How to Rough In Toilet Plumbing in a Concrete Slab: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Rough In Toilet Plumbing in a Concrete Slab

Installing a toilet is a relatively simple task, but it’s important to get the plumbing right the first time. If you’re not sure how to rough in toilet plumbing in a concrete slab, don’t worry, we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step, so you can install your new toilet with confidence.

We’ll cover everything you need to know, from choosing the right toilet to connecting the plumbing. We’ll also provide tips on how to avoid common mistakes. So whether you’re a DIY novice or a seasoned pro, read on for all the information you need to rough in toilet plumbing in a concrete slab.

Step Materials Instructions
1
  • PVC pipe
  • CPVC pipe
  • ABS pipe
  • Plumber’s putty
  • Thread sealant
  • Drain fittings
  • Closet flange
  • Wax ring
  1. Dig a trench in the concrete slab where the toilet will be located.
  2. Run the PVC, CPVC, or ABS pipe from the main drain line to the trench.
  3. Install the closet flange in the trench.
  4. Apply plumber’s putty to the bottom of the closet flange.
  5. Insert the PVC, CPVC, or ABS pipe into the closet flange.
  6. Apply thread sealant to the threads of the drain fittings.
  7. Screw the drain fittings onto the PVC, CPVC, or ABS pipe.
  8. Apply a wax ring to the bottom of the toilet bowl.
  9. Set the toilet bowl on the closet flange.
  10. Secure the toilet bowl to the floor with bolts.
2
  • Hacksaw
  • Drill
  • Tape measure
  • Level
  • Pencil
  • Safety glasses
  1. Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes.
  2. Use a hacksaw to cut the PVC, CPVC, or ABS pipe to the desired length.
  3. Use a drill to make a hole in the concrete slab for the drain pipe.
  4. Use a level to make sure the drain pipe is level.
  5. Mark the location of the drain pipe on the concrete slab with a pencil.
3
  • Plumbing skills
  • Safety awareness
  1. Be sure you have the necessary plumbing skills to complete this project.
  2. Be aware of the potential dangers of working with plumbing fixtures and materials.

This guide will show you how to rough in toilet plumbing in a concrete slab. This is a relatively simple task, but it is important to do it correctly in order to avoid leaks and other problems.

Materials and Tools

The following materials and tools are needed to rough in toilet plumbing in a concrete slab:

  • PVC pipe
  • CPVC pipe
  • ABS pipe
  • Copper pipe
  • PEX pipe
  • Cement glue
  • Solvent cement
  • Pipe wrenches
  • Hacksaw
  • Tape measure
  • Level
  • Pencil
  • Utility knife

Digging the Trench

The first step is to dig a trench for the toilet drain. The trench should be 12 inches deep and 12 inches wide. It should be centered on the toilet and should slope away from the toilet.

To dig the trench, you can use a shovel or a trencher. If you are using a shovel, start by marking the location of the trench on the concrete slab. Then, use the shovel to dig out the trench. Be sure to dig the trench deep enough so that the drain pipe will be below the frost line.

If you are using a trencher, follow the instructions that came with the trencher. Be sure to wear safety goggles and gloves when using a trencher.

Installing the Drain Pipe

Once the trench is dug, you can install the drain pipe. The drain pipe should be made of PVC, CPVC, ABS, copper, or PEX. The size of the drain pipe will depend on the size of the toilet.

To install the drain pipe, first cut the pipe to the correct length. Then, glue the pipe into the wye fitting that is connected to the sewer line. Be sure to use the correct type of glue for the type of pipe that you are using.

Once the pipe is glued in place, you can install the toilet flange. The toilet flange is a metal ring that is installed around the drain pipe. It helps to create a seal between the drain pipe and the toilet.

To install the toilet flange, first place it over the drain pipe. Then, use a hammer to tap it into place. Be sure that the flange is level and that it is not leaking.

Installing the Water Supply Lines

The next step is to install the water supply lines. The water supply lines should be made of copper or PEX. The size of the water supply lines will depend on the type of toilet that you are installing.

To install the water supply lines, first cut the pipes to the correct length. Then, glue the pipes into the shutoff valves. Be sure to use the correct type of glue for the type of pipe that you are using.

Once the pipes are glued in place, you can connect them to the toilet. The toilet will have two water supply lines: one for the cold water and one for the hot water.

To connect the water supply lines to the toilet, first remove the caps from the ends of the pipes. Then, thread the pipes onto the nipples on the toilet. Be sure that the pipes are tight.

Once the pipes are connected, you can replace the caps on the ends of the pipes.

Testing the Plumbing

Once the plumbing is installed, you can test it to make sure that it is working properly. To test the plumbing, first turn on the water supply to the toilet. Then, flush the toilet. The toilet should flush properly and there should be no leaks.

If the toilet does not flush properly or there are leaks, you will need to troubleshoot the problem.

Roughing in toilet plumbing in a concrete slab is a relatively simple task, but it is important to do it correctly in order to avoid leaks and other problems. By following the steps in this guide, you can easily rough in toilet plumbing in a concrete slab.

Installing the Trench

The first step in roughing in toilet plumbing in a concrete slab is to install the trench. The trench should be dug deep enough to accommodate the pipes and fittings, and wide enough to allow for easy access. The trench should be located in the center of the bathroom, with the toilet centered over the trench.

Once the trench is dug, it is important to line it with gravel. This will help to prevent the pipes from freezing in cold weather.

Installing the Pipes

The next step is to install the pipes. The pipes should be made of PVC or ABS plastic. They should be sized according to the capacity of the toilet. The pipes should be cut to the correct length, and then inserted into the trench.

It is important to make sure that the pipes are level. This can be done by using a level to check the pipes at regular intervals. The pipes should also be secured in place with cement glue or solvent cement.

Connecting the Pipes

Once the pipes are installed, they need to be connected to the toilet and the sewer line. The toilet should be connected to the waste pipe with a closet flange. The closet flange should be installed on the floor, and the toilet should be bolted to the flange.

The sewer line should be connected to the drain pipe with a Y-connector. The Y-connector should be installed on the wall, and the drain pipe should be connected to the Y-connector.

It is important to make sure that the connections are leak-proof. This can be done by using a sealant around the joints.

Testing the Plumbing

Once the plumbing is installed, it is important to test it to make sure that it is working properly. This can be done by running water through the toilet and checking for leaks.

If there are any leaks, they can be repaired by tightening the connections or by replacing the gaskets.

Roughing in toilet plumbing in a concrete slab is a relatively simple process. However, it is important to follow the steps carefully to ensure that the plumbing is installed correctly. If you are not comfortable with plumbing, it is best to hire a professional to do the work.

Q: How do I rough in toilet plumbing in a concrete slab?

A: To rough in toilet plumbing in a concrete slab, you will need the following materials:

  • A 4-inch ABS pipe
  • A 3-inch ABS pipe
  • A 2-inch ABS pipe
  • A 1-inch ABS pipe
  • A toilet flange
  • A wax ring
  • A set of toilet bolts
  • A hacksaw
  • A pipe cutter
  • A drill
  • A screwdriver
  • A level
  • A tape measure

Step 1: Determine the location of the toilet.

The first step is to determine where you want to place the toilet. The toilet should be located on a level surface, at least 18 inches from the wall.

Step 2: Mark the location of the toilet flange.

Once you have determined the location of the toilet, you will need to mark the location of the toilet flange. The toilet flange is a metal ring that will be installed in the concrete slab and will serve as the base for the toilet.

To mark the location of the toilet flange, use a pencil to draw a circle on the concrete slab. The circle should be 12 inches in diameter.

Step 3: Cut the hole for the toilet flange.

Use a hammer and chisel to cut a hole in the concrete slab for the toilet flange. The hole should be large enough to fit the toilet flange snugly.

Step 4: Install the toilet flange.

Once you have cut the hole for the toilet flange, you can install the flange. The flange should be installed so that the bottom of the flange is flush with the surface of the concrete slab.

To install the flange, apply a bead of silicone sealant around the edge of the flange. Then, press the flange into the hole in the concrete slab.

Step 5: Connect the water supply line to the toilet.

The next step is to connect the water supply line to the toilet. The water supply line is a 1/2-inch copper pipe that will connect to the toilet’s water inlet.

To connect the water supply line to the toilet, first find the water supply valve. The water supply valve is usually located near the toilet.

Once you have found the water supply valve, turn off the water supply to the toilet. Then, connect the water supply line to the toilet’s water inlet.

Step 6: Connect the drain line to the toilet.

The final step is to connect the drain line to the toilet. The drain line is a 3-inch ABS pipe that will connect to the toilet’s drain outlet.

To connect the drain line to the toilet, first find the sewer line. The sewer line is usually located in the basement or crawl space.

Once you have found the sewer line, connect the drain line to the toilet’s drain outlet. The drain line should be sloped downward so that the water will drain away from the toilet.

Step 7: Test the toilet.

Once you have finished installing the toilet, you should test the toilet to make sure that it is working properly. To test the toilet, turn on the water supply to the toilet and flush the toilet. The toilet should flush properly and the water should drain away from the toilet.

Q: What are the different types of toilet flanges?

A: There are two main types of toilet flanges:

  • Cast iron flanges: Cast iron flanges are the most common type of toilet flange. They are made of cast iron and are typically installed in concrete slabs.
  • ABS flanges: ABS flanges are made of ABS plastic and are typically installed in wood subfloors.

Q: What is the difference between a 4-inch ABS pipe and a 3-inch ABS pipe?

A: A 4-inch ABS pipe is larger than a 3-inch ABS pipe. A 4-inch ABS pipe is typically used for the main drain line, while a 3-inch ABS pipe is typically used for the branch drain lines.

Q: What is a wax ring?

A: A wax ring is a circular piece of wax that is used to seal the toilet to the floor. The wax ring creates a watertight seal that prevents leaks.

Q: How do I install a wax ring?

To install a wax ring, follow these steps:

1. Place the wax ring on the bottom of the toilet bowl.
2. Center the toilet bowl on the flange

In this article, we have discussed the steps involved in roughing in toilet plumbing in a concrete slab. We have covered everything from choosing the right materials and tools to installing the pipes and fittings. We hope that this information has been helpful and that you are now able to rough in toilet plumbing in your own home.

Here are the key takeaways from this article:

  • Choose the right materials and tools. You will need a variety of materials and tools to rough in toilet plumbing, including PVC pipes, fittings, a toilet flange, a wax ring, and a toilet. You will also need a hacksaw, a pipe cutter, a screwdriver, and a plunger.
  • Install the pipes and fittings. The first step is to install the pipes and fittings. This involves cutting the pipes to the correct length, joining them together with fittings, and attaching them to the toilet flange.
  • Install the toilet. Once the pipes and fittings are installed, you can install the toilet. This involves placing the toilet on the flange and securing it with the bolts provided. You will then need to apply a wax ring to the bottom of the toilet and seat it on the flange.

By following these steps, you can rough in toilet plumbing in your concrete slab with ease.

Author Profile

Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell is the owner of toiletty.com. She is a mom of two and is very passionate about home improvement.

Liana has ten years of home improvement experience, and in her own words, she said: “I love improving the home, and I’m very passionate about keeping the home in the best possible condition. I love it!”

Liana Farrell balances beauty and functionality when she goes about her home improvement jobs.