Written by JSW Plumbing | Published on June 2025
Yes, you can move a toilet during a bathroom renovation, but it is one of the more complex plumbing tasks involved in a reno. The cost typically ranges from $800 to $3,000 or more depending on how far you move it and what drainage work is needed. This guide covers everything homeowners in Thornleigh, Hornsby, and the Hills District need to know before making that decision.
Understand why moving a toilet is more complex than it looks
A toilet is connected to your home’s drainage system through a floor waste and soil pipe. Moving it even half a metre means re-routing that drainage pipe, which must maintain the correct fall gradient to drain properly.
In Australia, drainage must comply with AS/NZS 3500, the national plumbing standard. This means the pipe must slope at least 1.65 degrees (about 1 in 40 fall) to ensure waste flows away without backing up.
If you move the toilet too far from the existing stack, you may also need to extend the soil stack itself. That adds labour, materials, and time to the job. It is not a DIY project. All toilet relocations in NSW must be done by a licensed plumber.
Find out what factors affect the difficulty of relocating a toilet
Not all toilet moves are equal. Some are straightforward and others require significant structural work. Here are the main factors that affect complexity.
- Distance of the move: Moving the toilet 200 to 300mm is relatively simple. Moving it more than 600mm often means major drainage re-routing.
- Concrete slab vs. timber floor: Homes on a concrete slab require cutting into the slab to re-route pipes. Timber floors are easier to work with.
- Direction of move: Moving the toilet further from the main stack is harder than moving it closer or parallel to the existing drain run.
- Wall vs. floor cistern: In-wall cisterns add complexity if the toilet is being moved to a new wall location.
- Access to under-floor space: Good subfloor access on timber homes makes pipe runs much easier to complete.
Many older homes in Hornsby and Thornleigh were built on timber floors, which makes toilet relocations more manageable compared to slab homes in newer Hills District estates.
Compare costs of moving a toilet in the Hills District
Costs vary depending on how far the toilet moves, the floor type, and the materials required. The table below gives you a realistic breakdown based on jobs JSW Plumbing commonly handles across Thornleigh, Hornsby, and the Hills District.
| Scenario | Floor Type | Estimated Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Minor shift (under 300mm) | Timber | $800 to $1,200 |
| Minor shift (under 300mm) | Concrete slab | $1,500 to $2,200 |
| Moderate move (300mm to 1m) | Timber | $1,200 to $1,800 |
| Moderate move (300mm to 1m) | Concrete slab | $2,000 to $3,000 |
| Major relocation (over 1m) | Either | $3,000 to $5,000+ |
These estimates include labour, pipe materials, and floor reinstatement. They do not include tiling, waterproofing, or the toilet suite itself. Always get a written quote before work begins.
Know the NSW regulations and permits that apply to toilet relocations
In NSW, any plumbing work that involves drainage must be carried out by a licensed plumber and drainer. This is not optional. It is a legal requirement under the NSW Plumbing and Drainage Act 2011.
For most internal toilet relocations, a plumbing compliance certificate (also called a Certificate of Compliance) is issued by the licensed plumber once the work is complete. This is an important document to keep for your records, especially when selling your home.
If your bathroom renovation involves structural changes, such as removing or altering load-bearing walls, a Development Application (DA) or Complying Development Certificate (CDC) may also be required through Hornsby Shire Council or The Hills Shire Council depending on your address.
JSW Plumbing handles the compliance side of toilet relocations for customers across Thornleigh and the Hills District. We issue the correct certificates and ensure work meets AS/NZS 3500 requirements.
Review common toilet suite options when relocating
If you are moving the toilet anyway, it is a great time to upgrade the suite. Here is a comparison of common toilet types to help you choose.
| Toilet Type | Price Range (AUD) | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Close-coupled (back-to-wall) | $200 to $600 | Most standard bathrooms | Easiest to install and service |
| Wall-faced (concealed trap) | $300 to $800 | Modern bathrooms | Cleaner look, easy to clean |
| In-wall cistern (wall-hung) | $600 to $1,500+ | Compact or designer bathrooms | More complex to install and access |
| Smart/bidet toilet | $800 to $3,000+ | Luxury upgrades | Requires nearby power outlet |
Popular brands stocked by local suppliers include Caroma, Kohler, Duravit, and Fienza. Caroma is a strong choice for Australian households given its WELS water-efficiency ratings and local warranty support.
Learn what the process looks like from quote to completion
Understanding the typical steps helps you plan your renovation timeline. Here is how a toilet relocation usually progresses with JSW Plumbing.
- Site assessment and quote: A plumber visits to assess the floor type, current drain location, and proposed new position. You receive a written quote.
- Drainage re-routing: Old waste pipe is capped. New drainage pipe is laid to the correct fall and connected to the existing soil stack or floor waste.
- Floor work: On slab homes, concrete is cut, pipes are laid, and the slab is reinstated. On timber homes, floorboards or subfloor sheeting are carefully removed and replaced.
- New pan collar and rough-in: The correct pan collar is installed at the new toilet location. The rough-in dimension must match your chosen toilet suite.
- Water supply relocation: The cold water supply to the cistern is re-routed to the new position.
- Final fit-off: Once tiling and waterproofing are done by your other trades, the plumber returns to install the toilet suite and connect the water supply.
- Certificate of Compliance: The plumber issues compliance paperwork for your records.
The rough-in and drainage stage usually takes one to two days. Final fit-off takes a couple of hours. Total plumbing time depends on the complexity of the move.
Avoid common mistakes when planning a toilet relocation
Many homeowners in the Hills District and Hornsby area make avoidable mistakes when planning a toilet move. Here are the most common ones to watch out for.
- Not checking the rough-in measurement: The rough-in is the distance from the finished wall to the centre of the pan collar. Standard is 140mm in Australia, but some older homes have 180mm. Always confirm before buying a new toilet suite.
- Moving too far from the stack: The further you move the toilet from the main soil stack, the harder it is to maintain drainage fall. Always get a plumber to assess feasibility first.
- Forgetting the water supply: The cold water supply line also needs to move. It is easy to overlook this in the initial budget.
- Skipping the compliance certificate: Unlicensed work or work without a certificate can cause problems when selling or claiming on home insurance.
- Tiling before rough-in is confirmed: Always have your plumber confirm the final toilet position before the tiler starts laying floor tiles around the pan collar location.
FAQs on moving a toilet during a bathroom renovation
How far can you move a toilet from its original position?
There is no fixed maximum distance, but the further you move it, the more drainage work is involved. Moving a toilet more than 1 metre usually requires significant pipe re-routing and increases costs substantially. Your plumber will assess what is feasible based on your floor type and drain layout.
Can a toilet be moved on a concrete slab in NSW?
Yes, it is possible. The concrete slab is cut using a diamond blade saw, the drainage pipes are re-routed, and the concrete is then patched and reinstated. It adds cost and time compared to a timber floor relocation, but it is a common job for bathroom renovations in newer Hills District homes built on slabs.
Do I need council approval to move a toilet in Hornsby or The Hills?
For internal bathroom renovations that do not alter the building structure, you generally do not need a DA from Hornsby Shire Council or The Hills Shire Council. However, a licensed plumber must issue a Certificate of Compliance for the drainage work. Always check with your council if structural changes are also involved.
How long does it take to move a toilet during a renovation?
The plumbing stages of a toilet relocation typically take one to three days in total. The drainage rough-in takes one to two days, and the final fit-off takes a few hours after tiling is complete. Your overall bathroom renovation timeline will depend on how many trades are involved.
Can I move a toilet myself to save money?
No. In NSW, any work involving drainage connections must be carried out by a licensed plumber and drainer. Doing it yourself is illegal, will not be covered by home insurance, and can result in drainage failures or serious health hazards. Hiring a licensed plumber protects you legally and ensures the work is done correctly.
What is the rough-in measurement for toilets in Australia?
The standard rough-in distance in Australia is 140mm from the finished wall to the centre of the pan collar. Some older homes, particularly those built before the 1980s, may have a 180mm rough-in. Always measure your existing toilet before purchasing a replacement suite to ensure it fits without adjustment.
Wrap up and next steps
If you are planning a bathroom renovation in Thornleigh, Hornsby, or anywhere across the Hills District, JSW Plumbing can assess the feasibility of your toilet relocation and give you a clear, upfront quote. Call us or use our online enquiry form to book a site visit and get your renovation moving in the right direction.