How to Measure for a Toilet Replacement (Step-by-Step Guide)

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How To Measure For A Toilet Replacement?

A toilet is one of the most important fixtures in your home, and when it’s time for a replacement, it’s important to get the right measurements so you can buy the right size toilet. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of measuring for a toilet replacement, so you can be sure you get the perfect fit for your bathroom.

We’ll cover everything you need to know, from measuring the rough-in dimensions to determining the toilet’s height and width. We’ll also provide tips on how to choose the right toilet for your needs and budget.

So if you’re ready to start shopping for a new toilet, read on for all the information you need to know!

Step Tools Instructions
1. Remove the old toilet
  • Plumber’s wrench
  • Bucket
  • Toilet flange nut wrench
  1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
  2. Flush the toilet to drain the water from the tank.
  3. Disconnect the water supply line from the toilet.
  4. Remove the nuts that hold the toilet to the floor.
  5. Lower the toilet and carefully remove it from the floor.
  6. Place the old toilet in a bucket to dispose of it.
2. Measure the toilet flange
  • Tape measure
  • Pencil
  1. Locate the toilet flange in the floor.
  2. Measure the distance from the center of the flange to the wall on each side.
  3. Record the measurements.
3. Choose the right toilet
  • Toilet dimensions
  • Toilet height
  • Toilet style
  1. Choose a toilet that is the same size as the old toilet.
  2. Choose a toilet that is the same height as the old toilet.
  3. Choose a toilet that is the style you want.
4. Install the new toilet
  • New toilet
  • Toilet wax ring
  • Plumber’s putty
  • Toilet flange bolts
  1. Place the new toilet on the flange.
  2. Apply a bead of plumber’s putty around the base of the toilet.
  3. Install the toilet bolts and tighten them until the toilet is secure.
  4. Apply a new toilet wax ring to the flange.
  5. Lower the toilet onto the wax ring and tighten the bolts until the toilet is secure.
  6. Connect the water supply line to the toilet.
  7. Turn on the water supply to the toilet.
  8. Flush the toilet to test the seal.

How to Measure for a Toilet Replacement?

Measuring the Toilet Bowl

Toilet bowls come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so it’s important to measure your old toilet before you buy a new one. Here are the three measurements you need to take:

  • Bowl width: This is the distance from the inside of one side of the bowl to the inside of the other side.
  • Bowl depth: This is the distance from the front of the bowl to the back of the bowl.
  • Bowl height: This is the distance from the floor to the top of the bowl.

To take these measurements, you will need a tape measure.

1. Bowl width: Place the tape measure along the inside of the bowl, from one side to the other.
2. Bowl depth: Place the tape measure along the front of the bowl, from the front to the back.
3. Bowl height: Place the tape measure along the side of the bowl, from the floor to the top of the bowl.

Once you have taken these measurements, you can compare them to the measurements of the toilets you are considering. Be sure to also check the height of the toilet seat, as this can vary from one model to another.

Measuring the Toilet Tank

Toilet tanks also come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so it’s important to measure your old tank before you buy a new one. Here are the three measurements you need to take:

  • Tank width: This is the distance from one side of the tank to the other.
  • Tank height: This is the distance from the top of the tank to the bottom of the tank.
  • Tank depth: This is the distance from the front of the tank to the back of the tank.

To take these measurements, you will need a tape measure.

1. Tank width: Place the tape measure along the outside of the tank, from one side to the other.
2. Tank height: Place the tape measure along the outside of the tank, from the top to the bottom.
3. Tank depth: Place the tape measure along the outside of the tank, from the front to the back.

Once you have taken these measurements, you can compare them to the measurements of the tanks you are considering. Be sure to also check the height of the toilet tank bolts, as this can vary from one model to another.

By measuring your old toilet, you can ensure that you buy a new toilet that is the right size for your bathroom. Be sure to take all of the necessary measurements, including the bowl width, bowl depth, bowl height, tank width, tank height, and tank depth. This will help you avoid any problems during the installation process.

Here are some additional tips for measuring your toilet:

  • If you are unable to access the back of your toilet, you can measure the distance from the front of the toilet to the wall behind it. This will give you the approximate tank depth.
  • If your toilet is mounted on a platform, you will need to measure the height of the platform as well as the height of the toilet.
  • If you are replacing a toilet with a bidet, you will need to make sure that the new toilet has enough clearance for the bidet.

By following these tips, you can ensure that you buy a new toilet that is the perfect fit for your bathroom.

3. Measuring the Toilet Base

The base of the toilet is the part that sits on the floor and supports the bowl. It is important to measure the base of the toilet so that you can purchase a new toilet that is the same size.

To measure the base of the toilet, you will need a tape measure.

1. Locate the bolts on the back of the toilet. These bolts hold the toilet to the floor.
2. Measure the distance between the center of the two bolts. This is the base width.
3. Measure the distance from the front of the toilet to the back of the toilet. This is the base depth.
4. Measure the distance from the top of the toilet to the floor. This is the base height.

Here is an example of how to measure a toilet base:

Toilet Base Measurement

Base Width: 18 inches

Base Depth: 22 inches

Base Height: 15 inches

4. Measuring the Toilet Rough-In

The rough-in is the distance from the wall to the center of the drain pipe. It is important to measure the rough-in so that you can purchase a new toilet that will fit in your bathroom.

To measure the rough-in, you will need a tape measure and a stud finder.

1. Locate the toilet flange. The toilet flange is a metal ring that is installed in the floor and supports the toilet bowl.
2. Use a stud finder to locate the wall studs behind the toilet flange. The wall studs are the vertical pieces of wood that support the walls.
3. Measure the distance from the wall studs to the center of the toilet flange. This is the rough-in distance.

Here is an example of how to measure a toilet rough-in:

Toilet Rough-In Measurement

Rough-In Distance: 12 inches

Water Supply Line: 3 inches

Drain Line: 1-1/2 inches

Measuring for a toilet replacement is a simple process that can be completed in a few minutes. By following these steps, you can ensure that you purchase a new toilet that is the right size for your bathroom.

How do I measure for a toilet replacement?

To measure for a toilet replacement, you will need to know the following dimensions:

  • The distance from the center of the toilet flange to the wall behind the toilet
  • The distance from the center of the toilet flange to the finished floor
  • The rough-in measurement (the distance from the back of the toilet flange to the wall behind the toilet)

To find the distance from the center of the toilet flange to the wall behind the toilet, measure from the center of the toilet flange to the wall behind the toilet.

To find the distance from the center of the toilet flange to the finished floor, measure from the center of the toilet flange to the finished floor.

To find the rough-in measurement, measure from the back of the toilet flange to the wall behind the toilet.

Once you have these measurements, you can compare them to the dimensions of the toilets you are considering to find a toilet that will fit in your bathroom.

What if my toilet flange is not in the center of the wall?

If your toilet flange is not in the center of the wall, you will need to either shim the toilet to make it level or move the toilet flange.

To shim the toilet, you will need to purchase some shims from a hardware store. Place the shims under the toilet flange until the toilet is level.

To move the toilet flange, you will need to remove the toilet and the toilet flange. Then, you will need to move the toilet flange to the desired location and reattach it to the floor.

What if I don’t know the rough-in measurement for my toilet?

If you don’t know the rough-in measurement for your toilet, you can find it by looking at the toilet’s installation instructions. You can also find the rough-in measurement by measuring from the back of the toilet flange to the wall behind the toilet.

What is the standard rough-in measurement for a toilet?

The standard rough-in measurement for a toilet is 12 inches. However, some toilets may have a different rough-in measurement. It is important to check the toilet’s installation instructions or measure the rough-in measurement before you purchase a toilet.

What other factors should I consider when choosing a toilet?

In addition to the size and rough-in measurement, you should also consider the following factors when choosing a toilet:

  • The toilet’s flushing power
  • The toilet’s water efficiency
  • The toilet’s seat height
  • The toilet’s style

By considering all of these factors, you can choose a toilet that is the right size, fits in your bathroom, and meets your needs.

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Measuring for a toilet replacement is a relatively simple process, but it is important to get the measurements correct in order to avoid any problems during the installation. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that you get the perfect toilet for your bathroom and that the installation process goes smoothly.

Here are a few key takeaways to remember when measuring for a toilet replacement:

  • Measure the rough-in dimensions of your existing toilet. This is the distance from the back of the toilet to the center of the drainpipe.
  • Measure the width and depth of the space where you want to install the new toilet. Make sure that the new toilet will fit comfortably in the space.
  • Choose a toilet that is the correct height for your needs. Standard toilets are 14 inches high, but you can also find toilets that are shorter or taller.
  • Install the new toilet according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure to use a wax ring to seal the toilet to the floor.

By following these tips, you can easily replace your old toilet with a new one that is the perfect fit for your bathroom.

Author Profile

Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell is the owner of toiletty.com. She is a mom of two and is very passionate about home improvement.

Liana has ten years of home improvement experience, and in her own words, she said: “I love improving the home, and I’m very passionate about keeping the home in the best possible condition. I love it!”

Liana Farrell balances beauty and functionality when she goes about her home improvement jobs.