Wall Mount Toilet Installation

Bathroom with wall mount toilet and green and white checkered flooring

When we hear of wall mount toilets we immediately think of fixtures used for public restrooms in shopping malls, airports, stadiums and other commercial establishments, but in reality wall mounted toilets have been very commonly used in Europe for residential use for as long as 35 years and in the United States the numbers are also slowly increasing recently.

Even if the installation of these toilets are moderately difficult and tricky if you are not well accustomed to them. They are preferred over floor mounted toilets because they are easier to clean around and under, since there is no base firmly anchored to the floor and also wins valuable space in bathrooms where space is an issue. Another advantage to install such fixtures is that since they are wall mounted, you decide what height they are and therefore avoid the headache to choose between standard height chair height etc. But how are they installed?

Step 1 - Prepare Frame and Mount

Find the place in your bathroom where you want to mount the toilet and drill two fixture studs (or threaded rods) into the wall. Drill holes in the studs which you will use to hang the frame to and also the sole plate of the wall. Place the supporting frame in between these studs and secure them together with bolts, preferably using a power drill. Insert the bolts into the pre-drilled holes of the fixture studs and using a wrench tighten them.

Step 2 - Waste Hornplumbing tools and blueprints

Using couplings and hose clamps, connect the fittings for the waste horn (discharge) to the drain pipes. Using a screwdriver tighten the hose clamps and insert more fixture studs into the frame and screw them until they are hand tight. When tightening the rods make sure to leave them at least 2 1/8 inches projecting from the wall.

Before setting the toilet bowl onto its support, remember to place a felt gasket over the waste horn and press until you have a gas and liquid tight seal. Once that is in place, place the back of the toilet over the threaded rods and discharge pipe aligned.

Step 3 - Flushing System

Using a wrench, tighten the fiber washers and cap nuts over the fixture rods. The washer and cap nut should be inserted into the upper right threaded rod last and the nut hand tightened.

Before setting the tank in its place, another gasket, preferably made of rubber, should then be placed at the bottom of the tank. Then connect the inlet valve to the water supply line and the project is finished.

Step 4 - Extra Support

The most common question asked about wall mounted toilets is if it will manage to support the user. Since fixture studs are being used which go right through the wall and are well bolted, there should be no problem when it comes to support as long as the wall is properly constructed and not damaged. If you are not sure of the strength of the wall you will be using, it is recommended that you get professional advice before purchase of such a fixture. A wall support need to be installed on the other side of the wall or else a floor base toilet purchased.