go the DIY route. However, not everyone knows what they are doing, which cannot always be the most sensible way.
You could end up wasting more money as mistakes pile up.
If possible, do not change the floor plan to avoid expensive renovation, but if you have to, make a good plan ahead of time. Anticipate everything that will be affected and look for design solutions to minimize costs.
Below are other ways to cut costs when moving a toilet:
Reuse Your Old Toilet
A new toilet costs $500 on average. More sophisticated designs can go as much as $1500. If you reuse your old toilet, you can save hundreds to a thousand dollars.
Relocate Near The Drain Line
The farther you are from the existing drain line, the more expensive your renovation will be since you need your pipes to be longer, too, and use couplings.
Try to compare the costs of building a new sewer line, tapping on the existing line, and creating a new sewer to know which way is cheaper.
Use PEX Pipes
Plumbing contractors recommend using PEX pipes instead of copper pipes.
They are cheaper by one-third compared to copper piping. They can also withstand freezing temperatures better than copper pipes which tend to burst when frozen.
PEX pipes are easier to install and flexible. And because they are made of cross-linked polyethylene, they do not rust as quickly as copper pipes. They make good choices for households that use soft and acidic water.
Switch To Crimp-Fit Couplings
Many thought that push-fit couplings were better to use than crimp-fit types. Experts beg to disagree.
Both work according to their purpose, but some think the latter takes longer to install and, therefore, incurs higher plumbing service fees.
But this is not true, as experts say, because crimp-fit couplings can be installed at almost the same rate as push-fit couplings.
Avoid Using An Emergency Plumbing Service
You made a good plan out of your free days. Don't get too excited to make this happen the next day.
That calls for an emergency plumbing service which costs a lot more. Shop for a good contractor and choose a date that does not fall into emergency service. Doing so will save you a lot of money.
How Much Does It Cost To Move A Toilet In Concrete Slab?
The cost to move a toilet in a concrete slab ranges between $2000 and $6500.
Moving the toilet a few feet away from the original spot within the same bathroom is cheaper than moving a toilet that requires full line rerouting. The increase or drop in price also varies depending on professional servicing fees.
After moving a toilet on a concrete slab, you will have to hire another contractor to repair the slab and flooring material.
How Far Can You Move A Toilet?
How far you can move a toilet depends on you. There are no restrictions. You can relocate it anywhere and wherever you want within your property. You don't even need a building permit to move it, but everything boils down to your budget.
The plumbing work is expensive, especially if you move the toilet away from the drain line.
Whether you extend an existing drain line or reroute beginning from the main drain line, you have to consider the 1/4 inch tilt angle per foot of pipe when you over-slope or under-slope, incidents of clogging will be more frequent.
Additionally, ensure that the relocation area has enough room for the toilet.
Final Thoughts
Everyone agrees that it is expensive to move a toilet. But you are now a step away from falling victim to unexpected expenses. We already shared with you how moving a toilet can be so much of an expense and some tips on cutting costs during this process.
To help avoid mistakes, you can read these related posts if you are planning to move your toilet:
What Is The Standard Toilet Room Size, And How Big Is A Typical Toilet?
Gap Between Toilet And Wall – Should I Install An Offset Flange?