basement toilet install

[mynameissanjj]

i have a shower in my basement that never gets used. can i install a toilet over the shower drain? do i need to be concerned with venting?

[Unregistered]

no, for several reasons:

1. shower drain is likely undersized, but you can verify. shower needs a min. 2" trap vs. a 3" for a water closet.

2. water closet has a built-in trap, shower will have one below the floor. double-trapping the fixture would likely cause backup. even if your shower drain happened to be 3", you'd still need to remove it's trap.

3. like issue #1, the shower venting is likely undersized. 1-1/2" min vent for shower, 2" min. for water closet.

for laughs: you ever just thought of "going" while in said shower?? (#1 only, preferrably).

take care.

[DUNBAR PLUMBER]

3" is minimum required sizing for any toilet, as the above poster describes.

[mynameissanjj]

thanks guys. it is a three inch drain, the house is almost fifty years old. i don't think i can do it myself but if i were to have it done professionally, could that drain be used or would they have to start over? how hard would it be to remove the trap in the shower drain?

[DUNBAR PLUMBER]

Sounds like a time and material type of job; shouldn't take more than 5 to 6 hours total with fast-set concrete and toilet set.