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Plumbingaka: toiletaka: WCaka: commodeaka: water closet

Water Closet

In Plain English

The plumbing term for a toilet.

Definition

The technical plumbing term for a toilet — a fixture that uses water to flush waste into the drainage system. Water closets are classified as gravity-flush, pressure-assist, or dual-flush types. Plumbing codes specify minimum water closet counts based on building occupancy and use, with ADA requirements for accessible configurations.

Why It Matters in Bidding

Fixture counts drive a large share of the plumbing bid, and water closets are among the highest-cost rough-in and trim items per unit. Because code sets minimum fixture counts by occupancy and ADA dictates accessible configurations, an estimator must verify the schedule matches the count an inspector will require before pricing.

Example

On a small office tenant improvement, the estimator tallies six water closets from the fixture schedule, flags two as ADA accessible requiring wider clearances and grab-bar blocking, and prices the rough-in, carrier, and trim for each before sending the plumbing sub the scope.

Related Terms

Closet FlangeSoil PipeRough-InFixture Unit

Frequently Asked Questions

Each water closet carries distinct rough-in, supply, drain, carrier, and trim costs, and ADA units add clearance and blocking work. Counting them separately from lavatories and other fixtures lets the estimator apply accurate unit pricing and confirm the total meets the minimum count code requires for the building's occupancy.
Gravity-flush, pressure-assist, and dual-flush units differ in cost, as do floor-mounted versus wall-hung models that need carriers. Wall-hung commercial units add structural carrier and blocking labor. Estimators price from the specified model in the fixture schedule rather than a generic allowance to avoid underbidding the trim package.
Accessible water closets need wider stall clearances, specific mounting heights, grab-bar blocking in the wall, and sometimes a different valve location. These add framing coordination and labor beyond a standard unit, so estimators flag accessible fixtures on the takeoff and price them at a higher unit rate.

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