Homeowner remodeling a bath. Installing a new Kohler toilet and would like to also tile the wall behind it with half inch marble tile. Concern is that there may not be enough room behind the toilet to do this. I have a 12 inch rough-in but when I measure the EXACT distance from the center of the toilet flange to the existing wall, I get only about 11 and a quarter inches. Referring to the Kohler website for toilet dimensions, it looks like the toilet requires 11 and a quarter inches so it should fit. But, no room for tile. It looks like the closest toilet interference point is the lid of the tank. I'm wondering if it's reasonable to forceably "pull" the tank away from the wall by the needed one half inch. Knowing how the tank attaches to the base, this seems reasonable with the possible exception that it may be harder to remove and replace the tank lid. Using an offset flange does not seem to be feasible since the floor is concrete and since I have read negative things about offset flanges not flowing well. I wouldn't expect there to be alternate solutions, just wondering about whether pulling the tank away from the wall to allow for tile is a common and acceptable installation. Thanks, in advance for any comments.

You want to cock the toilet tank? Not too swift a idea considering that the tanks's secured to the bowl by two brass bolts and cocking the top, (you can't move the bottom) will put a strain on the tank bolts and crack the china. About the only way that you will get the desired space is to install a 1/2 or 1 inch offset closet flange. They won't give you as much trouble as a larger offset would. Another thing you might try,(and this is a long shot) is to loosen the closet bolts and pull the toilet as far away from the wall as the flange will let you and retighten the You might just come up with enough room to install your tile. Good luck, Tom