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207ridge · Jun 2, 2009, 05:28 PM

We are remodeling our bathroom in an old house (1922) and didn't pay much attention to the rough-in of the toilet when we removed the old one or purchased the new one. We're putting in the toilet, but realized there is a 4.5" gap behind the toilet, which looks ridiculous.
We love the toilet (Kohler Memoirs), and would like to know what our options are for fixing this issue. Purchasing a 14" rough-in toilet still leaves us with a gap of several inches behind the tank in a small bath (plus there aren't many good-looking options). Is there some kind of conversion kit available? Is it a huge deal to move the drain closer to the wall (even though we just had the floor tiled) - something a plumber could do without costing us an arm and a leg?

ballengerb1 · Jun 2, 2009, 05:43 PM

You need to have a conversation with your plumber. Toilets are generally roughed in for a 12" toilet. This is usually 11 1/2" from the wall surface to center of the toilet flange. Any offset flange installation only gives you 2 1/2" closer and that requires removing the existing flange. You need to completely remove what you have, shorten the drain pipe and reinstall an elbow and new flange. Was this rough in done by you or a plumber?

207ridge · Jun 2, 2009, 05:51 PM

The rough-in was existing - we did not move it. There was a gap behind the toilet we removed, but not this large, and unfortunately we didn't look too closely when we removed it.

ballengerb1 · Jun 2, 2009, 05:54 PM

Rather tha trying to get the largest toilet you could try for the smallest toilet and then build a small towel cabinet or shelf behind the wall. If your pipes are PVC this may not be such a big deal, I'd cut the pipe and rough it at 11 1/2" off the wall.

207ridge · Jun 2, 2009, 05:58 PM

Unfortunately, the toilet really hangs out too far into the center of the room (it's a small bathroom.) Anything we can do to get it closer to the wall would be better.
If we have a plumber come in and move the drain/flange, etc. approx. 4" is there typically enough room to the edge of the toilet that we wouldn't have to fix the new tile?

ballengerb1 · Jun 2, 2009, 06:10 PM

Toilets have different foot prints so I can't say, likely not. You can judge it better yourself. Sit the toilet on the floor over the current flange and draw a line on the floor. Now move the toilet back 4" and draw a new line, lift the toilet acnd see how close the line is to the edge of your tile. You can patch the floor and be done with it.

massplumber2008 · Jun 3, 2009, 03:47 AM

Hey Ridge...

Ballenger is leading you down the right path..

However, if this old house is anything like my old house then it may not be possible to move that toilet without cutting into joists or main support beams. It could also be that you have older, larger pipes and this could mean that you can't change the fittings around without major piping work.

I assume this is on the 2nd floor and the pipes are not accessible from underneath at this time... yes? What type of pipe/closet flange was in the floor when you removed the old toilet? Was it lead, cast iron, copper, or PVC or ABS plastic?

Let us know more...

MARK

Milo Dolezal · Jun 3, 2009, 06:32 AM

Is it on slab or raised foundation? 1st or 2nd story ?

Many people don't like any gap between the wall and tank. If you want to have Kohler Memoir nice and flush with the wall, rough it in at 12" from rough framing. You will end up 1/4" from the wall.