Can I put a toilet in my outside laundry?
Plenty of older homes have a laundry out the back, and many once had an outside toilet next to it. Adding a toilet there is often possible, and handy when there's only one bathroom in the house. Whether it can be done depends on the drainage, the space and ventilation, and whether approval is needed. Here's what we look at.
What decides if it can go in
Sewer connection
The toilet needs to connect to the sewer with enough fall. Outside laundries are often close to the sewer line, which helps.
Space
Room for the toilet with clearance in front, and a door that suits.
Ventilation and light
A toilet room needs adequate ventilation, either a window or a fan.
Approvals
Depending on the building and the work, you may need council approval. It's worth checking before you start.
What's involved
- We check where the sewer runs and whether there's enough fall. See sewer service diagrams.
- Run a new waste connection to the sewer, and a water supply to the cistern.
- Install the toilet, test it and provide the plumbing compliance paperwork.
If gravity drainage isn't possible, there are pumped options in some situations. See macerator toilets. You get a fixed price before any work starts.
Old outside toilets
Many older homes in Matraville, Botany and Kingsford still have an original outside toilet or its old connection. Sometimes the existing drain can be reused after a camera check, which makes the job simpler.
Why locals call us
- Local to Matraville and the southern Eastern Suburbs
- Free on-site quotes, with a fixed price before any work starts
- Lifetime labour warranty on our workmanship
- 100+ five-star Google reviews
- Licensed plumbers and gasfitters (Lic. 398171C)
Common questions
Can I add a toilet to my outside laundry?
Often, yes, if it can connect to the sewer with enough fall and has adequate space and ventilation.
Do I need council approval for an outside toilet?
It depends on the building and the work. Check with council before starting, and we'll help with the plumbing side.
What if the toilet is lower than the sewer?
A pumped solution may be possible in some situations. We'll check your site.
Can an old outside toilet drain be reused?
Sometimes, after a camera inspection confirms it's in good condition.
Related help: toilets, toilet types, sewer service diagrams and CCTV drain inspection. Local pages: Matraville, Botany, Kingsford and Pagewood.