A urinal is a solution that is increasingly appearing not only in public toilets but also in private bathrooms. If you want to install it in your home, you can do it yourself, even if you have no experience in assembly and plumbing work.
Installing a urinal may seem complicated, but with proper planning and tools, you will certainly manage. In this article, we will go through the steps of how to install a urinal in the bathroom so that it works flawlessly.
Before Installing the Urinal
The first step in installing a urinal is, of course, choosing the right location. Make sure it is easily accessible and offers full comfort and privacy. It is also important to ensure proper ventilation, which will help avoid moisture and mold around the urinal.
Next, make sure you have the necessary tools and accessories handy for installing the urinal. Essential tools include:
- pipe wrench,
- spirit level,
- gaskets,
- screws,
- bolts,
- dowels,
- sealant silicone,
- urinal with installation kit.
The way of installation will vary depending on whether you choose to mount the urinal directly on the bathroom wall or on a built-in wall frame. The latter solution is definitely more difficult and may require professional help.
Installing a Urinal - Complete Installation in 13 Steps
Initially, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the installation method of the urinal described in the device instruction provided by the manufacturer because different urinal models may have slightly different installation requirements.
- Locate and close the valve that cuts off the water supply.
- Determine the appropriate installation height of the urinal - the best height for a urinal depends, among other things, on the needs of household members.
- Mount the hangers, i.e., the installation brackets and drain pipes. Make sure they are well attached to avoid wobbling the device and potential leaks.
- If the urinal is equipped with a flush tank, it should be installed now - check that all connections are tight and there are no leaks. Before continuing the installation, also verify that the flush tank works correctly.
- In the case of urinals connected directly to the installation, a hole should be prepared in the wall where the flush valve will be placed.
- The valve and drain pipe should be installed in the prepared hole.
- The next step of the urinal installation is mounting the urinal bowl to the hangers and drain pipes. The bowl must be set evenly and stably, and all connections properly sealed. Use a spirit level to check if the urinal hangs evenly.
- After mounting the urinal bowl, you can connect it to the water source. Properly connect the pipe to the cold water valve using a pipe wrench. Make sure the connections are tight and there are no leaks.
- If you have chosen a waterless urinal, skip the above step.
- One of the last steps is to connect the urinal to the sewage system. Connect the drain pipe attached to the siphon, which in turn must be connected to the sewer.
- You can now open the valve cutting off the water supply and test the urinal's operation. Carefully check that water is not leaking from the flush or siphon connections. Tighten individual elements if necessary.
- If you opt for a model with automatic flushing, you can connect the device to electricity. Remember to have access to an electrical outlet when planning the urinal installation.
- After completing the installation, clean the area around the urinal of any dirt and residue from the installation, then apply silicone to seal the connections between the urinal and the wall or floor.
As you can see, installing a urinal may be a demanding task, but with proper preparation and our guide, you can successfully install a urinal in your own toilet.
The Right Place for Urinal Installation
When deciding to install a urinal in your bathroom, you need to consider where exactly to best mount it. The location must be adapted to the needs of the bathroom user, but at the same time, it shouldn't hinder the remaining household members from using it. Therefore, it is best to choose a urinal model that will not take up too much space.
The most frequently purchased urinals are those hung directly on the wall, but there are also floor-standing models - these, however, take up significantly more space. In small bathrooms, corner urinals work great, allowing you to use the available space rationally. The most important thing is to place the urinal in the immediate vicinity of the water and sewage installation - otherwise, you are facing a major renovation.
How to Install a Urinal - What Else to Remember Before Installation?
On the sanitary ware market, there is a very wide choice of various kinds of urinals. They differ in the following aspects:
- installation method:
- wall-mounted,
- mounted on a frame,
- floor-standing,
- flush system:
- manual,
- automatic,
- waterless,
- size.
This last feature is very important because it determines the comfort of using the bathroom. In public toilets, there are strict guidelines for the dimensions of toilets and urinals installed in them. In private homes, there is no need to follow them, but the urinal should be mounted in such a way that it does not hinder the free use of the bathroom.
At What Distance to Mount a Urinal?
The standard height at which urinals are installed is about 70-75 cm above the floor - the distance is measured from the edge of the "beak" of the urinal. At home, you can of course adjust the height to the needs of the users.
Most urinals have a width of 35-35 cm. Before you buy the chosen model, check whether it will fit in the bathroom. Remember that you must leave free space between the remaining elements of the bathroom equipment, such as the sink, toilet bowl, or furniture.
When considering distance, don't forget about the gap between the front edge of the urinal and the wall facing the device. The absolute minimum is 40 cm, but the optimal distance is at least 60 cm - it may be more.
Installing a Urinal - Is it Worth it?
More and more people are considering installing such devices also in private bathrooms. However, is it really always a good idea? Many men find that urinals are much more convenient to use than a traditional toilet bowl. It is worth considering such a solution if you have space for it, preferably if there is a separate toilet or a second bathroom.
Cleaning a urinal does not require particular effort. Modern devices are coated with a layer that prevents the deposition of limescale. As a result, regular rinsing and cyclic use of toilet disinfectant gel are sufficient. Remember that the urinal bowl installed in the bathroom should be matched with the other elements of the room equipment, creating a consistent and elegant whole.
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How to Install a Urinal Yourself - Summary
Installing a urinal can be a challenge, but with the right approach and tools, this task is achievable. Remember to carefully familiarize yourself with the manufacturer's instructions and follow the recommendations. After completing the installation, regularly check the condition of the urinal to avoid possible leaks and problems.