How is a Mobile Home Toilet Different from a Regular Toilet?

If you live in a mobile house or are considering buying one, you may be interested in finding out if a mobile home toilet differs from a regular toilet. And, of course, since a mobile home is constructed differently from a regular home, it goes without saying that the toilets in mobile homes would be different. But how is a mobile home toilet different from a regular toilet? Read on to understand!

Is a Mobile Home Toilet Different?

Mobile homes and manufactured homes are very similar in many ways. However, the United States federal government made some changes in 1976 and outlined new building codes for urban housing. Before 1976, mobile homes did not follow any specific building code. Since many families are often stuck due to a lack of suitable housing, some mobile homes are embedded in building codes. After the change in 1976, manufacturing houses were created to replace mobile homes, meaning that mobile homes are those built before 1976. Mobile houses built after 1976 are called manufacturing houses (like fountains).

Can A Regular Toilet Be Used In A Mobile Home?

Some people are often concerned with toilet installation when they buy manufactured homes. They want to be sure that the toilet will work for them. If you can invest in a toilet that suits your needs, you can rest assured that your life will be smooth regardless of the type of house you live in.

However, if you are planning to buy a regular toilet for a mobile home, there are some things you must consider. Every manufactured home constructed after 1976 typically has a regular toilet. But whether you have a regular toilet or mobile home toilet, it must adhere to the same housing regulations.

Even though manufactured homes were built with different construction methods, all the plumbing and electrical works in the bathroom were the same as those in a regular house. If you look at the specifications of the two different toilet types, you will realize they are very similar. But the design of the toilets will differ slightly because of the different parts used. For example, the shape and size of the toilet in your manufactured home may differ.

Manufactured homeowners feature either a round or an elongated design. However, you can still use corner toilets that save space and fit even bigger people. What matters is buying a toilet that suits your manufactured home.

How is a Mobile Home Toilet Different from a Regular Toilet?
Regular toilet Vs. Mobile toilet

How Manufactured Houses Or Mobile Homes Are Connected To Toilets

With the passage of new laws, regulations for building mobile houses are similar to those for standard houses. It means many components used to manufacture mobile houses match those used for standard houses.

Toilets built for mobile homes can be the same, but there is no national standard for building these homes. Moreover, some manufacturers may have different parts or specifications for different types of mobile homes.

Essential Things to Check Before Buying Manufactured and Mobile Home Toilets

Whether you want to do a replacement or buy a new toilet for your manufactured or mobile home, there are a few essential things that you must consider. We’ve outlined them one by one to help you make the right decision.

1. Is it water efficient?

Take your time to check the toilet’s (GPF) rating, i.e., gallons per flush rating. Buying toilets with less water per flush is smart since it conforms to the existing regulations.

Standard toilets use 1.6 gallons of water per flush, but you can still opt for toilets that use 1.3 gallons per flush, giving you plenty of advantages.

Always ensure you take your humble time to check the toilet’s GPF rating. Buying a low-flow toilet will be the perfect move, as it complies with instituted regulations while saving you money.

2. Drain Location

It is vital that you get exact measurements when installing your toilet. Measure the distance from the flange that goes through the back of the toilet to the wall. If you have a toilet with two bolts, you’ll need to take measurements starting from the middle of the back bolts to determine the placement of the drains.

You’re good to go if your measurement is between 11 to 13 inches. Otherwise, you may need to get a custom toilet.

3. The Design

The toilet design you select determines the look and feel you get when entering the bathroom. If you are buying a new toilet, you will have the option to choose between one-piece and two-piece toilets and floor-mounted or wall-mounted.

If you’re looking for elegant but easy-to-clean toilets that are stylish and easy to keep clean, a one-piece toilet may be your best choice. But two-piece toilets will allow you to have more options. Wall-mounted toilets are pretty costly and generally have non-standard rough-in dimensions.

4. Durability

Buying a good value toilet is the best thing you can do. Take the time to check the quality of the materials utilized in constructing this toilet and ensure it is durable. Ceramic and porcelain toilets are relatively reliable, and you cannot go wrong installing one in your bathroom. You should also ensure the materials you choose are strong enough to withstand heavier loads.

5. The Style and Shape of the Bowl

You will need a toilet that has more flushing power because this will ensure that you save water. It will save you from having to pay higher bills and have a more comfortable experience. Most toilets can handle more than 1000g, and the toilet that can handle more is more efficient. When you are at it, decide between pressure-assist and gravity toilets.

Always ensure your pick meets your taste and preference. A good toilet should also be accessible, have enhanced performance, and pocket friendly. And don’t forget about the standard regulations and rules – it must adhere to that too!

4 Vital Facts about Plumbing Systems And Toilet Units In Manufactured Homes

There are some similarities between mobile home toilets, RV toilets, and toilets that you will find in standard homes, but there are some differences too. Some of the things that make mobile home toilets different from standard toilets include:

1. Location

There are many reasons why the location of toilets in a mobile home varies from standard homes. It also depends on how the toilets are constructed. Typically, the toilet and the supply lines for the plumbing system in manufactured homes are located under the floor. Keep in mind that site-built homes come with supply lines that run through their walls.

2. Shut off valves

Mobile toilets also have no cut-off valves, so your sanitary area will be significantly smaller. No septic valve will be installed in some manufactured homes, and waste drains are usually not connected.

3. Piping Material

Toilets in manufactured homes come with a lot of piping, which is pretty substantial. Depending on the toilet size, you could have problems with the drainage or the venting of the wastewater.

4. Venting

It is annoying to think that manufactured toilets have no way of venting the sewage. These toilets have very reliable venting systems, which ensure there is little chance that your toilet will become clogged.

What Toilets Are Perfect For Mobile Homes or Manufactured Homes?

You’ll want to consider buying a smaller toilet if you live in a small mobile home. If you are a larger person, a larger toilet is likely to be comfortable and quiet. Nevertheless, a round toilet will work well if you are a smaller person.

Corner toilets make sense for some homes because they are more convenient. They are also more effective at maximizing space, but it relies on the location of the toilet. Most house owners don’t bother moving the toilet rough-in location.

FAQs

How does a toilet work in a mobile home?

Toilets on mobile homes generally have a foot pedal that allows people to push a button that causes water to flow through the toilet to the black water tank mounted under the trailer. When you press the foot pedal, water flows into the toilet, and the flap at the bottom of the bowl opens up. When the waste is emptied, it goes into a black water tank on the bottom of the trailer.

Do all home toilets have a similar size?

Most toilets are constructed with standard rough-in dimensions of 12 inches. However, there are  other rough-in sizes, such as 14 inches and 10 inches.

What types of plumbing are featured in mobile homes?

Plumbing typically uses two kinds of piping: plastic and metal. Most plumbing systems in manufactured homes feature plastic designs. Plastic pipes are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), PEX pipe, chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), and PolyPipe®. Metal pipes manufactured from stainless steel, copper, and galvanized steel are generally used in mobile homes.

Final Take

You will be pleased to know that most mobile homes have the same toilets as regular homes. Mobile homes built before 1976 don’t have the same rules as standard homes. These toilets don’t have to follow the same regulations for bathrooms. If you know the rough-in dimension, you can buy an excellent traditional two-piece toilet or a more modern design one-piece toilet for your mobile home.

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