Big Job!!!!! Newbie

I want to do a complete remodel on my bathroom. Remove tub/shower combo, double vanities, and old toilet. I will be installing new whirlpool tub, seperate shower, new toilet, and pedestal sink. The current floor is concrete. I want to raise the floor 6-8" at the area where all the new installations will be, instead of jackhammerring up the concrete to move the plumbing. (I also like the idea of a raised floor). The new shower will be over the current tub and toilet drains, and the new toilet will require the drain to be moved 3' forward and 6' over to the side. My questions are (1) Can all the new plumbing run under the new floor? (2) Is it possible to move the new toilet that far from its current drain location? and (3) Can the new tub and new shower share the drain that is currently being used for the tub/shower combo? All advice and suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks from a newbie

sounds like a nice bathroom. want to make it look sweet? break out the jackhammer! you can move fixtures as needed as long as each is vented, 1/4" per foot pitch for drains and rise for vents. plus 2" min. pipe under slab. ( just a start )

This may be bigger job than you think. First, and it's your bathroom, but I do not think you would be happy with an 8" raised floor. Just my opinion.

More important, I don't think 8" would give you clearance for all the plumbing you would need.

As regards the toilet especially, to move it as you describe you will probably need a new vent. I do not think you could add 9 feet of waste and not move the vent closer.

Breaking up the floor sounds intimidating, but actually it is done all the time. I would get some advice from a contractor regarding that ( for example are you sure you do not have post-tensioned concrete?)

Jimbo and others

Two years ago, we had our kitchen floor jackhammered to put in a new drain. It's not an experience that I wish to relive. Everything went smoothly and the plumbers that did the job handle all of our plumbing, but the noise is so much (have twin babies). Plus, I really want a raised floor. I do not understand plumbing lingo. Can you explain to me what a vent is, and what they are used for? Would it make a difference if the toilet drain is moved diagonally across the floor 6' as opposed to the previous discription? We also can keep all of the water lines inside the walls, leaving only drain lines in the floor?
I agree about getting a contractors advice. I will definately be doing that before the first swing of my sledgehammer.

Vents are used to equalize the air pressure within the waste piping system and to rid the sewer system of unwanted gases. As water and effluient go down the drain, air is pulled into the pipe from the vent. Otherwise it would be like holding you thumb onto the top of a straw filled with water. Nothing in (air) nothing out (water).. Let your thumb off the straw and all of a sudden it drains. In reality though without a proper vent the drain will suck air from the place of least resistance---right from the drain where the water is going down and when it is finished you now have a minimal amount of water in the trap defeating it's purpose. So the vent is responsible for maintaining equal air pressure within the waste system which will ultimately keep all of your traps with a water seal. Ok, I can see the next question coming a mile away! The trap is a water seal to prevent sewer gas from entering the living area. This is just one of the ways plumbers protect the health of america by making sure proper sized waste and vent lines are installed and appropriate traps are used. Now that I have explained a very small amount of plumbing lingo please do the right thing and get a licensed plumber to help you out with the installation.

bath

The only thing raising the floor will do is keep you from sawcutting and removing some concrete. ALL of the new piping will have to be done to the same standards, but you may be making the job a lot harder if you force the plumber, and this is too big a job for you to tackle for your first plumbing remodel, to connect to the existing drain locations. And it may create a poor draining system if you do it.

Okay, you guys are explaining so much. BTW, I never intended to do any of the plumbing myself. As all of you can see, that's just not my thing. I just wanted to know if it were possible to do it the way that I want it done. I only handle the construction work. By eliminating the jackhammer, I thought I would be eliminating that cost. By the way, exactly how big is the drain pipe that connects to the toilet? (3"?) Can't they just connect to the existing toilet hole? (Elbow + 6 feet of pipe ending with a new toilet hole?)
Please excuse me if all this sounds rather dumb. I know almost nothing about plumbing. I usually rely on the local Home Depot guy for minor plumbing issues. All this info is giving me better ideas on drawing up the new floor plan.

Probably not able to connect to the original opening. You need 1/4"/foot slope in the new stuff, plus the height of the elbows (you need one on each end). That would make the height of your raised floor much higher than you were considering.

We are sort of throwing a lot of numbers around here without having seen your layout. So, trying not to be so dire, let me just say that a plumber needs to look at this. The vents and pipe sizes and slopes are all important. You mentioned that the tub goes where the toilet is and the toilet moves over 6 feet. This sounds like a lot of pipes criss-crossing in there!

One question that comes to mind is : if you use 2X8 to raise the floor, then with subfloor and finish floor you are looking at a minimum 9". This will leave the ceiling a little low. Are you OK with this, and are you OK with possibly two steps up into the bathroom?

I know you think you like the idea of a raised floor, but I will tell you that those who have done it eventually come to hate it. For one think, it looks like hell to put it bluntly! If the noise of breaking concrete is such a big problem, take the family on a 2-3 day vacation to a motel with a pool and game room. The kids will love it, you wife will appreciate the days out, and when you go home, the noise and mess will be over with. As others have pointed out, there are requirements that must me met, especially with drains and vents, so consult the plumbing contractor that will be doing the work before you make solid plans.

One question that comes to mind is : if you use 2X8 to raise the floor, then with subfloor and finish floor you are looking at a minimum 9". This will leave the ceiling a little low. Are you OK with this, and are you OK with possibly two steps up into the bathroom?

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Yes, the ceiling is okay. Actually, the enitre room would not be raised. It would come out to look as if steps are leading up to the tub area, which would have a secluded space for the toilet. The rest of the bathroom would still be at the current level. The sink would still set on current floor too.

I know it is difficult to give answers without being able to see the layout. It sort of looks like an upside down L . The tub and shower being placed at the short length of the L and toilet being on the left nearest the connecting point.(looking at it upside down)
Have I completely confused all of you?

you wife will appreciate the days out,

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That is so funny! You see, I am the wife. Maybe that explains the lack of plumbing knowledge. Maybe I should just let you guys go on thinking of me as a man.