While mobile home toilets may function the same way as their regular counterparts, the former is designed with key unique features that enable them to function well in mobile homes and RVs. The most significant difference between the mobile home toilets and the regular units is the size and location of the waste and ventilation pipes. So, if you’re interested in investing in a mobile home, it’s prudent that you learn more about these innovative mobile home toilets so you can enjoy your investment much better.
How A Mobile Home Toilet Differs From Regular Toilets
Here are some ways mobile home toilets differ from regular toilets:
1. Codes and Materials
The plumbing systems of mobile home toilets and house-built plumbing systems have different building requirements and specifications. While the mobile home constructions only need to comply with the Urban Development Code and the U.S. Department of Housing, the on-site homes must also comply with specific local codes and requirements. Mobile homeowners and builders prefer using PEX tubing, which lasts longer than copper pipes and is more robust than plastic pipes, which are more vulnerable to leaks and other plumbing problems.
2. Plumbing Basics
The piping systems in mobile homes are set up in different ways. On-site, water lines go through the walls to water fixtures, but in a mobile home, the water supply runs down the beneath the floor. In addition, mobile homes don’t have cutoff valves and cleanouts. In other words, only a few drain openings or valves allow you to safely drain the sewage system and stop the water from being pushed into your mobile home.
Cleanouts are where a sewer or septic system connects to the drains inside a mobile home. You can still dispose of the water in a tank. Some states require that homeowners place a portable drain at each home, and some states require the drain to be emptied at specific locations. Mobile homeowners can opt for composting toilets, allowing them to use less water and not have to deal with the problems that may arise from having blackwater in their toilets.
It may be difficult to use a composting toilet because the pipes to the mobile home are often shorter than in a typical house. Suppose your state allows you to use compostable toilets instead of having your home connected to a public sewer or septic system. In that case, you’ll need to get a certification from the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF).
Another significant difference between mobile homes and homes built on-the-site plumbing is that mobile homes have shorter and narrower drainage and sewage lines that are much more easily blocked or buried.
3. Plumbing System Issues
In the process of installing a new plumbing system in your new mobile home, you may face some challenges. Do you hear something strange when you turn on the water in your mobile home? There may be a ventilation problem that is causing the water to seep through your walls. If you hear strange noises from your home plumbing system, it could be caused by a clogging of a vent stack or a failing auto-vent under the sink.
When there are leaks, you can expect the pipes to damage the floor beneath your home. Some wood materials can soak up water like a sponge and rot quickly, resulting in costly repairs down the road. Leaks, clog-ups, low water pressure, and foul odors are just some of the problems you might have living in an older mobile home. Sometimes it’s better to replace the faulty things and not try to fix them.
4. Tubs and Faucets
It is easy to replace a sink, faucet, tub, or toilet in a mobile home. Even the bathroom fixtures in mobile homes are often smaller and less expensive than ones that are installed in your traditional home. Some bathtubs ideal for mobile homes are whirlpool, corner, alcove, and oval. While the average bathroom in a typical home is about 60 inches wide, the average bathtub in a mobile home is 54 inches wide or smaller.
There is a wide range of faucets for mobile homes, though the most standardized option is the center-set faucet, as it makes using small spaces as efficiently as possible. In addition, wall-mount faucets and showers are becoming more popular because they take up less space in small spaces.
What Size Toilet Flange Is In A Mobile Home?
A mobile home toilet should be constructed from sturdy plastic that is durable enough to last you for years. The toilet flange should have a diameter of 7 inches and a 3-1/4-inch thread diameter. A closet flange is approved for recreational vehicles and mobile homes. A strong flange will perfectly secure your mobile home toilet to the floor and connect it to the drain pipe.
Can you flush toilet paper in a mobile home?
It’s important to remember that plumbing systems in mobile home toilets or motorhome toilets installed in RVs are less robust than the ones you find in residential sewage systems. Therefore, flushing anything down the drain that can potentially cause clogs and very disgusting foul smells throughout your mobile home is not advisable. But if you carefully use the toilet paper every time you visit the toilet, there won’t be any problems! Too much toilet paper or using low-quality toilet paper rolls can cause serious plumbing issues down the road!
Conclusion
You should be pleased to discover that mobile homes have almost the same toilets as normal homes. The building standards and regulations worldwide keep changing with time, meaning mobile home toilets don’t follow the exact construction regulations similar to those of regular bathrooms. If you know how to measure the required rough-in size of your mobile home toilet, you can start shopping for the right one-piece or two-piece toilet for your mobile home. The type of toilet you choose should suit your budget and, more importantly, your personal preferences.
