Accurately measuring a toilet before replacement is essential for ensuring the correct size and model of the toilet can be installed. If the wrong size or model of toilet is purchased, it may not fit in the allotted space at your home or business, leading to costly delays, extra installation costs, and inconvenience.
Taking accurate measurements also helps determine the type of toilet most appropriate and comfortable for the user.
Measuring a toilet for replacement can be beneficial because it eliminates the hassle of having to buy a new one that won’t fit. It also allows you to find the right size for your bathroom and those that match the existing plumbing and flushing systems.
Additionally, measuring a toilet for replacement helps ensure that all parts of the toilet are properly aligned, with the right amount of space between them. In this blog post, You will learn in detail how to measure a toilet for replacement.
Step by Step Processes for How to Measure a Toilet for Replacement
Step 1: Inspect the Toilet Area
To start, inspect the area around your toilet for any obstructions or obstacles that could interfere with the measuring process. Using a tape measure, determine the distance from the wall behind your toilet to the center of one of the two bolts located at the base of your toilet bowl. This measurement is typically between 9.5 and 13 inches.
Step 2: Measure from Floor to Toilet Bolt
Standing in front of your toilet, measure the distance from the floor to the center of one of the two bolts located at the base of your toilet bowl. This measurement should be at least 15 inches. Using a tape measure, determine the width of your toilet bowl from side to side. This measurement should be between 10 and 17 inches.
Step 3: Measure Toilet Bowl Depth
Using a tape measure, determine the depth of your toilet bowl from front to back. This measurement should be between 13 and 18 inches. Standing adjacent to the toilet, measure the length of the tank (if it is separate) from front to back. This measurement should be between 15 and 19 inches.
Step 4: Measure the Toilet Tank Width
Stand directly across from your toilet and measure the width of the tank (if it is separate) from side to side. This measurement should be between 8 and 14 inches. Using a tape measure, determine the height of your toilet tank (if it is separate). This measurement should be between 15 and 17 inches.
Step 5: Measure the Toilet Seat Width
Stand in front of your toilet and measure the width of your seat from side to side. This measurement should be between 12 and 16 inches. Stand in front of your toilet and measure the depth of your seat from front to back. This measurement should be between 14 and 18 inches.
Once you have measured your toilet, it is important to double-check that all of your measurements match the specs for a standard-size toilet.
Tips for How to Measure a Toilet for Replacement
- Turn off the water supply to the toilet before starting your measurements. This ensures that there won’t be any unexpected water leakage or spraying while you’re working.
- Place a pair of gloves on prior to beginning work, as there may be bacteria present in the area around the toilet bowl.
- Take a measuring tape and measure the distance from the wall to the center of the closet bolt. Most toilets have two closet bolts that hold them to the floor. This measurement is important when selecting a new toilet, as some toilets require different-sized bolts than those used in older models.
- Measure from the back wall of the toilet tank to the wall behind it. This measurement will help determine if a new toilet fits the existing space.
- Measure the size of the hole in your floor that the toilet sits on, as well as its depth from the floor. Knowing these measurements can be helpful when selecting a new toilet, as some models require different-sized holes than older ones.
- Measure the height of your existing toilet from the floor to the seat. This will help you decide which size and type of replacement toilet to purchase, as some models are higher or lower than others.
- Take photos of your existing toilet before starting any work on it so that you can compare them with new models when selecting a replacement. This will also create a record should you need to access any parts of the toilet while installing your new one.
Following these tips and taking accurate measurements before starting work on replacing your toilet is essential for ensuring a successful installation.
Are There Any Special Requirements or Features That the New Toilet Must Have (I.e., Water Saving Flush Technology)?
Once you have selected the toilet that best suits your needs, accurately measuring it for replacement is important. Achieving an accurate measurement can help avoid unnecessary returns and delays in installation. To help you successfully measure a toilet for replacement, follow these steps:
- Measure the length from the wall to the center of the closet bolts that hold the toilet to the floor.
- Measure from side to side across the widest part of your existing toilet bowl and tank.
- Measure the distance from the back of the tank to the wall.
- Measure the height of your existing toilet, including both the bowl and tank.
- Finally, consider any special requirements or features that your new toilet must have, such as water-saving flush technology.
Following these steps will help you accurately measure a toilet for replacement and ensure that you select a toilet that fits your space.
Does the Current Flooring Need to Be Replaced in Order for the New Toilet to Fit Properly?
Before beginning the process of measuring a toilet for replacement, it’s important to consider whether the existing flooring should be replaced as well. Depending on the type and condition of your current flooring, additional measurements may need to be taken to ensure proper fit and installation of the new toilet.
For instance, if the flooring is damaged or warped, it will need to be replaced before installing a new toilet. In such cases, you’ll need to measure the area that needs to be covered and check with a professional installer to ensure that the right measurements are taken for the new flooring.
Also, if the type of flooring has been changed or updated since the old toilet was installed, then it will be important to measure for compatibility with the new toilet. Measurements should include width and length and any other relevant dimensions that may affect installation.
By taking all necessary measurements beforehand, you’ll be able to make sure that the new toilet fits properly and can be installed without any difficulties. This will also ensure that the flooring and its underlying support structure are in good condition to support the weight of the toilet.
Is There Adequate Clearance Behind the Toilet for the Required Plumbing Pipes?
Once you have the measurements for your toilet, you need to make sure that there is enough clearance behind it for the required plumbing pipes. This can be tricky in some cases, especially if you’re installing a new toilet on top of an existing one.
Make sure to measure the distance from the wall or floor behind the toilet and any objects that may be obstructing the installation. The standard distance from the back wall to the center of a toilet tank is 12 inches, but this can vary depending on the type of toilet.
Also, measure the distance between the floor or drainpipe and any pipes that may be in the way. To install a new toilet, there need to be at least 15 inches of space between the back of the tank and any pipes behind it. If there isn’t enough space, you may need to install a different model or contact a plumber to revise your plumbing layout.
Remember that these measurements are just guidelines and can vary based on the type of toilet you choose. Careful measurement and planning are essential to ensure your new toilet fits correctly and functions properly.
Are There Any Special Codes or Regulations That Need to Be Adhered to When Selecting and Installing a New Toilet?
Once you have taken the necessary measurements of your toilet and determined which replacement is best for your space, it is important to check local codes and regulations before installing a new model.
Different states and cities may require specific types of toilets or other fixtures that meet certain standards. Additionally, there may be restrictions regarding water-saving models or special piping requirements.
It is also important to note that, depending on the age of your home, certain types of toilets may not be compatible with its infrastructure. For example, a low-flow toilet might require new venting systems or special piping in order to function properly and meet building codes. An experienced plumber can help you determine if any restrictions or codes must be met to install your new toilet.
Conclusion
In conclusion, measuring a toilet for replacement is important before buying any new model. Knowing the rough-in size, bowl shape and height, and seat measurements are necessary to ensure that the toilet you buy fits properly. It is also essential to determine whether or not existing plumbing will need to be altered and, if so, which modifications will have to be made.
Once you have all the necessary measurements, you will be prepared to shop for a new toilet that will fit perfectly into your bathroom. I hope this article has been beneficial in learning how to measure a toilet for replacement. Make Sure the precautionary measures are followed chronologically.
