View Full Version : My new Kohler toilet is 2 1/4 in.from wall
toots920
Jun 30, 2014, 01:05 PM
Rough in is 12" and correct. Any suggestions, Tearing up new tile floor and dry wall is NOT an option.
Thank you.
ma0641
Jun 30, 2014, 01:17 PM
From the wall to the center of the flange is 11 1/2"? What is the measurement from the back of the tank to the center of the flange. Sounds like a 10" setback toilet.
speedball1
Jun 30, 2014, 03:22 PM
Brian nailed it with a 10" rough in toilet. **or**
If you don't want to change toilets you could always replace the flange with a 1 1/2" or 2" offset flange. Both would work so what's your pleasure? Tom
toots920
Jul 1, 2014, 08:34 AM
Thank you both for your comments. What is a 10" setback toilet? I have a 12" rough in. Sorry to sound dumb, but I don't know anything about plumbing. My contractor said an offset flange would require messing up the new tile that was just put in. So that is not an option. I might just have to live with this I guess. My contractor also confirmed the correct toilet (12" rough in) was ordered. Also, I'm thinking the distance from the back of the tank to the center of the flange is 9.75" since the distance from the back of the tank to the wall is 2 1/4".
Thank you.
ma0641
Jul 1, 2014, 08:56 AM
It is a toilet designed for a 10" rough in. "Also, I'm thinking the distance from the back of the tank to the center of the flange is 9.75"-I'd measure the toilet for sure. That sounds like a 10" toilet of you have that much space. One issue with that much space is the possibility of someone leaning way back and pushing on the tank or, as some heavy people do, drop on hard, the toilet has a lot of potential "flex" room and could break off the tank at the mounting flange. I have hidden the gap with a small wall mounted shelf that sits just above the tank. If you need to get inside the tank, you lift off the shelf.
toots920
Jul 1, 2014, 10:08 AM
Thanks ma0641. Do you have a picture of the shelf you have so I can get a visual? Also, the box says 12" rough in so I don't know what to think.
speedball1
Jul 1, 2014, 11:27 AM
Measure from the baseboard to the closet bolts and tell us what you have. Let me know, Tom
I should have added that the closet bolts are located at the base of the bowl securing the bowl to the flange. What's the measure back to you, Tom
ma0641
Jul 1, 2014, 02:48 PM
Did it for a customer after we tore out a counter top that covered the tank. Used a small wall shelf, Michaels, Old Time Pottery and others have a lot of them.
massplumber2008
Jul 1, 2014, 04:32 PM
Hi toots
Unfortunately, there are MANY toilets on the market today that say they rough in at 12" only to leave a 2 to 2-1/2" gap like you mention. In fact, if you were to check the specification sheet the sheet shows only a 1" gap between the toilet tank and the wall. I have spoken to kohler as well as a few other manufacturers and they all say the same thing...JUST THE WAY IT IS NOWADAYS!! OUCH!!
If you really are unhappy with the 2+ inches between the tank and the wall you could install an OFFSET FLANGE as mentioned by Tom (Speedball), or you could purchase a 14" rough in toilet of the same model...should close that gap up to within a 1/2" or so of the wall...;) Here, of course, you would dry fit (means don't install wax gasket) the new toilet first to be sure you like the fit this time.
I am glad to discuss more if you like, OK?
Mark