Basement toilet concrete floor

[Hikermann]

1940s house w/full concrete basement: existing toilet floor is a concrete block two steps (about 14") above basement floor.

1. Why?
2. What do I need to know about breaking the concrete out and putting in a new toilet/shower/sink @ basement floor level?

Appreciate any comments that will make me smarter. Many thanks!

 

[frodo]

take a picture and post it, maybe we can see why