Measuring Rough-In Distance for Toilet Replacement: Step-by-Step Instructions

Measuring the distance to the drainage is essential to choose a properly sized toilet. Here's how to measure the distance when replacing an old toilet with a new one.

How to Measure the Drainage Distance When Replacing an Old Toilet：

You can measure directly with a ruler. First, remove the old toilet. Starting from the center of the drainage outlet, place a straight ruler against the wall and measure the vertical distance to the wall, which is the shortest distance—this measured value is the drainage distance.

Generally, the drainage distances for toilets are commonly fixed at 300mm, 350mm, or 400mm. Toilets are designed based on these drainage distances, so for those unfamiliar with how to measure the drainage distance, you can simply measure the dimensions of the old toilet; this will also be more accurate.

The reason for measuring the drainage distance when replacing an old toilet is to avoid the situation where the purchased toilet does not fit during installation. For instance, if the actual drainage distance is 400mm, but the purchased toilet is 300mm, this will leave a 100mm gap after installation, making it hard to clean the hygienic dead corners easily.

Conversely, if the toilet is too large and exceeds the measured distance, it might not fit at all. Although repositioning can solve this issue, it may lead to problems like odor return, poor drainage, clogging, and more in the future. Thus, it's crucial to choose a toilet that matches the drainage distance accurately.

What to Pay Attention to When Replacing an Old Toilet：

Check the drainage distance, as mentioned above. Whether you're installing a new toilet or replacing an old one, it's essential to consider the drainage distance; otherwise, you may easily purchase a toilet that doesn't fit, causing installation and usage inconvenience later.

Also, check the water-saving standard of the toilet. The amount of water used per flush is significant; a single flush for urine typically uses at least half a tank of water, while for solid waste, it uses a whole tank. A toilet with good water-saving features can save a lot of costs.

In summary：by now, you should understand how to measure the drainage distance when replacing an old toilet. If you want to learn more related knowledge, feel free to follow us at Hawkrown.