How to Measure the Placement of a Toilet Drain

Toilet placement begins with space considerations and drain placement.

Before installing a toilet in a new bathroom, you'll need to install plumbing and a drain opening for the toilet to connect to. The most important measurement that must be exact is the "rough-in" measurement -- the distance from the back wall to the center of the new drain hole. Other measurements ensure proper space between other bathroom fixtures and to make sure you have enough space to safely move around the bathroom.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape

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Instructions

1. Measure from the wall where the back of the toilet will face out 12 inches onto the bathroom floor. This will mark the center of the drain pipe. Note that standard toilets have a "rough-in" measurement, which is the space from wall to center of the drain of between 10 and 14 inches. If you already purchased a new toilet, measure from the wall to the "rough-in" number specified on the toilet's packaging.

2. Measure out 16 inches from each of the three sides of the center of the drain location (the back side is already measured with the rough-in number) to ensure proper elbow room.

3. Measure from where the front of the new toilet will be (you can measure from the center of the new toilet's drain opening to the front surface) to any fixture directly across. Ideally an area of 48-by-48 inches clearance between the adjacent fixture (such as a bathtub) and the front of the toilet should be available. However, it can be smaller as long as there is enough space for someone to comfortably get off and on the toilet.

4. Measure the width of the walls on either side of the bathroom entrance. The width should be a minimum of 32 inches wide.

5. Measure 30 inches from the center of one planned drain opening to the location of the next opening if installing multiple toilets in stalls or in a row.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a pencil or marker to mark measurement lines on the bathroom floor. If the floor is already carpeted or tiled, use masking tape to mark measurement lines.

References

• Kohler Design Center: Space Planning

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish