Quick Answer:
There are a few different opinions about how far apart toilets should be to drain correctly. A typical measurement is 32 inches from the middle of the toilet to the room’s opposite side. The height of the ceiling, anything more than 8 feet, will change this measurement slightly but is not an excuse to put your toilet too close to a wall.
How do we know where to put the toilet?
If you are renovating a bathroom or constructing a new one, then where to place your toilet should be figured out early in the design process. You need to figure out how many square feet you have available for your bathroom and where the walls and door will be located. The room needs to allow two people to use the toilet or shower at the same time comfortably. It also needs to handle the smell and make sure there is no mold, mildew, or other moisture damage to the room.
If you are remodeling a small bathroom, so it is bigger and has more storage, then your toilet will not need to be quite as far from the wall. There are some general rules for keeping the toilet centered in a bathroom that can help you decide how far apart your fixtures should go.
Typical distances and measurements:
Thirty-two inches: The standard measurement that most plumbers agree on is 32 inches from the center of the toilet to the center of another fixture, such as a sink or tub. This distance allows two people to pass each other comfortably with enough room to reach each other. It also gives you enough space so that you can reach both fixtures without stretching.
Common misconceptions:
There are several common misconceptions about how far toilets should be from walls. The two most common include the idea that it’s OK to put a toilet flush against a wall because the valves and tank hang way out in front of the seat, and also that it’s OK to put your toilet flush with a wall because you need enough room for a wheelchair to get in front of it.
There are two significant problems with these ideas.
The first and most obvious problem is that your plumbing will be inefficient or not fit properly. Get the right fixtures, and you can relieve yourself without any problems. If you decide to put your toilet flush against a wall because it gives you extra room, you will have wasted the most valuable space in the room for something rarely used.
The second problem with putting a toilet flush against a wall is that it is challenging to flush the toilet. Water will splash everywhere, and there is a good chance that some of it will go on the wall. This is not an issue for non-disabled people, but it can make it hard for someone in a wheelchair or with a disability to get close enough to the toilet to use it.
What’s suitable for your situation?
The best option when you are deciding if you should put a toilet against a wall or flush with it is to think about how you will use the room. A good rule of thumb is that the toilet should be about the same distance from the wall as the length of your hand’s back from your wrist to your fingertips. This way, you have a little space on each side and enough room to sit comfortably.
If you are going to use a wheelchair, then 32 inches is usually what you need. If there will be other people using the bathroom, then add some extra space to give them more room to move around while still making it easy for them to get closer when needed. Thirty-two inches is a good minimum for a non-disabled person, but if you have limited mobility, then you will also need more space.
The ceiling’s height does make a difference in how far the toilet should be from a wall. Most people will be able to use a toilet that is as close to 30 inches from the wall with as little as 7 feet of headroom, but there are some situations where you might want more or less than this, so it’s essential to take your measurements before you decide on your final placement.
When you have your measurements, then you can move to the next step. You need to decide how you will get the space from where you are now to where you want your fixtures. If the room is big enough for a walk-in shower and a more oversized bathtub, move your toilet and install a larger floor drain. You will have the extra room for a shower and will never have to worry about water splashing on the walls.
If your bathroom is too small for a larger tub or shower, then just adding on to the room will work. You can add a closet or storage space around the toilet if you have extra room. This will make it easier to add storage later if you decide that you want some and still keep everything centered.
If you just want more space for the toilet in general, then you will have to move everything. You can move the entire wall or just the toilet. Make sure to check your sewer lines and water lines before you start moving anything around. You might want to have an experienced plumber come out and check your work before you do any demolition. If the plumbing does not line up correctly then it’s going to be difficult or impossible for you to fix it, so get help if this happens.
Floor drains:
The most important part of making any bathroom bigger is installing a floor drain near enough to your toilet so that water cannot splash all over when you flush it. A good floor drain must be able to withstand a continuous flow of water without having to be repaired. Most of the time, a floor drain is as simple as adding some pipes and a trap to your existing floor plan.
Installing a floor drain can take two approaches: professional plumbing services or doing it yourself. Installing one yourself means getting rid of the rest of the wall, but there are certain things you need to know before you start taking anything down. Installing a professional plumber can typically cost about $500 for labor and materials and could save you up to $1,000 later if they have to come back out later due to damage caused by you cutting into the wall.
Call a plumber to help:
If you are planning on moving the entire wall, you will need to call a plumber to help the first time if you are a DIY type of person. The plumbing can be tricky, especially if there is an unusual angle or distance. You will also need an experienced plumber for the first time because it’s much easier for you to see what needs to be done in order to have everything line up properly.
Contact Plumbers in Daly City today at 415-465-5719
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