Replacing toilet - question

[eagl]

Anyone know if I can reasonably expect a new toilet to fit where an older one used to be?  The original is a discontinued eljer toilet and the tank is broken, and I can't find a replacement tank.  So the whole toilet is going to be replaced.  So, if I remove the old one and put a new one in there, will all the mounting holes and bolts line up?  Are toilet mounts standard?  Can I just take off the mounting nuts, pull the old one out, and expect a new one (and new wax seal) to just line up ok?

Thanks...

[Vulcan]

Anyone know if I can reasonably expect a new toilet to fit where an older one used to be?  The original is a discontinued eljer toilet and the tank is broken, and I can't find a replacement tank.  So the whole toilet is going to be replaced.  So, if I remove the old one and put a new one in there, will all the mounting holes and bolts line up?  Are toilet mounts standard?  Can I just take off the mounting nuts, pull the old one out, and expect a new one (and new wax seal) to just line up ok?

Thanks...

depends on the calibre of the toilet, also is it centrefire or rimfire?

[morfiend]

  simple answer Eagl is yes!

  All toilets are mounted 12 inches from the wall for the flange,you can use a wax or one of the new foam seals and just reseat the new unit.

   There may be some subtle differences with the size and depth of tank so you may need to paint the wall if it's not finished behind the tank.

   If you're handy at all shouldnt take more than hour and you can go back to reading!



   YMMV.


   

[eagl]

Funny man you funny.   

So far it sounds like if the closet bolts (why are they "closet" bolts when they're holding onto a toilet and not a closet?) are 12 inches from the wall then it is "standard".

[Tupac]

Get the one that can flush like 40 ping pong balls

[mrmidi]

You shouldn't have any problems setting the new one in place of the old.
You may find however that the base of the new one is not the same shape/size as the old one and you'll see any stains that where under it.

They are called closet bolts because the fixture you are referring to is called a "Water Closet"

Down here in the south some home owners still call the "Lavatory Sink" a "Face Bowl"

 
midi

[morfiend]

Funny man you funny.   

So far it sounds like if the closet bolts (why are they "closet" bolts when they're holding onto a toilet and not a closet?) are 12 inches from the wall then it is "standard".

  Ya thats about it.

  It's usually the first question they ask you if you say you know how to do plumbing,how far back do you set a toilet?   Why 12 inches of course..... Now back to reading.....



   

[ImADot]

Not all toilets are 12" mounts (which will be the minimum distance from the wall that the toilet can be installed. Measure from the wall to the center of the hole in the floor (generally the bolts are the same distance as the center of the hole). Some toilets, because of their design need more clearance from the wall than others, so make sure you get the right kind.

Also, if your bathroom floor is tile, there is probably more distance from the drain flange to the surface of the floor, and you should use a double-high wax ring to ensure a good seal between the toilet and drain.

I'm not a plumber, but have replaced a few toilets in my time.

[morfiend]

 Dot,

  You're correct some commercial units require a specified mounting distance,same can be said about some of the handicap specialty units. However in Canada the code states 12 inches minimum distance from the wall.
   
  I had assumed it was just a standard home unit,sorry for not being more specific.

 
   I;m not a licensed plumber either but I was a licensed contractor that specialized in kitchens and baths.


    YMMV.

   

[skorpx1]

Get the one that can flush like 40 ping pong balls

Pfft. Give me some Taco Hell food and I can make that toilet perpetually clogged.

[guncrasher]

they sell adapters that can be installed if you need a little more space.  but you will need to do some work.


midway

[Drano]

Tank toilets come in two varieties, either 10" or 12" rough in. This is the distance from the finished wall (without  the baseboard) to the center of the flange bolts. This determines tank clearance. For example, if your toilet is roughed in for a 10" and you get one that's a12" the tank will hit the wall and the bolts won't line up. It's OK to mess up the other way but you'll have extra space behind the tank.

[Buzzard7]

Just put in an American Standard Cadet3 about a 2 months ago. 1.2 gallons per flush. Took me about half an hour. Replaced an old 3 gal per flush unit. Went from 4000 gal. per moth water to 2.5 to 3000 gal. per month. Going to do the second bathroom toilet in the spring.

[Maverick]

Don't forget to get new gaskets for the new toilet where it mates to the drain. Wax I believe is standard. You do not want it to be leaking when you flush...... 

[Ripsnort]

Did the tank break from overload of pilot ego BS by any chance?