One of the first questions homeowners often ask is “Are toilet and shower plumbing connected?” Thankfully, the answer is no, they cannot share drains or waste trap arms. The two must be separate and connected to the home’s main drain line. There are a couple of different ways you can accomplish this.
The most common way is by using conventional venting, which involves individual vents for each fixture. Toilet vents can be as small as 1.5 inches or as large as two inches, depending on the local plumbing code. When using conventional venting, a flush bushing connects the appropriate size vent to the hub of a three-inch sanitary tee.
When installing a new toilet, the water supply line should enter the room at least eight-and-a-quarter inches above the floor. A new toilet supply line can be added by installing a piece of PEX pipe through the old water supply line. Another option is to cut a small section of existing pipe and attach a new vertical pipe to it. This vertical pipe will have a turn valve that connects to the toilet supply line.
If you’re experiencing a gurgling sound from your toilet while showering, there’s a good chance that your drains are backed up. This could cost you money and be dangerous. Plumbing professionals can check for clogs and help you solve the problem. Once the problem has been fixed, you can enjoy a shower with a clearer, cleaner smelling toilet. If you’re experiencing any other problems, don’t hesitate to call a plumber for help.
Oftentimes, toilets and showers are not connected. Changing the location of one or the other is a great way to make space in a bathroom. However, there may be limitations related to building codes or the plumbing itself. If you’re thinking of doing this, make sure you measure the distance between the two.
If you’re replacing a toilet and shower, be sure to purchase a replacement flange. Then, install a new drainpipe and connect the new fixtures to it. Be sure to use a wye fitting for the new pipes. This fitting helps keep the piping sealed and connects the new fixtures.
If your bathtub is backed up, a clogged drain will clog. Fortunately, a plumber can locate the clog and clear it up. You can also use a chemical cleaner, like Drano, to clear out the clog. This chemical can break up even the toughest clog.
Sometimes a clog in the vent stack prevents the drain from draining properly. This can cause a gurgling noise. If you are unable to access the toilet, you may have a blocked vent stack. You can remove the clog by getting on top of the roof, but if you’re unable to safely climb on the roof, call a plumber.
When the toilet and shower are not working properly, it is a sign of a clog in the sewer main. When this occurs, waste water from both pipes backs up. Taking a shower and flushing the toilet at the same time can cause a dual clog.
When you want to install a shower, it’s important to make sure that the shower drains are linked with the toilet drain. This way, they won’t clog each other. The drains are linked through a closet bend, which is linked with the sanitary tee.
If you’re putting a shower or bathroom in an unfinished area of the house, make sure the plumbing connects properly. You may need to use pipe cement to plug the stub-outs. Depending on the size of your house, you may need two stub-out pipes. You need to make sure that they are not stuck out further than the studs on the wall. Otherwise, they may push out the drywall when you reinstall the shower.
Greywater and blackwater are disposed of in different ways. Greywater can be reused for gardening purposes or washing your car. However, blackwater must be disposed of properly because it contains high levels of faeces and urine, which are hazardous for human health. Make sure that you know your sewer system so you know what to do if you’re having problems.