Hey there! If you‘re looking to install a wall mounted urinal in your home or business, you‘ve come to the right place. As an expert renovator who has tackled countless bathroom upgrades and urinal installations, I‘ve put together this comprehensive guide to walk you through the entire process with insider tips and recommendations. Let‘s get started!
Why Choose a Urinal?
Before we dive into the installation details, let‘s quickly go over some of the benefits that make urinals a great option:
- Save space – Urinals take up less room than traditional toilets. Great for small bathrooms!
- Conserve water – On average, urinals use 30-50% less water per flush than toilets. This can lead to significant water savings over time.
- Added convenience – No need to lift or lower seats with urinals. They offer quick and easy usage.
- Lower maintenance – With less mechanical parts than toilets, urinals tend to require less intensive cleaning and repairs.
So if you‘re looking to free up space, reduce water usage, or simply add a convenient additional option to your bathroom, a wall mounted urinal can be an excellent choice.
Urinal Installation Materials Checklist
Let‘s start by going over the materials you‘ll need to install your wall mounted urinal:
- Urinal fixture
- Mounting bracket specifically designed for your model
- P-trap and drain pipe
- Sealant – silicone or rubber gasket
- Water supply valve and line
- Threaded pipe fittings
- Pipe thread sealant or Teflon tape
- Adjustable wrench and other tools
- Caulk and plumbers putty
- Screws and hardware to mount urinal
- Level
I definitely recommend using high quality parts – don‘t skimp on the fittings or brackets! Paying a little more upfront will save you from leaks or other issues down the road.
I‘ve installed dozens of urinals over the years, and these are my top recommendations for high performance parts:
Urinal Brands: Kohler, American Standard, Toto
Mounting Brackets: Ideal Shield, Jay R. Smith, Watts
Drainage: Sioux Chief, Keeney, Dearborn
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Now let‘s walk through the installation process step-by-step:
Step 1: Turn Off Water Supply and Drain Pipes
Start by shutting off the main water supply valve to the bathroom. This is usually located behind the toilet or sink. Drain the tank and bowl completely – you don‘t want water spilling everywhere during installation!
Tip: Open the highest and lowest points of the plumbing system to allow the pipes to completely drain.
Step 2: Prep the Wall
Is your wall reinforced? Mounting a urinal, which weighs around 50 pounds, requires adequate blocking behind the drywall. If needed, install 2×6 bracing secured to wall studs.
You‘ll also want to confirm the finish material – urinals should mount directly to concrete, wood blocking, or other solid subsurface. Not drywall alone!
Step 3: Mount the Urinal Bracket
Mount the urinal mounting bracket securely to the wall using the provided hardware. Make sure it‘s level! Use shims if needed to properly align the bracket.
Be sure to follow the manufacturer‘s instructions for proper spacing from the wall and height.
Step 4: Apply Sealant to Urinal or Wall
Next, apply a thick bead of silicone urinal sealant along the back edge of the urinal. Alternatively, run the sealant bead directly onto the wall surrounding where the urinal will mount.
This seals the gap between the urinal and wall to prevent moisture damage. Take your time ensuring complete coverage here.
Step 5: Hang and Secure the Urinal
Now the fun part – hang the urinal fixture on the mounting bracket. The sealant should squish and adhere to the wall.
Align properly and press firmly to maximize contact. Secure tightly using the provided screws or bolts. Give it a couple hours to fully set before proceeding.
Step 6: Install the P-Trap
Underneath the urinal outlet, attach the P-trap and drain pipe. The P-trap holds water to prevent sewer gases from escaping. Slope the pipe towards the wall.
Angle the tailpiece slightly upwards – this allows the trap to fully drain and prevents splashback.
Step 7: Connect the Water Supply
Almost ready for that first flush! Connect the water supply line to the urinal inlet using proper compression fittings. Wrap threaded connections with Teflon tape before tightening.
Leave some slack in the line for easy installation and to minimize strain on the valve.
Step 8: Turn on Water and Test for Leaks
The moment of truth! Turn the water back on and allow the urinal to fill. Inspect carefully for any drips or leaks. Tighten any problem connections and verify proper drainage.
If any leaks persist, drain the water and reapply sealant or pipe thread sealant to trouble spots. Leaks must be fully resolved before proceeding.
Step 9: Caulk Around Urinal Edges
Once you‘ve confirmed no leaks, finish up by applying a bead of waterproof caulk around urinal edges and seams. This provides an extra layer of sealant for the long haul.
Let the caulk fully cure overnight before using the urinal. Then enjoy your exciting new installation!
Positioning Your Urinal Properly
Mounting the urinal at the optimal height and position is critical for both proper drainage and accessibility. Here are the key factors to keep in mind:
- Standard Height – The urinal rim should be 28-30 inches off the floor. This allows comfortable usage for most adults.
- ADA Compliance – For public restrooms, the maximum mounting height is 17 inches to the rim as required by ADA regulations.
- Clearance – Position urinal at least 12 inches from adjacent walls or fixtures. Allow 21 inches of clearance in front for wheelchair access.
- Drainage – Slope floor towards urinal drain and mount at height that enables water to flow properly without splashing or pooling.
You‘ll also find some urinals designed for younger users mounted extra low. And stadium models may be installed at a higher than typical height. Choose what works best for your specific bathroom needs.
Mistakes to Avoid
Based on seeing lots of DIY installation struggles over the years, here are some of the most common mistakes to steer clear of:
- Forgetting the P-trap! This is vital to prevent toxic sewer gases from entering the room.
- Not adequately sealing around the urinal. Take the time to be generous with sealant.
- Cheaping out on parts like brackets, valves and fittings. Spend a bit more for quality.
- Not shutting off water supply before connecting pipes. Flooding disaster!
- Mounting urinal crooked. Double check level and alignment.
- Using regular caulk instead of bathroom-rated. Don‘t skip the waterproofing step!
Commercial vs Residential Installation
Commercial:
Urinal installation for commercial restrooms is generally more straightforward than residential. Benefits include:
- Exposed pipes make plumbing connections easier
- Permits usually handled by licensed contractors
- Specialized janitorial staff handles upkeep
- Made to withstand heavy daily usage – opt for commercial grade
Residential:
Home urinal installation is possible but typically more complex:
- Requires breaking into walls for new plumbing – costlier
- Homeowner responsible for permits and compliance
- Maintenance falls on the homeowner
If you‘re up for the challenge, installing a urinal at home can provide nice space savings and convenience. But be prepared for a more extensive installation process. Consult a professional plumber for guidance.
Urinal Selection Tips
With so many urinal options on the market, here are a few of my top tips for choosing:
- Select a durable vitreous china or stainless steel model. Avoid plastic!
- Choose a simple rimless pan design – much easier to keep clean.
- Opt for a smaller, more compact urinal to save space.
- Include a top-mount flush valve for quick DIY maintenance.
- For heavy use, pick a vandal-resistant model less prone to damage.
- Decide on special features like motion activated flushing, antimicrobial coating, or water conservation.
And don‘t forget about the design aesthetic! Coordinate urinal style and finish with the overall bathroom decor.
Urinal Maintenance Tips
To keep your urinal functioning at peak performance:
- Clean regularly with a commercial urinal cleaning product. Avoid abrasives.
- Inspect annually for leaks, loose parts, sealant condition. Repair as needed.
- Replace flush valve seals periodically to prevent drips.
- Pour hot water down drain monthly to clear buildup and keep drains fresh.
- Check supply valves for scaling. Replace if flow is reduced.
See my Urinal Maintenance Checklist below for a full routine to follow:
Urinal Maintenance Checklist
- [ ] Clean urinal weekly with specialized cleaner
- [ ] Inspect urinal for damage and leaks yearly
- [ ] Replace flush valve seals every 2-3 years
- [ ] Pour hot water down drain monthly
- [ ] Check supply valves for scale buildup
- [ ] Confirm brackets and wall mounting are secure
- [ ] Ensure proper urinal sealant coverage
- [ ] Clear any clogged drain pipes as needed
- [ ] Tighten or repair loose bolts, connections, fittings
Following these maintenance best practices will keep your urinal in tip-top shape for years to come! Let me know if you have any other urinal care questions.
Ready to Install Your Wall Mounted Urinal!
Hopefully this guide gave you all the details you need to install your wall mounted urinal with confidence. Just take it step-by-step and don‘t be afraid to call in a professional if you need a hand. Proper installation is well worth it for the convenience and space savings a urinal provides.
Here‘s wishing you the best of luck with your new urinal project! Let me know if you have any other home improvement questions – I‘m always happy to help out with expert tips and advice.
