How would you address an unused toilet in a room in your dad’s basement when you are unsure of the walls’ composition?
Asked by Emily Fisher 
3 months ago
Last Updated: September 24, 2024
So, there’s this room in my dad’s basement that nobody really uses. The toilet in there is practically untouched. I’m not even sure what the walls are made of. What do you think I should do with it?
Tear everything down and start fresh
Have you ever watched The Help Movie? 😬 I suggest removing the toilet and sink to simplify the space. Maybe incorporate some cool storage options?
No, but I’m certain there’s comedy in this. Haha.
There is some amusing content related to toilets in that movie, but the homes had additional toilets for assistance. Mainly, black individuals who were employed to look after children and homes. There’s a significant part of the movie where a family installs a solitary toilet in the garage for their black housekeeper/nanny and prohibits her from using any other bathroom. When the little girl she cares for uses it, she fears getting into trouble. While the movie has comedic moments, it also tackles issues of race and overt racism in the Southern US during the 50’s/60’s.
Remove the toilet and anything that isn’t related to the mechanicals. This way, it will truly serve its intended purpose as a mechanicals room.
I’m not entirely convinced about removing the toilet. Instead, I would consider turning the room into a practical bathroom/laundry room. This could potentially increase the value of your home. Clear out everything from the room that isn’t a fixed feature. Then evaluate how much usable space you have. It’s unclear what the purpose of the boxed-in feature on the right side is. If it’s not necessary, consider getting rid of it. You might want to consult with a plumber to see if some of the pipes can be relocated from the center of the room to the edges. Conceal utility fixtures with drywall and convert the rest of the space into a bathroom. I know of two friends who transformed a similar space into a stunning walk-in shower.
This room is connected to the laundry room.
I bet it was previously the laundry room. The utility sink and additional piping on the back wall give off laundry room vibes. Agreeing with other comments, transform it into a functional bathroom and utility storage. Utilize the space beside the utilities for a small vanity with a toilet, add walls and a door for a practical 1/2 bath. If there’s sufficient space (unclear due to the large object on the right side), adding a shower would be beneficial. You never know when it might come in handy. Also, what else is in the basement? Is there a finished area that the family uses or could use? A bathroom might not seem crucial unless there’s other usable space in the basement.