How to measure rough in for toilet?
Most people are confused about how to measure rough in for toilet? what is the importance of rough in measurement?
Before buying a new toilet, you have to know the rough-in. Otherwise, there is a possibility that it won’t adjust to the outflow. When you are going to purchase a new toilet then check the toilet description. In the description, toilet rough-in is mentioned. But you have to also measure the rough-in where are going to set your toilet. Learn more about the best toilet brands on the following page.
Check Out If You Want To Know About Best Outdoor Shower Tent.
What is the rough-in?
In simple words, rough-in is the distance between the wall and flange center. In a room, there are four which will you select to measure distance. Obviously the back wall of the toilet. But tub shower valve rough-in is little bit different from the rough-in toilet.
Toilet rough in doesn’t vary with toilet categories like One-Piece, Two-Piece or Tankless toilet. But by mounting there are two types one Floor Mounted and another is Wall Mounted.
When measuring a toilet rough-in is come then the term mentioned to the floor-mounted toilet.
There are three types of rough-in toilet
- 10 inch
- 12 inch
- 14 inch
10 inch rough in toilet
This is not only effective for space but also cost-effective. When you have less space behind the toilet then you have to need to increase the space. If you want to use general type rough in the toilet. It is very expensive because then you need to cut the wall and adjust it. cutting wall and adjust it is expensive and also extra works.
So if you have less space behind the toilet then a 10-inch rough-in is the best option for you.
12 inch rough in toilet
It is a standard size for the toilet. Most famous brands like American Standard, Kohler, Toto, Duravit have produced it in a larger number than the other size.
Among them, the 12 inch is the most used toilet.
14 inch rough in toilet
Sometimes after repair the wall or redesign the wall some space add which is good that you got more space in your bathroom. But it has also side effects too, don’t worry these aren’t too bad.
There can be a space between the wall and toilet which is looking ugly. If you want to fill this space then you can buy a new toilet which rough-in is 14 and it will help you to fill up the gap.
If you want to fill up the gap without changing the existing toilet then you have to design it. New designs can be more expensive.
Generally, 10 inch and 14-inch toilets are rare compare to 12-inch rough-in toilets.
Related queries
How do I know if my toilet is a 10 or 12 rough?
First, you need a measuring tape then point one end of the measuring tape against the wall. Now draw the tape to the flange bolt. Now notice the measuring tape and find out where it matches. And it is rough in for your toilet.
How far from the wall should a toilet rough-in be?
There are three types of rough-in 10-inch, 12-inch, and 14-inch. You can pick anyone it depends on you. 12 inch is the most popular and most usage toilet rough-in. The other size rough-in isn’t available like 12-inch. You can choose 10-inch if you have less space behind the toilet. If you have then I recommend you to use 12-inch.
What does rough in only mean?
After complete basic construction, the situation is known as rough-in. But rough in the toilet means the distance between the back wall and flange center. The flange sits on the outlet pipe and the toilet sits on the flange.
If your toilet rough in doesn’t match with flange then you need to expand your outlet pipe which can be a reason to clogged.
Check out if you want to know the 10 easy ways to unclog a clogged toilet.
Are all toilets the same distance from the wall?
No, all toilets aren’t the same distance from the wall. The distance from the wall is known as rough-in. it is measured from wall to flange center. There are three different sizes 10, 12, and 14. 10-inch.
Can you replace a 13 inch rough in toilet with a 12 inch rough in toilet?
13 inch rough in toilets are rare but if you want to replace it with 12-inch then you can. But there is a problem that behind the toilet tank to wall remain 1-inch gap. Which may be not looking good.
What tools are used to measure toilet rough in?
If you want to measure rough in properly then you need a measuring tool. Otherwise, you waste your money when you will see the toilet rough in doesn’t match.
Measuring Tape: When measurement term is come then Measuring Tape is an essential tool. Measuring tape is one kind of flexible ribbon. There are several marks on this ribbon. These marks are cm, inch, foot, etc. A measuring tape is made of plastic, cloth, metal, or fiberglass.
Marker: You need to mark a point when you measure it. There are two types of markers one is removable and another one is non-removable. Here we use the marker temporarily so use a removable marker.
How to measure rough in for new toilet?
When you purchasing a new toilet, the important part is knowing which rough-in a toilet you need otherwise when you are going to install it you can’t match.
To avoid this type of trouble here I suggest you some guideline which is a complete and correct way to measure toilet rough-in.
Measure the distance from the back wall
First, you have to find out the flange center. There are different types of toilet flange but all don’t fit inside the 3″ waste line, so you can read the Which Toilet Flange That Fits Inside 3 Inch Pipe. After finding out the flange center then mark it on the floor parallel to the back wall.
Step 1: Take a measuring tape
Step 2: Select the flange center.
Step 3: Draw the tape from the finished wall to the flange center
Step 4: Mark on the tape where the flange center match
If your back wall is under construction then you have to do some extra work. You have to measure from the stub wall and when you add drywall on it then the length between the flange center and wall will be reduced. Usually, drywall thickness is ½ inch. So minus the drywall thickness from the distance between stub wall and flange center.
If you want to know how to repair and replace toilet flange?
Figure out the water supply valve location
The water supply valve supplies the water to the toilet tank. Usually, the location of water supply valve is under the toilet tank.
Step 1: Select the flange center
Step 2: Draw a linear line from the flange center to the back wall
Step 3: From linear line back wall point take 6 inches parallel to the wall
Step 4: Now take a 7 inches height from the floor
Step 5: Mark the location
The steps above all are appropriate when you have finished the wall and floor.
Escutcheon won’t fit the wall if you set the water supply valve too low. For beautification purposes and functional owners use base trim. Generally, base trim height is 3.25 inches or 5.25 inch and above it isn’t level. So if you set the water supply valve low then the escutcheon won’t adjust properly to the wall.
Measure both side clearance of bowl
The clearance is need for the toilet bowl. The standard clearance is 15 inches, if it is more than 15 no problem. But if less than 15 inches means there is not enough space for your toilet.
If one side or both sides has a wall then
Step 1: Point to the flange center
Step 2: Measure wall distance from flange center point
Step 3: If the wall isn’t finished then measure to stub the wall
Step 4: Then minus the distance that reduces after the wall finished
Necessary free space from bowl front side
The bowl’s lower part is pressed inward So when you going to measure the free space from the bowl then you have to calculate from the front upper endpoint of the bowl.
There two types of plumbing code, one IPC ( International Plumbing Code ) and another one is UPC ( Uniform Plumbing Code )
If your area is under the IPC then you need at least 21 inches free space from the bowl and if your area is under UPC then 24 inches free space. There is no problem if you have more space than the mentioned limit.
Related queries
Can you replace a 10 inch rough in toilet with a 12 inch rough in toilet?
The difference between 12 and 10-inch is 2 inches. So when you are going to replace a 10-inch rough-in toilet with a 12 inch rough in the toilet then you need an extra 2 inches. If you have this extra space from the toilet flange to the back wall then you can replace it.
What is the standard rough in size for a toilet?
The standard rough-in size for a toilet is 12-inch. Because 12-inch rough in the toilet is the most used and top quality brand continuously produce it.
Can you put a 12 inch rough in toilet on a 14-inch rough in?
You can install 12-inch rough-in toilet on a 14-inch rough-in. Since toilet rough-in is smaller than the 14-inch rough-in. But the toilet doesn’t adjust with the wall there remains a gap between wall and toilet tank.
Can you use a 12 inch rough in toilet?
What kind of rough in a toilet you can use depends on the gap between the back wall and flange center. If the gap is more than 14 then you can use 10, 12, and 14-inch rough in the toilet. And if the gap is only 10 then you can use 12 and 14-inch rough in the toilet. Then you want to install more than 10-inch rough in the toilet then you have to redesign your bathroom.
Should a toilet tank touch the wall?
No, the toilet tank doesn’t need to touch the wall. But it looking good to see when the toilet tank touches the wall. If it doesn’t touch the back wall then there remains a gap. Most of the time this gap doesn’t use which means you reduce your bathroom space.
Know more about How to make a toilet flush stronger.
How to measure rough in for Corner Toilet?
It is a little bit complicated to measure the rough-in for a corner toilet. And you have to be careful when you measure. When you measure rough-in for the corner toilet then you have to measure from both back walls.
The Toilet flange has two bolt caps.
Step 1: Set the one edge of measure tape against the wall
Step 2: Draw the tape to one bolt cap of flange
Step 3: Follow step 1 for another wall
Step 4: Draw the tape to another bolt cap of flange
Both measurements provide exact numbers. If it doesn’t the same then follow the steps again.
Related queries
Can you put a toilet in a corner?
If want to use your bathroom corner then you can put a toilet in a corner. There is a special design for the bathroom corner. The tank design is triangle so that it can adjust with the walls.
Does a corner toilet save space?
If you install a standard toilet at the corner it doesn’t save space. Because there is huge space between wall corner’s to the toilet. But if you install a corner toilet then it can save your space because it is designed for a corner.
How much space is needed for a corner toilet?
You have to calculate how much space is needed for a corner toilet from the toilet flange. For the bowl need at least 15-inch for the left and right sides. If your plumbing code is under IPC code then you need 21 inches and under UPC code you have 24 inches of space from the toilet front side.
How to measure rough in for Rear Outlet Toilet?
The rear outlet toilet drainage system differs from the general toilet. Waste doesn’t through the floor drain, it passes through the wall drain.
So when you measure the rough-in for the rear outlet toilet then you need to measure the height from the floor to the center of the outlet pipe.
If your floor isn’t finished, then minus the distance will reduce after completing the floor.
READ MORE: These are the 7 Best Corner Toilet Reviews of 2023
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