Replacing a 9-inch rough-in toilet can be problematic since most toilet brands no longer manufacture these models. Most toilet models available in the market have a 12-inch rough-in, while 8-inch, 10-inch, and 14-inch rough-in toilet models are rare. If you intend to renovate your bathroom, you need to understand the various solutions to the problems occasioned by 9 inch rough-in toilet models.
Essentially, the right solution should reduce the probability of leakages in your bathroom’s plumbing fixtures. In addition, the solution should allow you to retain your bathroom’s aesthetic beauty after a renovation.
How to Solve Problems Associated with 9-Inch Rough-In Toilet Models
Here are some tailor-made solutions to the problems occasioned by replacing 9-inch rough-in toilet models:
1. Installing a Wall-Hung Toilet
You can resolve the problems associated with replacing a 9-inch rough-in toilet by installing a wall-hung toilet. This solution is ideal if you don’t intend to dig up your bathroom floor to replace the drainage pipe. The solution is also suitable if you don’t desire to renovate the toilet wall.
Installing a wall-hung toilet in place of a 9-inch rough-in lavatory is highly popular among apartment residents for obvious reasons. First, the toilets are easier to clean and save on bathroom space. Wall-hung toilets also blend into your bathroom’s décor seamlessly.
However, the solution comes with its fair share of drawbacks. One such downside includes the need to fix a discharge outlet on your bathroom wall. The second drawback includes the requirement to mount a toilet carrier for attaching your wall-hung toilet. Carrying out the tasks mentioned above often requires you to procure professional services. This means that you have to incur extra costs to implement this solution.
2. Installing a Rear Outlet Toilet
You can resolve the challenges of replacing a 9-inch rough-in toilet by installing a rear outlet toilet in your bathroom. Rear outlet toilets are a more affordable alternative to wall-hung toilets. It is worth noting that rear outlet toilets are floor mounted, and their outlet is at the back rather than on the bathroom floor. This solution spares you the effort of digging up your bathroom floor.
3. Using an Offset Flange
Replacing a 9-inch rough-in toilet poses a significant challenge because of the misalignment between the existing drainage outlet and modern toilets with different rough-in dimensions. Fortunately, an offset flange effectively solves this problem. It is worth noting that an offset flange is a connection accessory that links your bathroom’s drainage outlet to the toilet’s outlet on the bathroom floor. The solution is a feasible and easy option since it does not require you to rip your bathroom floor apart.
When replacing a 9-inch rough-in lavatory, there is a high chance that the toilet’s flange hole protrudes and links to the primary drainage pipe directly. You should purchase an offset flange model with a 3-inch offsetting capability in such a scenario. The model allows you to install a standard 12-inch rough-in toilet seamlessly. But if you intend to install a 10-inch rough-in toilet, you can purchase an offset flange model with a 1-inch offsetting capability.
PlumBest C54402 is a popular offset flange available in the market. The gadget has a 3-inch offset capability and is ideal for replacing 9-inch rough-in toilets with 12-inch rough-in toilets. The item is made of PVC material and weighs roughly 1.05 pounds. It allows for 360-degree rotation during installation and has two radial slots for inserting closet bolts. In addition, the item’s six screw holes enable you to secure it to your bathroom floor.
An Offset Flange Provides the Easiest Solution for 9-inch Toilet Problems!
Most people choose to deploy an offset flange when faced with the challenges of replacing a 9-inch rough-in unit. This is because it is the swiftest and simplest solution out there. If you want to remove an existing flange on the bathroom floor, you can use a chisel and a mallet.
However, you must know that installing an offset flange model with a 3-inch offset capability requires you to dig out a relatively larger hole on the bathroom floor. The hole should be just the right size. A considerably big hole can make your offset flange wobbly. Moreover, a significantly big hole can result in frequent blockages or clogs.
Before installing an offset flange, you need to check the building regulations in your locality. It is worth noting that some building regulations ban offset flanges. If you live in an apartment or condominium, you should ensure the bathroom doesn’t have crossbeams beneath your toilet before chiselling it out. Ideally, offset flange models with a considerably small offset capability enable you to limit the cost of patching out your bathroom floor after installation.
4. Wall Renovation
Wall renovation constitutes another solution to your 9-inch rough-in toilet problems. In essence, this solution enables you to lengthen the space between the floor-mounted drainage and the wall that faces the toilet’s rear end. However, wall renovation is relatively expensive compared to other solutions for resolving 9-inch rough-in toilet problems.
The solution entails moving the rear wall several inches. If you want to replace a 9-inch rough-in toilet with a 12-inch rough-in toilet, you should move the wall 3 inches back. Notably, you should seek professional assistance if you want to move a load-bearing wall. If your bathroom wall is partition walls, you can move them yourself.
5. Installing a 10-inch Toilet
You can resolve 9-inch rough-in lavatory problems by installing a 10-inch rough-in toilet that fits a 9-inch toilet rough-in. Generally, 10-inch rough-in toilet models leave a 1-inch gap between the rear wall and the cistern’s back, which you can fill up with tile or other walling material. Fortunately, most popular toilet brands like Kohler, TOTO, and American Standard make great 10-inch toilets. Popular 10-inch rough-in toilet models that meet this criterion include:
1. Toto CST744SF.10#01
The toilet model has a modern and elegant look that accentuates your bathroom interior. The product also has a 10-inch rough-in that fits a 9-inch rough-in. Ideally, you can use it to replace your existing 9-inch rough-in toilet.
Toto designed and manufactured the toilet with your water consumption needs in mind. Essentially, the commode has G-Max flushing technology, enabling it to consume approximately 1.6 gallons per flush. The toilet also has a chrome-plated flushing lever with a contemporary look.
Unique Features
- 10-inch rough-in.
- Floor-mounted.
- Made of ceramic material.
- White color.
- Measures 29 inches * 15 inches * 17.25 inches.
2. American Standard 270BB001.020
The toilet comes with a 10-inch rough-in that resolves your 9-inch rough-in problems. The unit also has a sleek modern look that gives your bathroom a contemporary feel. Its white color blends with your white bathroom interior seamlessly.
Essentially, the commode’s one-piece design makes it easier to install. Moreover, the configuration reduces its susceptibility to leakages and breakages. The unit is made of Vitreous China material that is strong enough to accommodate heavy people without caving in.
Unique Features
- 10-inch rough-in.
- Measures 26.25 inches * 17 inches * 30.25 inches.
- Made of Vitreous China material.
- Round shape.
- White color.
- Weighs 58.9 pounds.
3. TOTO Drake Two-Piece Elongated 1.28 GPF
The toilet has a 10-inch rough-in that solves your 9-inch rough-in toilet problems. In essence, the toilet fits into the space of the 9-inch rough-in toilet you intend to replace. Additionally, the unit’s white color seamlessly blends into your white bathroom interior.
Toto considered your installation needs when designing the toilet. Most notably, the unit’s two-piece design gives you additional flexibility during installation. The unit’s configuration makes it easier to carry it around your bathroom during installation.
Unique Features
- 10-inch rough-in.
- Cotton color.
- Measures 29 inches * 15 inches * 17.25 inches.
- Made of Vitreous China material.
- Weighs 80 pounds.
Final Thoughts
Replacing a 9-inch rough-in toilet presents challenges because toilets with a 9-inch rough-in dimension are not readily available in the market. Using an offset range is the most popular solution to the problems occasioned by replacing a 9-inch rough-in lavatory. The solution offers a swift and easy fix to your problems. So the next time you need to replace your 9-inch rough-in toilet, don’t hesitate to pick one of the five solutions mentioned above.