Should the Toilet Drain Be Higher Than the Floor? Understanding Plumbing Basics

When people renovate their bathrooms, they usually reserve a location for installing the toilet and the drain, but those who are new to renovation may have many questions. One common question is whether the toilet drain must be higher than the floor.

一、Must the toilet drain be higher than the floor

Yes. The toilet drain must be 2-5 centimeters above the floor. If it is not elevated, it may adversely affect sewage discharge, leading to issues such as toilet blockages, sewage backflow, and unpleasant odors. Before installing the toilet drain pipe, check the sewage pipe for debris, sand, or waste paper. Additionally, check the evenness of the floor; if there are any uneven areas, they should be leveled out before installation.

二、Considerations for toilet installation

1、During the installation of the toilet, do not pour cement mortar into the front cavity or other cavities of the toilet to prevent the cement from expanding and causing cracks.

2、The installer must ensure the outlet is level, and the toilet’s bottom outlet must be equipped with a special toilet flange or evenly apply silicone sealant to the outlet. The base of the toilet should be bonded with adhesive to the surrounding area, and the gap between the toilet and the wall must be consistent and uniform, ensuring it stands straight and firm.

3、Adjust the height of the toilet trap according to the type of toilet being used. If the trap’s height is too low, it can lead to unpleasant odors in the bathroom, affecting health. If the height is too high, it may cause splashing. Therefore, the manufacturer should adjust the trap height to the appropriate level based on requirements. If the spacing of the toilet is inadequate during renovation, a piece can be raised to create a drainage slope, and waterproofing can be applied, or a drainage connector can be purchased. However, any abnormal installation changes can disrupt the toilet's vacuum, affecting the original drainage speed and odor isolation. If the purchased toilet does not fit the drainage hole, request a replacement from the distributor. If adding another toilet drain or moving the toilet, the floor must be raised to ensure the horizontal pipe has a slope, facilitating cleaning and reducing blockage risks.

4、Installing a toilet is not something that can be done casually; it requires various calculations and forecasts. Typically, before installation, the installer should thoroughly check the sewage pipe for any debris like mud, sand, or waste paper. Also, ensure that the installation location for the toilet is level.

In summary：the above information addresses whether the toilet drain needs to be higher than the floor. For those who want to learn more, please continue to follow our platform for more exciting content in the future.