How to Rotate a Toilet | Ask This Old House

Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner rotate a toilet to a more sensible orientation.
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Time: 2 hours
Skill Level: Moderate
Tools:
Wrench
Latex Gloves
Plastic Putty Knife
Drill with masonry bit
Screwdriver
Mini-hacksaw
Shopping List:
14” Rough-In Toilet
Flange Repair Kit
Wax Ring
Flexible Supply Hose
Closet nuts and washers
Steps:
1. A standard toilet has a 12” rough in dimension- the distance from the wall to the toilet bolts.
2. If the new toilet location differs from standard, a 10” or 14” rough in toilet can be ordered to better fit.
3. Before doing any plumbing work, ensure water is off at the toilet and the tank and bowl are drained.
4. Remove the closet nuts holding the toilet to the floor.
5. Carefully remove the toilet.
6. Remove the old wax ring from the closet flange.
7. If the existing flange doesn’t have space to accommodate the new bolts, use a flange repair kit.
8. Use the wax ring to make a connection between the closet flange and the flange repair kit.
9. Secure the flange repair kit to the floor using a hand screwdriver.
10. Add a longer flexible supply hose to the shut off valve.
11. Bring the toilet in and ensure both bolts on the flange repair kit go through the bolt holes on the toilet.
12. Attach the toilet to the flange using a washer base, closet bolt, and bolt cap. The closet bolt may need to be cut off if too high.
Resources:
The American Standard Cadet Pro Compact Right Height Elongated Toilet 14" Rough-In can be found at the local plumbing supply store.
The Danco HydroSeat Toilet Flange Repair (/) used for this project can be found at the local home center or at Danco online.
The additional flange adaptors, wax ring, and masonry screws can be found at the local home center.
About Ask This Old House TV:
Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we're ready to answer. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers—and we make house calls! Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook.
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How to Rotate a Toilet | Ask This Old House
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