Are you planning to install a new toilet in your bathroom? So, the first thing that comes to your mind is the creation of a plumbing hole in the floor for the drainage of the toilet. You might be confused about where to drill a hole, what should be its standard dimensions, right?
The dimensions of the plumbing hole vary based on the size of the draining pipe and toilet flange. In general, the standard plumbing hole for a toilet is between 3 to 4 inches in diameter.
Now, in this article, we will talk about the location and dimension of the plumbing hole. We will also discuss the important dimensions to consider before drilling the toilet hole. But first, you need to understand the importance and function toilet’s main support i.e. flange.
What is Toilet Flange?
The flange is the part of the toilet that attaches the unit to the floor and connects it to the drain pipe. Flange consists of two parts, a pipe and a ring, which is bolted to the floor.
The flange has a spherical form with a flat top. The wax ring can be placed on a flat surface, and there is an area where bolts or screws can be fitted snugly. The toilet bowl sits on the flange rather than on the floor. PVC, rubber, metal, or a combination of these materials are used to make toilet flanges.
In addition to securing the bowl to the floor and connecting to the waste pipe, the flange is designed to minimize water and gas leaks, and damage to the floor during installation.
The next important point is the standard dimensions of drain pipes and flanges, which actually determine the size of the toilet hole.
Drain Pipe and Flange Standard Sizes
Your toilet’s drain pipe transports waste to the main drain line of your house. It connects with the flange which holds the toilet. So, the dimensions of the plumbing hole are directly based on the dimensions of the flange and drain pipe.
Nowadays, most drain pipes have a diameter of 3 inches. In the past, drain pipes with a 4-inch diameter were also used. Correspondingly, the toilet flanges are also available in 3, 4- inch diameters. Therefore, the standard plumbing hole is 3 to 4 inches in diameter.
The next point in consideration is the placement of the hole. Before you begin the installation, carefully decide where you want to drill the hole so that you know exactly where you want the toilet to go. Toilet tanks are often installed with the tank’s back against the wall.
4 Things (Dimensions) to Consider before drilling the Toilet Hole
You need to consider these four dimensions before drilling the toilet hole in the bathroom.
- The distance between the toilet flange and the wall.
- The clearance on the left and right sides.
- Room to be left in front of the bowl.
- The optimum place to run a cold-water line
Dimension # 1: The distance between the toilet flange and the wall
Set the water closet flange’s center at 12 inches from the finished wall. The thickness of your wall should be considered if you are measuring from stud walls. For instance, most people drill holes near dry walls. In that case, the dimension should be 12 ½ inches.
The measurement of 12 inches is standard for most toilets. However, in some toilets, you need to 10 or 14-inch rough-in. So, for accuracy, check the specification of your toilet.
Dimension # 2: Clearance on the left and right side
The minimum clearance on left and right sides of the toilet should be 15 inches. To be more precise, the distance of the adjacent fixture from the center of the hole should be at least 15 inches. Whatever the fixture may be, be it a bathtub, wall, or sink, the clearance should not be less than the defined limit.
Again, if you are taking measurements next to a stud wall, don’t forget to account for the wall’s thickness. In the case of drywall, add ½ inches to the measurement.
Dimension # 3: Room in front of the toilet bowl
The third thing to consider while drilling the hole for the toilet is the amount of space that should be left in front of the bowl. According to International Plumbing Code (IPC), the clearance in the front should be at least 21 inches. While according to Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), you need a clearance of at least 24 inches. Based on the code followed in your locality, consider any of these dimensions
Remember that this dimension is measured from the front edge of the toilet to the nearest obstruction i.e. walls, any other fixture, or a door. The purpose of this clearance is to make sure that enough room is available for a person to comfortably use the toilet.
Dimension # 4: Placement of cold-water line
Now, the final thing under consideration is the placement of the cold-water line. For that, you need to move 6 inches left from the centerline of the flange, and rise 7 inches above the finished floor. This is the optimum location to place the waterline.
We hope that you have known the dimensions of a standard plumbing hole for a toilet. And based on these rough-in dimensions, you can easily drill a hole for your toilet and install it.
Amos Christen graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from Drexel University — Philadelphia, PA. Since 2003, Amos has worked with top interior design professionals in this area, including architects and interior/graphic/lighting designers. As a skilled interior designer, Amos Christen is highly versed in fine arts and crafts and uses that to supplement his main area of expertise. He often publishes articles related to home décor on several websites, including Sprucetoilets.com, Sprucebathroom.com, and Mybesuitedhome.com. He also contributes to leading interior design magazines.