This article will walk you through the procedures and plumbing knowledge needed to install a toilet rough-in (water closet). However, if you obtain a permit and have your work examined, you ought to have a functional installation at the end. However, roughing in a toilet is not advised for the typical homeowner and should only be done by a qualified plumber.
Most toilets on the market will fit a standard 12″ rough-in size. However, there are numerous types available that need particular rough-in measures. Check the manufacturer’s requirements and installation instructions first if you have a particular toilet in mind or have space restrictions preventing you from using a conventional toilet.
What is a toilet rough-in?
In most situations, the water exit is located beneath the toilet, where the rough-in is. A rough-in has been constructed within the wall in separate bathrooms. The distance from the outlet’s center to the wall facing the rear of the toilet is hence the rough-in measurement.
Regular toilet rough-in dimensions
Although the typical toilet rough-in is 12 inches, you shouldn’t assume you have one without first measuring. Some older homes have rough-in sizes of 10″ or 14″. In contrast to the standard 12″ rough-in size, you frequently need to purchase any of these sizes.
Regarding rough-in size, certain toilet types, like two-piece toilets, are flexible, while others are not. Because of this, it’s a good idea to select a toilet whose rough-in size matches that of your current bathroom or water closet.
Can I use a 12-inch rough-in instead of a 10-inch one?
Simple reply: No. To avoid paying a plumber to upgrade your plumbing, which would significantly raise the cost of replacing your toilet, it is recommended to pick a toilet that fits your existing toilet rough-in specifications. A 10-inch rough-in toilet can fit into a 12-inch rough-in, albeit a longer connection would be required. A 12-inch rough-in toilet, on the other hand, cannot be considered comparable. A bathroom with a 10″ rough-in dimension cannot accommodate a 12″ rough-in toilet.
How to take toilet rough-in measurements without a toilet in place?
The toilet rough-in is quite simple when the toilet isn’t there, and the floor isn’t covered. If you don’t already have a toilet installed, follow these instructions to measure a toilet-rough:
Find the floor drainpipe or the toilet flange hole. The floor hole where the drainpipe is located will be round. A white plastic coating may be visible in the aperture of the toilet flange. Calculate the distance between the center of the bare wall and the toilet flange opening. If your wall has a baseboard, make sure to raise your measuring tape until it touches the bare wall above to get a rough-in size that is more accurate.
You could have measured the measurement incorrectly if it differs from the normal rough-in measurements of 12″ or 10″. Remember that the tape measure should only extend as far as the opening in the drainpipe.
Measure the distance between the toilet flange and the wall.
Before installing a toilet, take the proper dimensions to save time and hassle. Be careful never to measure from the base moldings. Ideally, placing the center of the toilet flange 12 inches from the rear wall would be best. Don’t forget to factor in the thickness of the wall when measuring from stud walls. The average home or structure adds a half-inch for drywall, so the rough-in size for a toilet from a stud wall will probably be 12 12 inches. Calculate carefully to ensure you have a suitable toilet, keeping in mind that toilets may also come in 10-inch and 14-inch rough-ins.
The left to right clearance
Don’t forget to consider the clearance from the sidewall (or additional fixture) to the center of the toilet when measuring the rough-in measurements. Although it is typically 15 inches, some toilets are more enormous. When measuring, provide at least 15 inches (15 inches to the left plus 15 inches to the right) of space between the sidewall and the center of the toilet. To be clear, you must have at least 15 inches of space between the center of your toilet and any walls, bathtubs, or bathroom vanities close by.
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In front of the bowl, there is room
The distance between the front of your toilet and any obstructions or barriers it encounters is another dimension you should consider. The plumbing code also affects the area in front of the bowl. You require a spacing of at least 21 inches if your local government follows the International Plumbing Code. You require 24 inches if the Uniform Plumbing Code governs the area. The distance between a cabinet, plumbing fixture, wall, or door and the front of the toilet bowl is measured, not from its center as in older measures.
Additional vital toilet dimensions
Measure the distance from the floor to the toilet’s rim to calculate the height. The typical toilet height is 15 inches, while some are as high as 18 to 19 inches for comfort or accessibility. The height of the toilet does not include the seat or lid.
As they affect both space and comfort, bowl width and length may also be advantageous. A minimal number of toilet bowls are built up to 16.5 inches wide. However, the majority are between 14 and 14.5 inches broad.
For comfort and to follow plumbing laws, there must be adequate clearance around your toilet. For instance, you should measure the distance between other features and the surrounding furniture, such as your vanity, cupboards, tub, or shower, from the center of the toilet flange (typically the toilet’s midway). Around the toilet, there should be around 15 inches of space, but 18 inches is roomy for increased comfort.
The clearance from the front of the toilet may vary depending on your local requirements. While the Uniform Plumbing Code calls for a clearance of 24″, the International Plumbing Code calls for a clearance of 21″ from the drainpipes halfway up.
