Doh! Toilet installation options... - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

Big E · 07-25-2006, 07:49 AM

Got a basement bathroom remodel to do, and the toilet flange is 12" from the block wall !! How convenient. So what are my options? It previously had a little recess that the toilet was installed into, but I'd rather not do that (btw, is that allowed by Code? I know there's the minimum space reqt around the toilet, does a wall jutting out about 3" to the middle of the tank violate that?). I could frame it w/ 2x3's or even furring strips I guess, but even with that I'd need an offset flange and probably a 10" toilet.

Maybe I should build a raised platform, use about 4 offset flanges in succession, and make it a real throne

go dart · 07-25-2006, 10:36 AM

see that alot E. i would go ahead and charge to relocate. would not be sorry if you did but could be if you don't. no one want's callbacks after the fact. good luck

**Double-A** · 07-25-2006, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big E

Got a basement bathroom remodel to do, and the toilet flange is 12" from the block wall !! How convenient. So what are my options? It previously had a little recess that the toilet was installed into, but I'd rather not do that (btw, is that allowed by Code? I know there's the minimum space reqt around the toilet, does a wall jutting out about 3" to the middle of the tank violate that?). I could frame it w/ 2x3's or even furring strips I guess, but even with that I'd need an offset flange and probably a 10" toilet.

Maybe I should build a raised platform, use about 4 offset flanges in succession, and make it a real throne

I'm lost here. The most common position for a closet flange is 12" from back wall, and at least 15" from a side wall or cabinet. This is measured from the center of the flange. If you're 12" from the edge of the flange to the back wall, then you can use a 14" rough-in water closet. You'll still be out in the room a bit, but 2" less than with a standard closet.

Where is this 12" measurement taken and to which wall are we talking? Side, front or back?

BTW, 14" rough-in closets can be twice the cost of a 12" rough-in closet, so someone will have to pony up the difference.

Mike Finley · 07-25-2006, 11:17 AM

Code requires 15 inches of clear space without obstruction from center line of the toilet out to the sides and you should want to have at least 24 inches in front of the toilet.

The do it right option would be to jack hammer the slab and move the toilet rough, then from now to eternity everything is correct. (HA!, at least until things change again!) That would be what I would prefer to do.

That rough was designed for a 10" rough toilet which was what it was back when it was roughed. The plan was a 3/4" fur stip on the walls and drywall over it.

You could do the same thing, buy a 10" rough toilet and do the furring. You should be able to also to do the the 10" rough toilet, an offset flange and the normal 2x4 wall.

Like I said, I would want to move the rough in by jack hammering the slab. We do that all the time, but mostly for moving shower or tub drains around.

Big E · 07-25-2006, 12:19 PM

Sorry, should have been more clear. Yeah, 12" from center of flange to back (block) wall.

Just trying to figure out all the options, hoping (!) maybe I forgot one or didn't know about one. Curious on the code question, and never really thought about it before, but is it strictly from the centerline of the toilet at any point along the toilet (ie, 15" to side wall from front edge of bowl, and from center of tank), or could you actually have the toilet in a 3-4" recess in the wall? It would look lousy, but now I'm curious.

Thanks

Mike Finley · 07-25-2006, 12:26 PM

Do you have a code book handy? I don't really want to look it up right now, but unless it is spelled out why, I'm guessing it will be up for interpretation by the local building inspector.

Moscow · 07-25-2006, 01:05 PM

2003 Uniform Plumbing Code section 408.6
No water closet or bidet shall be set closer than 15" from its centerto any side wall or obstruction. The clear space infront of and water closet or bidet shall not be less than 24".

I would ask the local AHJ what they allow, but here I would make them follow these guid lines.
Good Luck
Justin

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big E

Sorry, should have been more clear. Yeah, 12" from center of flange to back (block) wall.

Just trying to figure out all the options, hoping (!) maybe I forgot one or didn't know about one. Curious on the code question, and never really thought about it before, but is it strictly from the centerline of the toilet at any point along the toilet (ie, 15" to side wall from front edge of bowl, and from center of tank), or could you actually have the toilet in a 3-4" recess in the wall? It would look lousy, but now I'm curious.

Thanks

**Double-A** · 07-25-2006, 03:18 PM

I see what you're up against now. I'm willing to bet your inspector will not like the 'recess' option.

If it were us, we'd jack up the floor and move the flange. You'll never regret doing it right.

Other options? Offset flange (1.5") and/or 10" rough-in water closet ($$$) all told about 3.5 extra inches. That is if you are allowed to use an offset flange (some jurisdictions do not allow).

A 10" rough-in closet may just fit with no other mods required in front of your block wall with 2x4 framing with 1/2" rock over it.