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Velvet Digest

How do you measure to replace a toilet?

Author

Christopher Harper

Updated on June 15, 2026

If your existing toilet has four bolts, measure to the center of the back bolts. This measurement is known as the rough-in measurement. For a standard toilet, the rough-in measurement should be between 11 inches and 13 inches. Keep this measurement handy when you go to purchase the replacement toilet.

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Regarding this, how much does a plumber charge to replace a toilet?

The average cost to replace a toilet is generally between $122 and $228 but varies according to the type of toilet and the conditions of each job. The average installation takes a plumber 2 to 4 hours at $65 per hour. If you're replacing an existing toilet, add $30 to $50 to remove your old toilet.

Also Know, are all toilets the same size? Most toilets will have a 12 inch rough-in. Toilets with a 10- or 14-inch rough-in measurement are a little less common, so you might have less of a selection of toilets of this size. If you're replacing an existing toilet, look for a replacement toilet with the same rough-in.

Hereof, can you replace just the tank of a toilet?

Replacing a toilet tank is a task most homeowners can do without a call to the plumber. Because the tanks and bowls may be sold separately, you can often buy just the tank. However, it is important to match the toilet manufacturer and model to ensure proper installation and function of the toilet when you're done.

How do I buy a replacement toilet?

Always buy a toilet with the correct rough-in.

  1. To determine the size of your toilet rough-in, measure from the wall behind the toilet to the bolt caps of your current toilet.
  2. Most toilets are available in a 12-inch rough-in, which is the standard distance, but a 10- or 14-inch rough-in may be needed in some homes.
Related Question Answers

How often should you replace your toilet?

Average Plumbing Lifespans
  1. Handle: there is no distinct time frame, but you should replace your toilet handle if: You have to jiggle it to stop the water from running.
  2. Flappers, trip levers, fill valves, fittings, and plumbing connections: 4-5 years.
  3. Wax seals: 20-30 years.

Is replacing a toilet difficult?

Replacing a toilet is a major project, but it is not as difficult as might be imagined. The hardest tasks usually are selecting a new toilet and removing the old one. Then remove the tank cover, flush the toilet and sponge the tank dry. Use a plumber`s plunger to force as much water as possible out of the bowl.

How long should a toilet last?

50 years

Can I replace a round toilet with an elongated toilet?

Elongated -- This toilet has a slightly longer, egg-shaped bowl for extra comfort. So, in the past the bad news was that if you wanted to replace a round-front toilet with an elongated, in many cases the longer toilet would not fit the space.

How long does it take to replace a toilet wax ring?

Set the new toilet by placing a wax ring on the flange, dropping the toilet onto it and fastening it to the floor with new toilet bolts. Hook up the water when the toilet is secure, and turn on the water. This job shouldn't take any more than two to three hours.

Will Lowes install a toilet?

Lowe's Can Help With Your Toilet Installation.

What is needed to replace a toilet?

Parts Needed for Toilet Replacement
  1. Closet Bolts.
  2. Closet Bolt Covers.
  3. Wax Bowl Ring.
  4. Closet Flange Extension Ring.
  5. Toilet Flapper.
  6. Toilet Tank Lever.
  7. Oatey Liquilock (optional)

How long does it take to fit a new toilet?

Installing a toilet takes between 1 hour and 4 hours depending on the level of experience and type of toilet you're planning to install. Once your toilet installation is complete, you'll want to fit a toilet seat.

Why does my toilet tank leak when I flush?

If water leaks between the toilet tank and bowl whenever you flush your toilet, you need a new tank to bowl gasket. To repair the leaking you have to replace the gasket you must disconnect the water line to the toilet and remove the tank from the bowl by removing the two brass bolts holding the tank and bowl together.

Can you take the tank off a toilet?

Remove the nuts from the mounting bolts that hold the tank onto the bowl with a ratchet wrench or a basin wrench. There will be two or three of them - one on each side of the tank, and maybe one in the middle. Lift the tank carefully off the bowl and place it where it won't be in the way.

Are most toilet tanks Universal?

No toilets are not universal. I'm a plumber so I know :D. Any tank should fit your bowl but you may have to adjust where it hangs on the wall and you may have to cut the supply line to the toilet bowl itself.

How do I know what toilet tank to buy?

Finding your toilet manufacturer and/or model number: Carefully remove the toilet tank lid and set it gently on the floor, with the bottom facing up. Look for the manufacturer name or a number on the bottom side of the water tank lid.

How much does a toilet cost?

A standard toilet install should take between one and two hours to complete and cost an average of $348 or less. Basic installs will run around $115. Unexpected costs could raise the cost up to as much as $800.

What are the inside parts of a toilet called?

There are really only two main toilet tank parts: the toilet flush valve, which lets water gush into the bowl during the flush; and the fill valve, which lets water refill the tank after the flush.

Why does my toilet sweat so much?

When warm and humid weather arrives, toilet tanks can start to sweat. When the tank fills with cold water, the outside of the tank drops in temperature. The warm air comes in contact with the cold tank, and condensation forms on the outside.

How far from the wall should a toilet be?

Standard drywall is 1/2 inch thick, so the plumber should set the toilet flange at least 15-1/2 inches from the center of the flange to the wall framing. The standard distance from the back wall is 12 inches, or 12-1/2 inches from the center of the flange to the wall framing.

How much space is required for a toilet?

Most codes require at least 15 inches (measured from the center of the toilet) from any side wall or obstruction and not closer than 30 inches center to center to any other sanitary fixture. (The NKBA actually recommends 32 inches.) There should be at least 24 inches of clear space in front of a toilet or bidet.

Are toilet sizes universal?

The standard distance is 12-inches but a distance of 10- or 14-inches is occasionally found in small bathrooms or older homes. Determine your bathroom's rough-in by measuring from the wall behind the toilet to the middle of the bolts on the base of the toilet. Round toilet bowls extend up to 28 inches from the wall.

How do I know the rough in size of my toilet?

To find out your toilet's rough-in, measure from the wall behind the toilet to the middle of the closet bolts, which hold your toilet to the floor. That distance will likely be a bit more than the standard 10″, 12″, or 14″ rough-in dimensions. Round your measurement down to the nearest standard rough-in.