Moving downstairs toilet

secla

We are about the complete on a house and one of the first things i would like to do is move the downstairs toilet. currently its between the kitchen and study, I would like to move it to under the stairs so i can open up the kitchen, I have done a search and it seems if you want to remove a downstairs toilet you need building regs. but if you are retaining a w/c downstairs just in a different position do you still require building regs sign off ? 

FreeBear

Moving a downstairs toilet will involve digging up the drains unless you use a macerator. Any new connection to a foul sewer will require building regs sign-off.

https://www.labc.co.uk/news/when-does-replacement-kitchen-or-bathroom-need-building-regulations-approval

secla

Its a 1930s house and seems to have an external waste pipe from the upstairs bathroom which i believe the new toilet could be connected to and the old toilet waste capped off. Obviously il have to get a plumber in to check that is possible.

FreeBear

secla said: Its a 1930s house and seems to have an external waste pipe from the upstairs bathroom which i believe the new toilet could be connected to and the old toilet waste capped off. Obviously il have to get a plumber in to check that is possible.

Would still be classed as a new connection.

And if the pipe is cast iron, that will add a whole lot of fun for the plumber. If it is an asbestos pipe, he may not want to touch it.

secla

Im pretty sure its plastic but i will check that out thanks

Section62

secla said:

...I have done a search and it seems if you want to remove a downstairs toilet you need building regs. but if you are retaining a w/c downstairs just in a different position do you still require building regs sign off ? 

99% sure what you are proposing would be classed as the provision of a new downstairs toilet, not 'moving' one.

BC will want there to be adequate ventilation in addition to the soil pipework being done correctly.

The rules applying to downstairs toilets can be difficult to interpret, because in some cases there's also a requirement for accessibility.

Also, it is very common for the gas and electric meters, and consumer unit, to be located under the stairs in 1930's houses.  If yours are you'll need to factor in the costs of getting them moved if they are in the way.