Yes, you can absolutely install a toilet where there is no existing plumbing. You won't need to break through concrete or install underground drainpipes. Instead, you can use specialized systems like upflush/macerating toilets (which grind waste and pump it to a drain) or completely waterless toilets (which bag or incinerate waste).
A little digging through the floor may give you access to a drain. This also will be a warmer location (to avoid freezing pipes in a cold climate). If you cannot get access to an existing house drain, you will have to install an up-flush toilet or a no-water toilet. They look similar to standard toilets.
Adding a toilet without conventional plumbing relies on either a standalone waste system (like composting or dry-flush toilets) or an up-flush macerating system. Choose from dry off-grid systems (which require zero water or drain pipes) or macerating pumps (which require electricity and a small discharge pipe to tie into an existing drain).
Tankless toilets are prized for their sleek, space-saving design, but they come with significant drawbacks. Key cons include high upfront costs, strict water pressure requirements, electrical dependencies during outages, and complex, expensive repairs.
Installing a toilet isn't simple, but it's also not sacred knowledge passed down only to plumbers. With the right toilet, a few tools, and decent instructions, it's a job most people could do-they just don't realize it yet. Most people don't even consider installing their own toilet.
Toilets without plumbing (often called waterless or off-grid toilets) manage human waste without traditional water connections or sewer lines. They are ideal for vans, boats, tiny homes, and remote cabins. The most common types include:
PMRs for malignancies of the stomach, kidney, brain, and lymphopoietic system were also elevated, especially among plumbers. Chronic rheumatic heart disease, emphysema, liver cirrhosis, and all external causes of death were the major non-cancer causes with significantly elevated PMRs.
Dry flush toilets (like the popular Laveo model) do not smell during or immediately after use. The flushing mechanism instantly wraps and seals waste in a continuous, airtight Mylar bag, completely containing odors and keeping the waste out of sight.
Dish soap has the ability to lubricate and break down the bonds of fats and grease. When poured into the toilet, dish soap helps lubricate the waste causing the clog, while also breaking down its structure, allowing it to easily flow down the drain.
The most advanced washlets can mix the water jet with soap for an improved cleaning process. The washlet can replace toilet paper completely, but many users opt to use both wash and paper in combination—although use of paper may be omitted for cleaning of the vulva.
Toilets are designed to allow a large amount of water into the bowl at once. That water will be forced to exit the bowl just as quickly. However when the toilet becomes slow (lazy) in passing the water into the sewer main, it may mean a material buildup within the toilet itself.
On average, you can expect to pay a plumber between $185 and $400 for labor. If you include the cost of a mid-range toilet, the total typically lands between $350 and $800. Plumbers usually charge either a flat rate for this common task or an hourly rate, with the job taking about 1 to 3 hours.
A toilet without a septic tank—often called a waterless or dry toilet—processes waste without plumbing. The most common types are composting toilets (which break down waste into soil), incinerating toilets (which burn waste to ash), and simple bucket/bag systems. They are ideal for off-grid living, tiny homes, or areas lacking sewer connections.
The following are cons of upflush toilets: Higher maintenance costs: They have more moving parts that can wear out or become clogged over time, requiring more maintenance than simple gravity-fed toilets. Repairs can be more complex and expensive.
Avoid placing toilets in the north-east direction, which is considered sacred and associated with purity and spiritual growth. A toilet in this zone can create imbalance and lead to stress or health issues. The south-west direction should also be avoided since it governs stability and relationships.
The best toilet for a tiny house depends on your plumbing, but urine-diverting composting toilets are the gold standard for most off-grid and movable tiny homes. They save water, require no septic connection, and eliminate odors. The most highly recommended models include:
People put aluminum foil in the toilet as an internet-famous cleaning and maintenance hack, though its actual effectiveness is highly debated. The reasons for doing it generally fall into two categories:
You can technically put a bar of soap in your toilet tank, but that doesn't mean it's a good idea. The idea behind this hack is that as the soap slowly dissolves, it releases soapy water every time you flush. This is supposed to help keep your toilet bowl clean and fight off stains and mold.
Tackle severely stained toilet bowls by emptying the water to expose the stains, then applying a strong acid (like hydrochloric acid or vinegar) or a pumice stone. The most effective approach depends on the stain: mineral/limescale rings require an acid to dissolve the buildup, while organic stains respond well to bleach.
The characteristic "old age smell" is scientifically known as nonenal (or 2-nonenal). It is a chemical compound produced when the skin's natural oils and fatty acids break down and oxidize as we age.
There is no single rule that covers composting toilets nationwide. Instead, states adopt their own plumbing and health codes, then counties and cities layer on permits and enforcement. Many jurisdictions allow waterless systems if they meet performance criteria and are installed correctly.
To keep your bathroom smelling fresh, tackle the root cause of odors by controlling humidity and targeting hidden odor traps. Use a combination of consistent ventilation, regular deep cleans, and localized natural fresheners like odor-absorbing baking soda and essential oils to maintain a pleasant scent.
10 Things That Your Plumber Wishes You Knew
Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States, responsible for over 683,000 deaths annually. According to mortality data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease alone accounts for approximately 22% of all deaths nationwide.
In November 1954, Albert Einstein famously expressed admiration for the plumbing profession, stating that if he were a young man again, he "would rather choose to be a plumber in the hope to find that modest degree of independence still available."