Things to Consider Before Constructing Basement Bathrooms

If you are looking to construct a basement bathroom the following are some things to consider courtesy of Miracle Dream Homes:

  • The design

First, contact your local authority! This is so that your basement bathroom building project conforms to the laid down zoning ordinances and deed restrictions. Work to locate your basement bathroom as close to the existing electrical wiring and plumbing as possible. If you have a bathroom on the floor above the basement, ensure you situate the new one right below it. With this simple design, making utility hook-ups is made easier and cheaper.

Then, think about the type of bathroom you want. Is it a full bathroom complete with a bathtub or stand-up shower that you want? Or is it a simple one with just a sink and toilet? Because of the dump nature of basements, the shower or bathtub could be optional.

  • Drainage

Unlike the standard above, ground bathrooms rely on gravity to drain away sewage and wastewater. Basement bathrooms may prove to be tricky when it comes to this important aspect. To check if your basement has enough of a fall or slope to drain the toilet, tub, shower or sink, the following must be put into consideration:

  • Plumbing depth. Is your existing plumbing drain deep enough to create enough fall for drainage? If it is, your bathroom construction will be much easier. If it isn’t, you might have to consider alternatives to the standard gravity-fed toilets.
  • Pipe size. Are the existing pipes too small? If they are, you will want your plumber to install larger pipes to allow space for the drains from the basement.
  • The depth of sewer lines or septic tank. Check with your local public works department to know how deep your sewer lines are. If you use a septic tank, find out if the septic tank lines are deep enough to allow for drainage from your basement toilet.

Your plumber will also need to determine the flow rate into the drain to ensure it’s enough to remove the waste. If you have shallow drainage lines, you might have to dig up part of your basement floor to create sufficient fall. If it doesn’t work, you might need special equipment to expel the waste into the drain pipes.

  • Toilet options

The kind of toilet you choose will depend on the type of drainage you have. It could be any of the following options:

  • Pressure-assisted toilet. Regardless of whether your drainage pipes are deep or not, the fall may not be as strong in the basement as it is on upper floors. You don’t have to risk clogs with standard plumbing. So, choose a toilet that uses pressure to force waste through the pipes.
  • Up-flushing toilet. This is a self-contained unit for which there is no need to remove any concrete or excavate the floor. It just sits on the floor. The plumbing lines run upward through the ceiling from where they connect to the sewer or septic tank lines.
  • Sewage ejection systems. These are designed to pump sewage upwards to the sewer or septic tank line. They are a form of small septic tanks as they temporarily hold waste. They can be above-ground or below-ground systems, requiring floor excavation depending on the type in question.

 

  • Lighting considerations

If your basement has an above-ground exterior, you can use natural lighting simply by installing glass block windows. Additionally, you should choose bright ceiling lights for a good 24/7 view.

Whatever you do, ensure you work with a professional plumber for the best results.