Putting a Toilet in a Garden Room: Transforming Your Space

Putting a toilet in a garden room is an increasingly popular way to enhance the functionality of these versatile spaces. Garden rooms have become a frequent addition to homes across the UK, offering a versatile space that can be used for a multitude of purposes.

Whether you're looking to create a home office, a relaxing retreat or an extra living space, the possibilities are endless. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of putting a toilet in a garden room and how we can make the installation process simple and efficient.

What is a Garden Room?

A garden room is a standalone building situated in your garden, typically detached from the main house. Designed to blend seamlessly with your garden’s aesthetics, they often feature large windows, modern cladding and are fully insulated, making them suitable for year-round use.

Why Install a Toilet in a Garden Room?

Putting a toilet in a garden room can significantly elevate the convenience and usability of the space. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Convenience: No more running back and forth between the house and the garden room. Having a toilet in place means you or your guests won’t need to leave the garden room to use the facilities, making it a more self-contained and practical space.
2. Increased Property Value: A garden room with a toilet adds value to your property. Potential buyers will see it as a fully functional living space, which can be a unique selling point if you ever decide to sell your home.
3. Versatility: With a toilet installed, your garden room can be used for a wider range of activities, from hosting guests overnight to creating a private workspace where you can focus without interruptions.

How Can You Install a Toilet in a Garden Room?

Installing a toilet in a garden room might seem like a challenging task, especially if the garden room is far from the main house’s plumbing system, but with our innovative macerator and pumping systems, it’s easier than you might think.

Our products are designed to overcome plumbing challenges by allowing you to install a toilet anywhere without the need for major construction work. Here are some examples of Saniflo products that could work well when you plan on putting a toilet in a garden room:

Sanicompact

Ideal for smaller spaces, the Sanicompact is a self-contained unit that integrates both a macerator and a toilet.

It’s perfect for garden rooms where space is at a premium. This unit can be easily connected to a small bore pipe, meaning you won’t need to install large, unsightly pipes running from your garden room to the main sewer system.

Saniflo UP

If you prefer a traditional toilet, the Saniflo Up system is an excellent choice. It can pump waste up to 5 metres vertically or 100 metres horizontally, making it ideal for garden rooms as only small bore pipework is needed to take waste to the main sewer.

The system is discreet and easy to install, requiring only minimal disruption to your garden.

Sanibest Pro

For garden rooms that might see heavy use or where a toilet is just the start, the Sanibest Pro is a powerful, heavy-duty macerator pump that can handle not just the toilet waste but also grey water from a sink or shower.

Sanifos 280

For efficient waste management in garden rooms, the Sanifos 280 is an essential underground lifting station. This powerful unit receives waste from macerators, effectively pumping it to the main sewer, even in horizontal or upward directions.

Ideal for installations where gravity drainage is not feasible, the Sanifos 280 is perfect for handling black water from toilets, ensuring compliance with all regulations. Its robust design and high capacity make it the go-to solution for reliable waste disposal in garden rooms.

These are just some of the products that we have to offer at Saniflo. For more information visit our product range here to find the toilet that suits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions about Putting a Toilet in a Garden Room

Do I need planning permission for putting a toilet in a garden room?

Generally, you won’t need planning permission to install a toilet in your garden room if the structure is classed as a permitted development. However, it's always wise to check with your local council before continuing, as rules can vary depending on your location.

Consulting with a professional can ensure that your project complies with local regulations and avoids any potential issues down the line.

Can I install a Saniflo toilet in any type of garden room?

Yes, you can install Saniflo toilets in any type of garden room, regardless of size or structure. Whether your garden room is a small, cosy retreat or a larger, more elaborate setup, Saniflo has a solution that fits your needs.

The flexibility of Saniflo systems allows them to be installed in spaces where traditional plumbing might be difficult or impossible. Since they can pump waste over long distances and even vertically, you can place your garden room in the most convenient location without worrying about the proximity to existing sewer lines.

This makes Saniflo toilets an excellent choice for transforming any garden room into a fully functional living space.

Can I install a shower or basin in addition to a toilet?

Yes, many Saniflo products can handle grey water from basins and showers as well as toilet waste, making it possible to create a full bathroom in your garden room.

When planning the installation, it’s important to consider the layout and ensure that the Saniflo unit you choose can handle the combined waste efficiently. A professional installer can help design a system that meets your specific needs.

Please note that this is specifically for bathroom use, with a basin or toilet. It is against building regulations to connect a kitchen sink to a macerator connected to a toilet.

For kitchen sinks, alternative drainage solutions should be considered.

How do I maintain my Saniflo system?

Saniflo systems require minimal maintenance, which makes them an attractive option for homeowners looking for a hassle-free solution. You should regularly use descaler to ensure your macerator remains clean and can function efficiently.

It’s also important to avoid flushing items that could damage the macerator, such as sanitary products, wipes, or excessive amounts of paper.

Routine checks by a professional can also help identify any potential issues early, ensuring that your system remains reliable over the long term.

More information

Download our latest brochure, or get in touch with us to find out more about these new products, or any of our other units.