How to finish a basement bathroom with rough-in plumbing? When renovating a house, the basement bathroom mostly remains unfinished. It means there rough-in plumbing is left to be done. Do you know you can do it yourself? Yes, all you need to know is how to finish a basement bathroom with rough plumbing.
Sometimes you get a roughed-in bathroom with plumbing in the basement when you buy a new home. No matter how you get it, it's time to finish this incomplete project. Finishing the basement bathroom rough in plumbing is a daunting task.
ChoreStop has the most experienced plumbing experts to solve your problem. You choose from hundreds of our experts and take a second opinion.
However, the savings are worth it. You are already in luck as you are here. We will tell you how to renovate your bathroom from rough-in to a finished DIY. It is not as tough as you think. Follow the steps below to get a professional result in your basement roughed in a bathroom renovation.
How to Finish a Basement Bathroom with Rough-in Plumbing?
Most of the time, when you search online, you will find a brief overview of what to do. However, we don't think it is enough if you want to work on your basement bathroom rough plumbing.
You certainly want to know how to do basement bathroom rough in task with a specific guide. The below is the guide on basement rough-in plumbing. You might have been looking for it for a long time. You will need tools to learn how to finish a basement bathroom with rough-in plumbing. Check out our below-listed equipment and begin your journey.
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Tools Needed
- Cordless Drill
- 4-in-1 Screwdriver
- 4-in-1 Screwdriver
- Level Tool
- A Hacksaw
- Wax Ring
- Sandpaper
Materials Needed
- PVC Plastic Flange or ABS Flange
- Solvent or ABS Cement
- Drywall Boards
- Stud Wall
- Tile Thin-Set
- Pipe Glue
Now that you have those tools, here's the step-by-step guide on how to finish a basement bathroom with rough-in plumbing. Our experts have explained everything from a DIY perspective. Let's not wait and check out the guideline.
Step 1: Install a Toilet in a Basement with a Rough Pipe
Toilet the heart of any bathroom. So you need to consider adding the toilet in the first place. Here is how you can do it.
- Use a hacksaw to cut down the toilet rough-in at a 45o Make sure to cut it as close to the floor as possible.
- Choose the correct flange size for the toilet and make sure it fits the toilet rough-in. If the flange is a little bit tight, sand it down with sandpaper. Now it's time to install the flange.
- Apply some ABS cement or solvent on the outer edge of the flange pipe. Put the flange in the toilet rough-in. The bolt space on each side of the flange should be equal to the wall.
- After installing the flange of the toilet in the right place, drill the flange to the concrete floor. Now put the wax ring on the toilet flange.
- When the wax ring is sealed, install the toilet on the top. Push the toilet for a snug fit.
- Set the toilet tank and connect the water fixer of the tank. So you are done with installing the toilet.
Step 2: Install Basement Bathroom Shower
The toilet is done. Now what? Your next job is to install the shower. In the roughed-in bathrooms, you will rarely find a lower shower area than the rest of the bathroom. Otherwise, the installation would have been faster.
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Anyway, follow the steps below to install a shower in your roughed-in basement bathroom.
- See, there are showers roughed in the drain. Use a hacksaw to cut it.
- Just like the flange in the toilet, install the shower flange similarly.
- In the case of a raised floor shower, you have to take a flange with a 90o drain system. Fit the flange with a pipe at an angle and ensure it is high enough to reach the rigid shower base height.
- Install the shower base after applying a thin mix on the floor.
- Use sand mix in case of any crack between the shower baseboard.
- You can put on the tiles when the whole thing has dried up.
Step 3: Install Drywall in the Basement Bathroom Plumbing Rough-in?
Shockingly, installing drywall is as challenging as many people expect. It is easier to do, which only requires drywall boards. All you need to do is drill the drywall board to the stud wall. That's it!
Before you drill the drywall boards in place, cut holes for the toilet and bathroom fixtures. Do you have connected the toilet tank with the waterline? If so, disconnect it at first and then mount the drywall.
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Step 4: Tile the Bathroom Floors and Walls
So finally, the easiest part, tiling the bathroom. Anyone can do this job with the right equipment and by following the steps below.
- Clean the bathroom floor and remove any bumpy debris.
- Check the floor is even or not with a leveling tool.
- After you level the bathroom floor, put on the tile thin-set over the floor and distribute it uniformly.
- Put on the tiles next to each other. Leave a 6-inch space for a grout line between each tile.
- Let the tiles sit for a day. On the following day, apply the grout in between each tile evenly. Remove the excess grout with a wet cloth.
- Now similarly tile the bathroom wall.
How to Check for Any Leaks in the Rough-in Plumbing for Bathroom?
Take a pressure gauge and a tube that connects to air compression. With these tools in hand, test your plumbing in the basement bathroom. Choose two pressure lines or water outlets.
Now, connect the pressure gauge with one water outlet. Connect the tube with the air compressor to another water outlet. Bring pressure up to 100PSI in the pressure gauge. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
After leaving this set up for 15-20 minutes, check the pressure gauge. If the reading has not changed from 100PSI, it means there are no leaks. Otherwise, if the pressure drops down, there are leaks in the rough-in plumbing.
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In that case, check the basement rough-in plumbing. Try to detect a hissing sound. If you can detect the hissing sound, apply soap solution to the joint. You will notice bubbles coming out of the leaks. Repair the leaks immediately.
How Much Does It Cost to Finish Roughed in Bathroom?
It depends on a few factors, for example, toilet, shower, tiles, the type of fixtures, and other bathroom accessories. Also, the cost to finish roughed in plumbing depends on the size of the bathroom.
The larger basement bathroom will cost more than a small-scale bathroom. On average, you may need $6000 to finish the roughed-in basement bathroom. If you take professional help, add labor and hourly rates with this assumed cost.
Last Words
The thought of how to finish a basement bathroom with rough-in plumbing can be creepy. It might seem impossible for some while renovating a house. The good news is you can now finish your basement bathroom with rough-in plumbing. You can follow our guide to make sure you do this job without making mistakes. Best of Luck with the Plumbing!
Frequently Asked Questions :
1. What is a Roughed in Bathroom Basement?
Roughed is a general term used mainly for plumbing and electrical works. In most basements, there is an unfinished roughed-in bathroom. Roughed-in plumbing in the bathroom is the initial draft of plumbing. It means water supplies and drain pipes have been driven through the bored holes in the studs and other framing members. No faucets, fixtures, or other end elements have been installed at this phase.
2. How Do You Install a Toilet Flange in a Basement with a Rough in Pipe?
Before installing a toilet flange in the bathroom, cut the toilet rough-in at a 45o angle. Take ABS flange or PVS plastic flange for the toilet rough-in. Now, apply some solvent to the outer edge of the flange pipe. Install the flange in the toilet rough-in. Make sure to put the bolts on both sides of the flange at an equal distance.
3. What Plumbing is Needed for Basement Bathroom?
You'll need a total of five water lines in your basement bathroom. These include a cold and hot water line for the bathtub, the shower, the sink, and a cold water line for the toilet.
4. How Do You Plumb a Basement Bathroom Below Grade?
To plumb a basement bathroom below grade, you'll need a toilet siphon jet and a macerator. It is called an up-flush toilet system. The macerator grinds up any solid that comes from the toilet. You'll connect all the pipelines through this macerator. Here is how you need to plumb a bathroom below grade.
5. How Do You Put a Bathroom in a Basement without Breaking Concrete?
A basement bathroom without breaking concrete is the best way to put a basement bathroom is through an up-flush toilet system. Saniflo's above-floor technology makes adding a toilet and shower without breaking concrete. A Saniflo system can be placed above the concrete floors.
6. Is It Worth Putting a Bathroom in the Basement?
Although putting a bathroom in the basement may be an expensive and tedious process, it is undoubtedly worthwhile. Basement bathrooms not only add value to your home, but they also are convenient. Also, a bathroom in the basement can be a huge selling point if you ever sell your house.
