If you have a mobile home or are considering buying one, you might be interested to know if mobile home toilets are different than those found in standard homes. Mobile homes are built differently than a standard home so it makes sense that a mobile home toilet would be different.
There are a few instances when you’ll find different toilets and pipes on a mobile home.
In this article we’ll discuss what to look for and why your mobile home likely has the same plumbing as a standard home.
Mobile, Manufactured, and Regular Toilets
Let’s get the terminology straight before we move any further. Mobile and manufactured homes are very similar.
In fact, most people would agree they are the same thing, however, the name changed in 1976 when the federal government, under the Housing for Urban Development updated their building codes.
Prior to 1976, mobile homes didn’t fall under any particular regulation. The home caught on quickly because of a housing shortage and while some mobile homes were built to code, others weren’t (it depended on the manufacturer/builder).
After regulation in 1976, these mobile homes would be classified as manufactured homes.
For clarity, we refer to homes built before 1976 as mobile homes and we refer to the same homes built after 1976 as manufactured homes (source).
What Do Mobile or Manufactured Homes Have To Do With Toilets
With the new federal law, manufactured homes were regulated similarly to standard homes. This meant that much of the plumbing and electrical, though installed slightly different, would use the same specifications as a standard home.
Manufactured home toilets will likely be the same as a standard house.
Mobile home toilets might be the same, but there’s a chance they use different parts and specification due to the lack of regulation when they were built.
What To Look For With A Mobile Home and Manufactured Home Toilet
There are a few things you can check if you’re buying a new toilet or replacing parts.
Measuring the “rough in” is essential. Most rough ins measure 12” from the wall to the center of the pipe, but some toilets offer a 10 or 14 inch rough in (learn how to measure your rough in).
You’ll need to learn about the plumbing under your manufactured home as well. Most manufactured homes don’t connect to a municipality sewage line and use a septic system. Ask questions and look around to see where your waste goes.
Also check the water line that connects to the toilet. In a standard home, the water line will extend from the wall behind the tank and it will likely be the same in a manufactured home.
If not, you’ll want to find the water line and make sure the line is long enough to reach the new toilet.
Good Toilet For A Mobile Home or Manufactured Home
Many mobile or manufactured homes are smaller than standard homes. Depending on the size of your home, you might want to consider a smaller toilet.
Toilets come in round or elongated sizes and while elongated toilets are more comfortable for larger people, the round toilet takes up less space.
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A corner toilet might make sense as well. Corner toilets tend to be more efficient with space but it depends on the location of the rough in (most people don’t want to bother with moving a rough in).
Conclusion
You’ll be pleased to know that most mobile home toilets are the same as a standard home. Mobile homes built prior to 1976 did not have the same regulations as they do now so each home may differ.
Mobile homes built after 1976, now called manufactured homes, should have the same toilets as standard homes.
Before replacing a mobile home toilet, measure the rough in. This measurement will ensure you purchase a toilet that will fit. Once you know the rough in measurement, you’ll have plenty of toilet options available, including traditional 2 piece and more modern looking 1-piece toilets.
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