A urinal is a solution that is increasingly found not only in public restrooms but also in private bathrooms. If you want to install one in your home, you can do it by yourself, even if you don't have experience in plumbing and installation work.
Installing a urinal may seem complicated, but with proper planning and tools, you will definitely manage. In this article, we will discuss step by step how to install a urinal in your bathroom so that it works flawlessly.
Before You Start Installing the Urinal
The first step when installing a urinal is, of course, choosing the right location. You need to ensure that it is easily accessible and allows for full comfort and privacy. It is also important to ensure proper ventilation to avoid moisture and mold buildup around the urinal.
Next, make sure you have the necessary tools and accessories useful for installing the urinal. Appropriate tools include:
- pipe wrench,
- level,
- gaskets,
- screws,
- anchors,
- sealing silicone,
- urinal along with the installation set.
The method of installation will vary depending on whether you decide to install the urinal directly onto the bathroom wall or on a built-in wall frame. The latter solution is definitely more complicated and may require professional help.
Installing the Urinal - Complete the Installation in 13 Steps
First, it's worth familiarizing yourself with the installation method of the urinal as described in the device manual provided by the manufacturer, as different urinal models may have slightly different installation requirements.
- Find and turn off the water supply valve.
- Determine the appropriate mounting height for the urinal - the optimal height for a urinal depends on the needs of your household members.
- Secure the brackets, i.e., the mounting handles and drainage pipes. Make sure they are well attached to avoid any wobbling of the device and potential leaks.
- If the urinal is equipped with a flushing tank, it should be mounted now - check that all connections are tight and there are no leaks. Before continuing with the installation, also verify that the flushing tank works properly.
- For urinals connected directly to the installation, prepare a hole in the wall where the flushing valve will be placed.
- Install the valve and the drainage pipe in the prepared hole.
- The next step in installing the urinal is to attach the urinal bowl to the brackets and drainage pipes. The bowl must be level and stable, and all connections must be sealed properly. Use the level to check that the urinal is hanging evenly.
- After securing the urinal bowl, you can proceed to connect it to the water source. Properly connect the pipe to the cold water valve using the pipe wrench. Ensure that all connections are tight and there are no leaks.
- If you chose a waterless urinal, skip the previous step.
- One of the final steps is connecting the urinal to the sewage system. Connect the drainage pipe secured to the siphon - this must be connected to the sewer.
- You can now turn the water supply valve back on and check the urinal's operation. Look closely to ensure water is not leaking from the flush or siphon connections. Tighten the individual components if necessary.
- If you choose a model with automatic flushing, you can connect the device to power. Remember to allow access to an electrical outlet during the planning of the urinal installation.
- After completing the installation, thoroughly clean the area around the urinal of any dirt and installation debris, and then apply silicone to seal the connections between the urinal and the wall or floor.
As you can see, installing a urinal can be a challenging task, but with proper preparation and our instructions, you can successfully install a urinal in your own bathroom.
Choosing the Right Location for Urinal Installation
When deciding to install a urinal in your bathroom, you must consider exactly where it is best to mount it. The location must be tailored to the needs of the bathroom user, but it should not hinder use for other household members. Therefore, it is best to choose a urinal model that will not occupy too much space.
The most commonly purchased are wall-mounted urinals, directly attached to the wall, but you can also find free-standing models - however, these take up significantly more space. In the case of small bathrooms, corner urinals work great, allowing rational use of available space. The most important thing is to place the urinal in close proximity to the plumbing installation - otherwise, a major renovation awaits you.
How to Install a Urinal - What Else to Remember Before Installation?
In the market for sanitary equipment, there is a very large selection of different types of urinals. They vary in the following aspects:
- installation method:
- wall-mounted,
- mounted on a frame,
- floor-mounted,
- flushing mechanism:
- manual,
- automatic,
- waterless,
- size.
This last feature is very important, as it determines the comfort of using the bathroom. In public restrooms, there are strict guidelines regarding the dimensions of toilets and the urinals installed in them. In private residences, there is no need to adhere to these, but the urinal must be mounted in such a way that it does not obstruct the free use of the bathroom.
What Distance to Install the 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 "nose" of the urinal. At home, you can, of course, adjust the height to the needs of the users.
Most urinals are 35-35 cm wide. Before buying a selected model, check if it fits in the bathroom. Remember that you must leave free space between other bathroom fixtures, such as the sink, toilet bowl, or furniture.
In terms of distance, you should not forget about the space between the front edge of the urinal and the wall opposite the device. The absolute minimum is 40 cm, but the optimal distance is at least 60 cm - it can be more.
Installing a Urinal - Is It Worth It?
More and more people are considering the installation of such devices also in private bathrooms. But is it actually always a good idea? Many men believe that urinals are definitely more convenient to use than a classic toilet bowl. It's worth considering such a solution if you have the space for it, preferably if it's a separate toilet or a second bathroom.
Cleaning the urinal does not require special effort. Modern devices are covered with a coating that makes limescale buildup difficult. As a result, regular flushing and periodic use of toilet disinfectant gel is sufficient. It's important to ensure that the urinal installed in the bathroom matches the other elements of the room's fixtures to create a cohesive and elegant look.
At mexen.pl, you have several product series to choose from. Choose one of them and transform the look of your bathroom.
How to Install a Urinal by Yourself - Summary
Installing a urinal can be a challenge, but with the right approach and tools, it is a doable task. Remember to thoroughly read the manufacturer's instructions and follow the recommendations. After finishing the installation, regularly check the condition of the urinal to avoid any potential leaks and issues.