No, toilets are not necessarily supposed to be against walls. Toilets can actually be placed in a number of different locations and placements within the bathroom. Toilets can be installed in the middle of the room or even placed in a corner.
This means that they don’t always have to be against a wall. You should, however, think of the plumbing when selecting the location of your toilet. This is because most toilets require access to waste pipes, and this requires the toilet to be near a wall.
Alternatively, you may want to choose one of the newer wall-hung toilets, which only require access to plumbing from the top or the side of the toilet. This type of toilet does not require access from the back, so can be installed away from a wall.
How do I make my toilet sit closer to the wall?
The best way to make your toilet sit closer to the wall is to purchase a toilet mounting kit. These kits usually include a mounting bracket, screws, toilet seat bolts, and a wax ring. The mounting bracket attaches onto the wall studs with the screws and provides a secure mounting surface for the toilet to sit on.
Then, attach the toilet seat bolts to the mounting bracket and slide the toilet over the mounting bracket. Lastly, apply the wax ring around the outlet of the bowl and press into place. With this method, you should be able to make sure that your toilet is firmly attached to the wall and much closer to the wall than before.
How close should toilet be to wall?
Toilet installation guidelines recommend that the toilet should be about 12 inches from the wall for proper installation. This distance should be sufficient to provide sufficient space behind the toilet for cleaning, as well as for access to plumbing when necessary.
In addition, the toilet should also be placed at least 28 to 30 inches away from the door or an obstruction (such as a shower or tub). This provides enough room for the user to sit comfortably on the toilet and reduce the likelihood of the user’s feet hitting the door or obstruction when getting up.
Finally, the toilet should not be placed too close to the vanity or sink. The recommended distance should be at least 5 feet away. This prevents splashing onto the sink, vanity, or floor when flushing the toilet and ensures proper clearance when using the sink.
Should a toilet be flush with the wall?
Yes, a toilet should be flush with wall if possible. Having a toilet that is flush with the wall can make a bathroom more aesthetically pleasing and easier to clean. It also helps to save space, creating a more comfortable environment.
When installing a toilet, an experienced plumber can ensure that it is properly aligned with the wall. Additional pieces, such as caulk or trim, may also be needed to fit the toilet in snugly. Installing a toilet flush with the wall is important to ensure it has a secure and stable seal.
Additionally, a flush-mounted toilet helps to prevent water from seeping between the wall and the toilet, decreasing the chance of any water damage occurring.
What can I do with space behind my toilet?
The space behind your toilet can be used for a variety of purposes. One great way to take advantage of this space is to add storage. You can find shelves specifically designed to fit around your toilet, which can provide a great place to store extra rolls of toilet paper, extra towels, or other bathroom items you want to keep near the toilet, but out of sight.
You could also bring in a small bookcase or set of drawers to store items like toiletry items, extra toilet tank cleaners, or even a decorative basket or two.
Another great way to use this space is to add a vanity. If you don’t have the room for a full-sized vanity in your bathroom, you can make use of the space behind your toilet to install a mini-vanity in front of the toilet.
This can provide some counter space for putting down toiletry items and a storage area to help keep your bathroom tidy.
If storage or a vanity don’t appeal to you, you can use the space behind your toilet for a stylish accent. Install a tall, narrow mirror behind the toilet, or have some shelving made to fit the space behind the toilet that you can use to display decorative items, plants, or framed photographs.
Doing this can help draw the eye to the space behind the toilet, creating a unique accent in the bathroom.
How do you adjust the offset on a toilet?
Adjusting the offset on a toilet involves adjusting the bolts that secure it to the floor. First, you will want to shut off the water supply valve. Next, you need to flush the toilet and place a rag or other item over the toilet drain opening so the tank does not drain.
Remove the tank lid, and flush the toilet again to lower the water level. Using a wrench, loosen the nuts at the base of the toilet that hold the toilet bowl to the floor flange. With the nuts still loose, use a putty knife to gently pry the toilet bowl off the flange.
Reposition the bowl, then retighten the nuts to secure it in place. If you need to adjust the height, you may need to shim the toilet. Reattach the tank, reconnect the water supply line, turn the water supply back on, and flush the toilet to check the installation.
Are all toilets 12 inches from wall?
No, not all toilets are 12 inches from the wall. Toilets are measured from the center of the toilet bolt caps to the wall behind the toilet. Most residential toilets have a toilet bolt cap measurement of between 8-14 inches, which means there can be anywhere from 4-10 inches of clearance from the wall.
Additionally, some bathroom layouts are too small for standard toilets which require the toilet to be installed very close to the wall with less than 4 inches of clearance. Commercial toilets usually have a higher standard with a bolt cap measurement of between 10-14 inches, and they can often be found with even more clearance.
How do you cover a gap between a toilet and a floor?
Covering a gap between a toilet and the floor is quite simple. First, measure the gap and mark the area with a marker, then use a utility knife to cut a piece of vinyl flooring, such as vinyl sheet, vinyl plank, or vinyl tile to fit the gap.
For a sheet, you may need a pair of scissors to cut to the mark. Next, use construction adhesive or another type of adhesive to adhere the vinyl piece to the floor and toilet. Finally, use a grout sealant or caulk to completely seal and protect the grout lines.
This will help to keep debris and even water from seeping through the gap and prevents any potential water damage or mold issues.
Can I move a toilet a few inches?
Yes, you can move a toilet a few inches if you are careful and take the necessary precautions. The first thing you should do if you plan to move the toilet is to turn the water supply off, then flush the toilet until the tank and the bowl are empty.
Next, jiggle the toilet handle to make sure all of the water has been drained from the tank. Then, use a sponge to get rid of any remaining water inside the bowl. Now unscrew the bolts that hold the toilet in place, then carefully move the toilet to the desired location.
Make sure to check the wax ring seal to ensure that it is in good condition. If it needs to be replaced, do this before the toilet is secured in its new location. Afterwards, reattach the toilet to the floor using the same nuts, bolts and washers.
Finally, connect the water supply line to the toilet and turn the water back on to see if any additional adjustments need to be made.
What is a toilet offset?
A toilet offset is a plumbing term that refers to the distance between the inside back of the toilet bowl and the wall behind it. This distance is usually between 6-12 inches for most standard toilets.
Toilet offsets may vary depending on the manufacturer and type of toilet. The reason for this distance is to provide enough space for plumbing connections and to prevent the toilet from touching the wall behind it.
To install a toilet, the offset must be measured to ensure that it is the correct size for the space. Factors like cabinetry and other fixtures in the room may also need to be taken into consideration when determining the correct offset.
Can you put a new toilet flange over an old one?
Yes, it is possible to put a new toilet flange over an old one, however it may not be the most ideal or reliable solution. If the old flange is rusted, corroded, or otherwise damaged, it may be best to remove it and replace with a new one.
This is because, if the old flange is deteriorating, a new flange may not sit securely, causing water to leak and potentially lead to more costly water damage repairs. Additionally, the old flange may have a different size or shape than the new one, which could prevent the new one from properly setting into place.
In some cases, a new flange may require a larger hole than the old one, which may also make a new flange impossible to install. It is possible to put a toilet flange over an old one, but it is not always the most reliable or efficient solution.
What are the disadvantages of wall mounted toilet?
The main disadvantage of wall mounted toilets is the installation and cost of installation. In most cases, hiring a professional plumber is a must to ensure proper and safe installation. The cost of installation can vary between 1,500 and 3,500 dollars and in some cases, it can even be higher if additional supplies or modifications are needed.
Not all bathrooms are suitable for wall mounted toilets so the bathroom must be of an acceptable size and the existing fixtures must be taken into consideration. If the bathroom is too small, space issues may arise with the toilet being too close to the wall and tank.
In addition, wall mounted toilets may affect the insulation of the walls. If it is not installed with proper seals, the moisture can cause mold and mildew over time, which can be difficult to remove.
These toilets also require frequent maintenance as hard water can cause the exposed components to corrode and rust over time.
Overall, wall mounted toilets can look very modern and stylish, however, the cost of installation, maintenance, and potential insulation issues need to be taken into account before investing in one.
How much space should be in front of a toilet in relation to a wall fixture or door?
It is generally recommended that there should be at least 15 inches of space in front of the toilet and any wall fixtures or doors. This allows enough space for the user to sit comfortably and safely on the toilet, as well as enough space to navigate around any obstacles as needed.
The exact amount of space will depend on the size of the toilet, the size of the user, and any other factors in the bathroom, such as door swing, wall fixtures, etc. As a general rule of thumb, ensure that there is at least 15 inches of space in front of any toilet.
How far does toilet plumbing need to be from wall?
In order for toilet plumbing to be effective and to ensure that it is properly connected, it is important that the toilet is not placed too close to the wall. The specific distance depends somewhat on the type of toilet and the space available, but typically the plumbing components should be set back at least 6 inches from the wall.
This is to ensure that the toilet can be properly connected to the water supply and gives enough room for the water tank to be secured and installed. Additionally, it is helpful to create a few inches of space behind the toilet to help with cleaning and accessibility.