How to Measure for a Replacement Toilet

Toilets are not forever. Over time, toilets wear out, go out of style, or develop leaks. Components wear out or fail. Newer, more efficient models are introduced to the market. At some point, you will want to replace your toilet. When you are ready to replace your toilet, for whatever reason, you will want to get the right measurements. This will ensure that you purchase a toilet that is fitting for the environment. Measurements are especially important if you have a small bathroom. This quick article should help you measure your toilet. Mr. Rooter Plumbing has plenty of experience replacing toilets and is available if you need professional assistance. 

Tips Before Getting to Measurements

If you are replacing your toilet, then you will want to get the measurements right the first time around. Your toilet supplier may not be so nice with return policies. Even if they do allow replacements, it would be a waste of valuable time going back and forth. Keep these tips in mind when measuring your toilet and toilet space:

• Measure Maximums: Make sure to take measurements from the longest, widest, or deepest part of the component. This rule has one exception and that is bolts, which should be measured from center to center.
• Double Check: There is no rush. Be sure to check measurements once, twice, and even three times to ensure that you are ordering the right size.
• Safety First: Make sure the floors are not wet and do not stand on the toilet seat or bowl when taking measurements. Keep your feet firmly on the ground to avoid accidents or injuries.

Getting Correct Measurements

Let’s start with the tank height:

This measurement is especially important if your toilet fits under a shelf or into a hollow in the wall. Measure the height of the tank from the floor to the top of the toilet tank. Be sure to avoid going at an angle. Keep the bottom of the measuring tape or ruler level with the floor.

Toilet Depth:

There are a variety of toilet seats and styles, including round, elongated, and open front seats. You should measure the depth of your toilet from the front edge of the toilet bowl to the back of the tank, not the back of the toilet bowl. Round bowls will have shallower depth while elongated ones are deeper.

Rough-In Measurement:

This measurement is possibly the most important measurement. The rough-in refers to the distance between the wall behind the toilet and the center of the waste pipe. If your toilet is still attached, then you will measure from the wall to the center of the bolt caps. If there are four bolt caps, then measure to the rear set.

Other Measurements:

People like to take note of which side the flush lever is on as well. Choose whichever side you are comfortable with. Also, modern toilets are more water efficient, using less than two gallons per flush. Older models use up to seven gallons per flush.

Contact the Professionals for Installment

If you would like to leave the installment process to the experts, then call Mr. Rooter Plumbing to speak with a live representative now. Our certified plumbers can dispatch today or according to your schedule.