Squat to sitting toilet in an HDB flat
Converting a squat toilet to a sitting toilet involves removing the squat pan, installing a pedestal pan and sealing the discharge pipe. HDB's guidelines for water and sanitary plumbing works say installing, fixing, replacing or removing a toilet pan, and sealing the discharge pipe, must be done by a PUB Licensed Plumber. That applies to every pan change, whatever type of pan goes in.
For a squat toilet conversion in an HDB flat, the same HDB page sets two conditions for changing between squat and pedestal pans: holes cannot be hacked in the existing floor slab, and HDB's addition and alteration guidelines apply. If you replace like with like instead, a squat pan with a squat pan or a pedestal pan with a pedestal pan, removal of vent pipes is not allowed.
These pan works need no HDB permit, but they are subject to HDB's technical terms and conditions (HDB). Because the slab cannot be hacked, ask your plumber to check where the existing outlet sits before you buy a bowl or plan new tiling.
Why it is licensed plumber work
PUB's Plumbing Works page says installing, changing or relocating toilet bowls and the sanitary piping system is sanitary plumbing work for a PUB Licensed Plumber. Regulated water service and sanitary plumbing works must be done by a PUB Licensed Plumber, except for the simple plumbing works on PUB's list that a handyman may do. Installing or changing a toilet bowl is not on that list. Since 2018, it has been an offence to engage a plumber not licensed by PUB for regulated works, so ask the plumber to confirm their PUB licence before work starts.
PUB also advises discussing scope and cost with the plumber first, asking for itemised quotes and getting at least three quotes. For a conversion, an itemised quote can show which parts are plumbing work and which are tiling or other building work.
You can compare licensed plumbers in the directory. If you are unsure which other bathroom jobs need a licence, see what needs a licensed plumber.
What to check before you replace a squat toilet
Before you buy a bowl, go through these points with your plumber.
- Outlet position. Where the existing outlet sits, and whether a pedestal bowl fits over it without moving pipes.
- Space. Whether there is enough room in front of the bowl to sit down and stand up comfortably.
- Floor tiles. Whether the tiles around the old pan must be redone once the squat pan comes out.
- Water efficiency. How many ticks the bowl is rated for water efficiency. 3-tick water closets are on the Climate Friendly Households Programme list of eligible products.
If the tiles need work, HDB's renovation rules come in. HDB says toilet floor and wall finishes provided by HDB or the developer must not be replaced for 3 years from the completion date of the block, because of the waterproofing membrane laid under them; new floor finishes may be laid over the existing ones. After the first 3 years, replacing toilet floor finishes needs a permit under HDB's building works guidelines. You and your renovation contractor must conduct a water test on the toilet on completing the replacement of floor finishes.
If you are still deciding on the bowl type, see how a wall-hung or floor toilet compares.
For older family members
Many households make this change for a parent or grandparent. For many older people, a sitting toilet with grab bars is easier to use than a squat pan, since there is no need to squat and there is something to hold when sitting down or standing up.
HDB's Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) programme covers grab bars and other items for eligible seniors. The guide explains who qualifies and what the programme includes, so read it before you buy grab bars separately.
If an older family member will use the toilet most, involve them when you choose the bowl and plan where grab bars could go. A toilet is only one part of a safer home, and the senior home safety checklist covers other changes worth considering.
What toilet bowl replacement costs
FROM THE HOMEZYPRO DIRECTORY
Published toilet bowl replacement rates
For the most common unit (per job), the lowest published toilet bowl replacement rates from 10 companies run from S$150 to S$420 per job, to replace a whole toilet bowl; some prices include the bowl. Each figure is one company's own advertised rate with its conditions, not a quote.
See 10 published toilet bowl replacement rates and sources
| Company | Service as listed | Rate | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huat Plumbing | Toilet Bowl Replacement (Labour) | From S$150 per job | huatplumbing.sg |
| Prima Technologies Pte. Ltd. (Prima Services) | Toilet Bowl Replacement (Labour) | From S$150 per job | primaservices.sg |
| Hdbplumber Service SG | Supply and install toilet bowl set | From S$250 per job | hdbplumberservice.com.sg |
| Uncle Plumber | WC Installation & Supplier | From S$250 per job | uncleplumber.sg |
| Active Plumbing Singapore | Supply & install toilet bowl set | From S$280 per job | activeplumbing.sg |
| SR Power Plumber Pte. Ltd. | Conversion of squatting to sitting toilet bowl | From S$350 per job | srpowerplumber.com |
| Ace Plumbing Specialist | Supply & install toilet bowl set | From S$380 per job | aceplumbing.sg |
| Home Plumbers Singapore | Dismantle and replace a toilet bowl set | From S$400 per job | homeplumbers.com.sg |
| Summer Plumbing Service | Supply & install toilet bowl set | From S$400 per job | sgplumbing.com.sg |
| GD Plumbing | Supply & install toilet bowl set | From S$420 per job | gdplumbing.com.sg |
10 companies publish a toilet bowl replacement rate, and all 10 price it per job. Their lowest published rates run from S$150 to S$420 per job, as printed. Two of the lines are printed as labour only, while several are for supplying and installing a toilet bowl set, so some prices include the bowl and some do not. One line is printed specifically as a conversion of a squatting to sitting toilet bowl.
NEXT STEP
See plumbing companies in the directory with their published prices, the areas they say they cover and their sources.
Compare plumbersA conversion may cost more than a like-for-like swap if the floor tiling is redone. Ask for the job to be itemised, so you can see the bowl, removal of the old pan, the plumbing and any tiling as separate lines. The toilet bowl replacement cost guide covers what affects the price, and if your current bowl only needs fixing, see toilet repair.
Questions
Can I change a squat toilet to a sitting toilet in an HDB flat?
Yes, as long as the work follows HDB's rules. HDB's plumbing works guidelines say holes cannot be hacked in the existing floor slab when you change between squat and pedestal pans, and HDB's addition and alteration guidelines apply. A PUB Licensed Plumber must install the new pan and seal the discharge pipe.
Do I need an HDB permit for a toilet bowl change?
Not for the pan itself. HDB's plumbing works guidelines say toilet pan works need no HDB permit, but HDB's technical terms and conditions apply. Replacing the toilet floor finishes is different: after the first 3 years from the date of completion of the block, it needs a permit under HDB's building works guidelines.
Who can fit the new sitting toilet?
Only a PUB Licensed Plumber, not a handyman. PUB says installing, changing or relocating toilet bowls is sanitary plumbing work for a PUB Licensed Plumber, and it is not on PUB's simple plumbing works list. Since 2018, it has been an offence to engage a plumber not licensed by PUB for regulated works.
Will the floor tiles need to be hacked?
Possibly, around the old pan, but not the floor slab: in an HDB flat, holes cannot be hacked in it when you change pan type (HDB). For the tiles, HDB says toilet floor finishes provided by HDB or the developer must not be replaced for 3 years from the completion date of the block; new floor finishes may be laid over them.
Can the new toilet go in a different position?
Not by hacking new holes: in an HDB flat, holes cannot be hacked in the existing floor slab when you change between squat and pedestal pans (HDB). Relocating a toilet bowl is sanitary plumbing work for a PUB Licensed Plumber, so ask one what is possible with your existing outlet.
Does EASE pay for a toilet conversion?
Not as a conversion. The HDB EASE programme covers listed items such as grab bars for eligible seniors, and the guide explains who qualifies and what is included. Plan the conversion as a separate job and ask a licensed plumber for an itemised quote.
Prices come only from the sourced company rates in the HomezyPro directory, shown with each company and its source.
Practical guidance for planning a home job in Singapore. Company prices come from the HomezyPro directory, each linked to its source; rules and safety points link to the agency or manufacturer that sets them. This is not a site inspection, a quote or professional advice for your home.
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