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Bathroom and sanitary

What's the maximum distance a toilet can be from the main waste stack in condo units?

Anonymous user 07/01/2026 - 9:21 AM

Hello, I live in a condo on the third floor with a main bathroom waste pipe that serves four units. I'm thinking about redoing my bathroom layout, but I'm unsure how far I can move the toilet from the main waste pipe. Right now, it's right beside the main waste. Is that just to prevent leaks from longer piping? If I use longer, horizontal pipes from the toilet, could waste get stuck along the way? The farthest I could move the toilet is about 2 metres due to the bathroom's size. I also need to keep all pipework above the concrete floor and accessible for any future plumbing work.

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3 Answers

JG Contracting

Rating: 5 out of 5
North York
In condos, toilets need a pretty direct connection to the main waste stack to avoid blockages. The general guideline is that the horizontal run from the toilet to the stack shouldn’t exceed about 3 to 4 feet, or roughly 1 metre, before it starts to slope properly into a vertical stack. Longer runs can work, but you need to maintain the right slope—about 1 to 2 percent—so waste and water flow freely. Since you’re considering moving it about 2 metres, that’s pushing the limit. You’d need to make sure the pipe has a consistent downward slope and that all fittings are properly sized. It’s also important to keep it accessible, as you mentioned, for future maintenance. A plumber experienced with condo layouts can confirm if this is doable without risking clogs or backflow.
Answered6 January 2026
0

Flush and forget drain and plumbing Ltd.

Rating: 5 out of 5
Thornhill, Ontario
In a condo, a toilet can usually be moved up to about 2–3 meters from the main waste stack if it’s done properly. The toilet is often placed close to the main pipe because it’s easier to keep the correct slope, and it reduces plumbing problems. A longer horizontal pipe is not a problem as long as The pipe is 3 inchesIt has the right slop It is properly vented If the slope is wrong or the pipe is too small, waste can get stuck. Since everything must stay above the concrete floor, space for slope is the main limit. Bottom line: 2 meters is usually fine if installed correctly and approved by the condo.
Answered6 January 2026
0

Smart Bathrooms Renovation

Rating: 5 out of 5
East York
Hello! Ontario does NOT regulate toilet placement by “distance to the main stack.” A toilet in Ontario can be located any distance from the main waste stack, provided the trap arm length to the vent does not exceed: • 3.0 m (10 ft) for 3″ pipe • 6.0 m (20 ft) for 4″ pipe Most condo toilets use 4″ horizontal branches Everything else is a design choice, not a code violation. Hope it helps
Answered7 January 2026
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