With a new EPA-certified WaterSense toilet, you can save up to 20% each year on water usage for your toilet, but how do you figure out which fixture is the right size? The answer is that you must learn how to measure for a new toilet.
Keep reading to learn more about how to measure for a new toilet the easy way.
How To Measure For A New Toilet
If you’re a homeowner, you’ll eventually need to replace your toilet. For instance, it may wear out over time. Alternatively, you may want to give your bathroom a fresh, new look.
It may excite you to head out and pick a shiny new vessel. Yet, you need to know that you’re measuring properly for your new bathroom toilet.
The most important part of learning how to measure a toilet is figuring out how to do it accurately. Let’s have a look at the essential measurements you’ll need to take.
Depth
Manufacturers make toilet bowls available in different shapes. Most often, people choose either a round front or an elongated bowl.
These two styles have different measurements. Also, the depth of your toilet could vary by manufacturer.
When taking this measurement, measure from the back of the toilet forwards to the end of the bowl. Also, make sure that you’re measuring for the toilet parallel to the floor.
Considering The Shape Of The Bowl
Now, you’ll have an idea of how much room you have for your toilet. You can buy a toilet that matches the depth of your existing toilet.
Alternatively, you can buy a shorter toilet. This point is purely a matter of taste.
Height
You must also consider the height of your toilet. Using your tape measure, measure from the floor to the top of the tank. For this dimension, your measurement should include the top of the lid covering the tank.
Here, you may have some wiggle room. If there are no obstructions, you’ll have room for a taller tank. With this point in mind, you may also want to measure the maximum height available for your new toilet.
Rough-In
The rough-in is the most important measurement for your replacement toilet. It’s the distance between the bolts holding your toilet to the floor and the wall.
For this dimension, measure from the center of the bolts to the drywall. Make sure you’re not stopping your measurement at the baseboard.
If your toilet has four bolts, measure from the center of the rear set of bolts. Toilets typically have a 10-inch, 12-inch, or 14-inch rough-in. Most people have a toilet with a 12-inch rough-in.
Other Considerations
If you’re not sure whether your new toilet will fit, don’t take chances. A professional plumber can provide these services and will get it right the first time.
If you take the measurement yourself, keep an eye out for obstacles like extra-thick baseboards, water lines, and valves. Also, you may want to purchase a contemporary skirted toilet.
This kind of toilet has a bowl that extends all the way to the floor and the back wall. It’s especially important to consider obstructions if you want this style of toilet.
Learn More About Upgrading Your Home!
We hope you now have a better sense of how to measure for a new toilet and that you’ll enjoy your new water-efficient fixture. Still, if you love your home, you know there’s always something you can improve. We can help.
Please feel free to browse our Bathroom section for more great improvement ideas.
