The bathroom layout profoundly impacts user experience; understanding plumbing codes is paramount for compliance. Many homeowners consult with a licensed plumber to ensure correct installation, but learning how to size a toilet yourself can empower informed decisions. Consider the guidelines provided by ANSI (American National Standards Institute) regarding toilet dimensions and clearances. These factors will help you decide how to size a toilet, ensuring a comfortable and functional bathroom space.
Image taken from the YouTube channel TAPP PLUMBING , from the video titled How To Measure For A New Toilet/Tapp Plumbing in Loganville .
Toilet Size Guide: Get It Right the First Time!
This guide provides you with the essential information you need to choose the right toilet size for your bathroom, ensuring a comfortable and functional space. We’ll explore the key dimensions and considerations, helping you answer the critical question: how to size a toilet.
Understanding Toilet Dimensions
Before diving into specific measurements, it’s helpful to understand the different dimensions involved in toilet sizing.
Bowl Shape
- Round-Front: These toilets are shorter from front to back, making them ideal for smaller bathrooms. They typically project around 28 inches from the wall.
- Elongated: Elongated bowls offer more seating area and are generally considered more comfortable. They usually extend about 31 inches from the wall.
Rough-In
The rough-in is the distance from the finished wall (or the baseboard, if applicable) to the center of the toilet’s floor drain. This is the most important measurement when replacing a toilet. Standard rough-in sizes are:
- 12 inches: This is the most common rough-in size in North America.
- 10 inches: Less common, but found in some older homes or specific plumbing configurations.
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14 inches: Typically found in older homes and some commercial installations.
Important Note: Always measure your existing toilet’s rough-in before purchasing a new one. Measuring incorrectly is the most common mistake.
Overall Height
The overall height refers to the distance from the floor to the top of the toilet tank (or the top of the bowl for a one-piece toilet). Consider:
- Standard Height: Typically around 15-17 inches from floor to seat.
- Comfort Height (ADA Compliant): Around 17-19 inches from floor to seat. These are easier for taller individuals and those with mobility issues.
How to Size a Toilet: A Step-by-Step Guide
This section will directly address how to size a toilet to fit your bathroom and meet your needs.
1. Measure Your Rough-In
This is crucial! Follow these steps precisely:
- Locate the bolts holding your current toilet to the floor.
- Measure from the center of these bolts to the finished wall behind the toilet. If there’s a baseboard, measure to the baseboard and then add the thickness of the baseboard.
- Record this measurement. This is your rough-in size (likely 10, 12, or 14 inches).
2. Consider Bathroom Space
- Small Bathrooms: Round-front toilets are often the best choice to maximize space. A 10-inch rough-in (if applicable) can also save space.
- Larger Bathrooms: Elongated bowls are a comfortable option if you have the room.
- ADA Considerations: Ensure there is adequate space around the toilet for maneuverability if accessibility is a concern. Consult local building codes for specific requirements.
3. Determine Height Preference
- Standard Height: A good choice for average-height individuals and families.
- Comfort Height: Consider if you have taller family members, individuals with mobility issues, or prefer a more accessible option.
4. Evaluate Your Plumbing
- Existing Plumbing: If you’re not moving the toilet drain, you’ll need to choose a toilet with the correct rough-in size.
- New Construction or Remodel: This provides the opportunity to choose any rough-in size, but planning is key to ensure the plumbing is installed correctly.
5. Choosing the Right Toilet
Once you have your measurements and preferences, you can start shopping for a toilet that meets your needs.
Table: Toilet Size Considerations
| Feature | Round-Front | Elongated | Standard Height | Comfort Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Space | Saves space, ideal for small bathrooms | Requires more space | – | – |
| Comfort | Generally less comfortable than elongated | Generally more comfortable than round-front | – | – |
| Typical Use | Smaller bathrooms, powder rooms | Master bathrooms, larger spaces | Good for average height | Good for taller individuals/accessibility |
| Approx. Size | 28 inches deep | 31 inches deep | 15-17 inches to seat | 17-19 inches to seat |
Special Considerations
Skirted Toilets
Skirted toilets have a smooth, concealed trapway, making them easier to clean. However, they may require specific rough-in dimensions. Always double-check compatibility.
One-Piece vs. Two-Piece Toilets
- One-Piece Toilets: Easier to clean and often more compact, but generally more expensive.
- Two-Piece Toilets: More affordable and easier to install (in some cases), but may take up slightly more space.
Toilet Size Guide FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you better understand toilet sizes and choose the right one for your bathroom.
What’s the difference between round and elongated toilet bowls?
Round toilet bowls are more compact, saving space in smaller bathrooms. Elongated bowls offer more seating area, providing added comfort for many users. Deciding which is best often depends on available space and personal preference.
How do I measure rough-in for a toilet?
The rough-in is the distance from the wall behind the toilet to the center of the drainpipe in the floor. This measurement is crucial for compatibility. It’s a key element when considering how to size a toilet for your existing plumbing.
What is a comfort height toilet?
Comfort height toilets have a taller bowl, typically around 17-19 inches from floor to seat. This is similar to the height of a standard chair, making them easier to sit on and stand up from, especially for people with mobility issues.
Does the size of a toilet affect its flushing power?
Not necessarily. Flushing power depends on the toilet’s design and flushing system, not solely on its size. A smaller toilet can still have a powerful flush, and a larger toilet might not. Researching the MaP (Maximum Performance) score can give you an idea of the flushing power for different models, regardless of size and considering how to size a toilet properly for efficiency.
So, there you have it! We hope this guide helped demystify how to size a toilet. Good luck with your project – we’re cheering you on!