Can You Put A Bathroom In A Basement?

Your basement is a great place to do a lot of activities. But when nature calls, it would be a hassle to go up to the main floor to do your business. You might not feel truly comfortable in a basement without a bathroom. Thus, we have consulted the experts if you can put a bathroom in your basement, and here's their advice.

Yes, you can put a bathroom in a basement. Adding a bathroom is a great way to add functionality to your basement. You can enjoy your activities if you have a bathroom that you can easily access. Also, a basement bathroom adds to the value of your home. Before building a bathroom in your basement, you should also consider the following:

• Bathroom size
• Type of flooring
• Toilets, sinks, and other fixtures
• Plumbing and drainage connections

Building a basement bathroom needs detailed planning. It would be best to ask a reliable bathroom contractor to install the necessary connections. If your basement bathroom promotes mold growth and other issues, then it will not benefit your family. Read further to learn more about basement bathrooms.

What Is a Good Size For A Basement Bathroom?

When planning, you should first decide on the size of your basement bathroom. You have to identify your usual or planned activities inside the basement. A full bathroom is around 60 square feet, while a half bathroom measures about 30 square feet.

It would be best if you choose to build a smaller bathroom if your basement is a recreation room without any place for sleeping. If you use the basement as a guest or family room, you should make a full bathroom.

Can You Put A Bathroom In A Basement Without Rough-In?

The next thing you have to plan is the plumbing and drainage systems of your bathroom. It is crucial to set up the connections to keep your basement bathroom functional and clean. It will be unpleasant for your guests and family if there is no water supply. You also need to exhaust the noxious smells inside.

Before you install the rough-in connections, you have to assess the condition of your house. The necessity for rough-in connections would be different for old and new houses.

Older Homes

The problem with old homes is the lack of rough-in connections. You will have to set up the necessary connections to create the bathroom. The connections to install include plumbing and drainage vents. So, it is a must to add a rough-in for older homes.

There would be a lot of effort required if you have to place the rough-in connections. You need to ask for help from a professional in the process.

Newer Homes

For newer homes, contractors set up the rough-in after initial framing works. It would be easier to connect the plumbing and drainage lines for your basement bathroom. There is no need to break the concrete inside your basement. Learn how you can avoid breaking the concrete in the next section.

How Do You Put A Bathroom In A Basement Without Breaking Concrete?

If your basement does not have rough-in connections, you have to break the concrete of your basement. Below are some options you can go for:

Plumbing Stub-Outs

To install your bathroom shower with less cost and effort, you can connect the shower to existing plumbing stub-outs. Your contractors should leave some ends of pipes that stick out. When installing your bathroom fixtures, all you have to do is to connect them to the stub-out.

Rough-In

Contractors install gas, water, and electrical connections while framing the basement. The installation includes the designation of the plumbing stub-outs. So when you connect the bathroom fixtures, the plumbing connections are ready.

Up-Flush Drainage

Another way to avoid breaking concrete is by installing an up-flush drainage system. With this system, you have to plan where you place your bathroom. It would be best if your basement bathroom is directly below an upper floor bathroom, as there would be existing pipes for connection.

An up-flush system is best for bathrooms that cannot use a gravity drain. Disposing of waste going to the main sewer line is also possible with the up-flush system.

A pump removes the waste from the holding tank behind a toilet or shower. Then the system pushes the waste up to the main drain of your home.

Elevated Shower Base

To maximize the use of an up-flush system, you should also elevate your shower base. You need at least a 6 inch high base above the bathroom floor. You can buy a raised base from your local home center or create one with some plywood.

How Much Does It Cost To Add A Bathroom In The Basement?

From the complex processes you need to undergo, you have to prepare for the expenses. The estimated cost is around $8,000 to $15,000 to put up the basement bathroom.

If you have existing rough-in, you will save at least $500 to $1,000. For unfinished basements, it might be cheaper because you can plan for the connections.

If you need to install the rough-in plumbing, it would cost you $1,500 to $4,000. The costs also depend on the number of fixtures you want to install in your bathroom. Included in the total estimated costs are the following:

• Plumbing labor rates - The rates vary on the level of expertise, location, and hours rendered.
• Faucet installation - The costs differ based on the number of faucets to install.
• Drain line replacement - You will spend for the replacement if you want to create a new line.
• Sewerage connections - The process involves breaking concrete if the main street sewer line is far from the bathroom. Thus, the higher the price tag.
• Fixtures and flooring - After all the connections are in place, you have to finish the basement bathroom. The costs of your selected fixtures and flooring will vary.

If you want to get the best for your basement bathroom, check out these other posts:

What Is The Best Flooring For A Basement Bathroom?

What Color To Paint A Basement Bathroom?  [And What Type Of Paint To Use!]

Is It Worth Putting A Bathroom In The Basement?

Even though the process can be pricey and labor-intensive, you should treat your basement bathroom as an investment. What truly matters is how the basement bathroom benefits you in the long run.

Here are some benefits of a basement bathroom:

• For your family, a finished basement with a bathroom creates a liveable space. You can have easy access to a toilet or shower for your personal needs.
• A basement bathroom adds value to your home. Prospective buyers would not need extra renovations after moving in. They will also be willing to pay a higher price for their convenience.

So you have to select high-quality and durable materials for your basement bathroom. To place the right connections, you will also need professionals to do the technical tasks. With careful planning, you can get the most out of your basement bathroom.

In Closing

A bathroom adds a level of convenience for anyone who uses the basement. You do not need to go upstairs to use the toilet or shower. There would be no interruptions while you use the basement for your activities.

But you have to consider the size, plumbing connections, and the cost of adding the bathroom. The specifications of your basement bathroom should suit your needs. After all, it will be your family who benefits from a basement bathroom.