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Updated about 8 years ago on . Most recent reply

Toilet Rough In - Too Little Space
So far I've seen plenty of posts on Toilet Rough in and too much room, but what about too little room?
I've recently replaced the floor and the drywall in the bathroom and don't want to have to rip it up if i don't have to.
So I bought a 12" rough in toilet not knowing the different(noob). Went to install it and the toilet lower half went in fine but the tank hit the wall and wouldn't seat properly in the lower half.
Measured the rough in distance and it came in at 9" , the old toilet had already went into the dumpster and off to the landfill, so there is no turning back.
So now i'm curious, how much space does a 10" rough in toilet typically have behind the tank?
Would it be worth the shot of buying a 10" attempting the install and seeing where we end up?
OR will I need to suck it up, cut back into the floor, install a toilet flange with a kickback and just get it done?
Most Popular Reply

If you get the 10" rough-in toilet, can you notch the drywall and wall behind the toilet? Maybe you can shave 1/2" to an 1" out of the wall so the actual tank is recessed into the wall.
If recess a large enough area you can make it look like it was intentional.

If you get the 10" rough-in toilet, can you notch the drywall and wall behind the toilet? Maybe you can shave 1/2" to an 1" out of the wall so the actual tank is recessed into the wall.
If recess a large enough area you can make it look like it was intentional.
Nicholas,
Before replacing a toilet, measure the rough in or make sure your plumber measures before buying.
To measure accurately, measure from the wall–NOT the molding–to the bolt caps.
It seems weird that you have 9 inches to the center of the flange.
Why not just return the wrong toilet and buy a 10 ".
I would avoid cutting into the wall, any time you jury rig something it will decrease the value of your house.


I agree, it's unusual that you would have a 9" rough in if you did not change anything else in your project. Also, if you look online you should be able to find detailed spec drawings for whatever toilet you are looking at. The box store websites often direct link to these drawings for the toilets they sell.
There are also some unique toilets for confined spaces. Like corner toilets etc. These tend to be fairly expensive so cost can outweigh the benefit, but it is an option.

UPDATE:
Well even with the toilet flange measuring in at a 9" rough in, i still went ahead and bought a toilet for a 10" rough in and was very happy to see that it fit just fine.
The space behind it is tight, but everything clears and this is making very happy.

Good to hear that it worked out for you without major repairs or work.

Next question,,,do you have the proper space from the center to each side wall??? and enough space in front to comply with code? I have had to rip things completely out over 1/4 to 1/2 inch of lacking space,,,I live in a tough building inspection dept.(I will reserve my name for same). And when you mention grandfather,,,they have the words on their tongue tip already that all the grandfathers have died and expired
They do make an offset toilet flange. Depending on whether your dealing with cast iron or pvc will determine how difficult it will be to install.

^^ That is correct Donald.
For me , i was dealing with cast iron, but had (as a back up plan) figured out a way to use a combination of the pvc offset flange with the mating seal for flange that would mate to cast iron.