Elongated Toilet Installation: Planning, Dimensions, and Size Guide 

If you are beginning a bathroom refresh or simply replacing an old toilet with a new one, it’s a great idea to plan the project carefully. Installing plumbing fixtures can be a frustrating home improvement, especially if existing pipes, wires, or framing must be altered.

One of the most popular home improvement projects among do-it-yourselfers is replacing old, outdated toilets, sinks, showers, and bathtubs. Generally, manufacturers design new fixtures to fit the same location as the old fixture, but not always.

Bathroom remodeling projects tend to add or remove existing walls, which can be a problem if the wall contains plumbing pipes, HVAC vents, or wiring. Without proper planning, a simple replacement project can cause more problems than it solves.

Here, we will discuss the details of preparing for a successful elongated toilet installation. We’ll cover how to perform a preliminary inspection, take correct elongated toilet measurements, and determine which adjustments to your plumbing or framing may be required.

What is an Elongated Toilet?

If you are planning an upgrade, you might first ask, “What is an elongated toilet exactly?” An elongated toilet is designed very similarly to a standard toilet, except the bowl shape is oval rather than circular, which extends further from the wall. This design offers superior comfort and support, making it a highly popular upgrade for modern bathrooms.

When comparing an elongated vs round toilet, the main difference lies in comfort and space. A round toilet is compact and fits well in tight half-baths, whereas an elongated model provides more seating surface area. On average, how long is an elongated toilet? An elongated bowl typically measures 18.5 inches from the mounting holes to the front rim, which is about 2 inches longer than a round bowl. This added length changes the total elongated toilet size, meaning you need to account for this extra projection during your planning phase.

The best toilet designers, like TOTO USA, include adjustable pipe connections to meet varying pipe locations. This not only makes the job significantly easier but also prevents the need for additional adapters during your elongated toilet installation.

The Drake Two-Piece toilet, built by TOTO USA, is a great example of form meeting function. Drake toilets have a unique G-Max trapway (where many clogs occur) that virtually eliminates clogging while using only 1.6 gallons per flush. The unique glazing on these toilets helps clean the bowl as well, without needing harsh chemicals.

These designs can also be customized with skirting, making them ideal for DIYers with uneven floors. They are also available with a SoftClose seat and a wide range of hardware styles, colors, and finishes. Because elongated models are considered an upgrade, they tend to have the most features and color options available. In addition, they are highly water-efficient, comfortable, and durable.

Does an Elongated Toilet Fit the Same Plumbing as a Round Toilet?

Where existing plumbing is concerned, a new model will fit in the same location as the original in most situations. Plumbing codes require that the drain pipe the toilet sits over be a standard offset from the wall behind it, which is known as the rough-in. While the overall elongated toilet dimensions extend further into the bathroom, the floor connection remains standardized.

Building codes also require that toilets have a standard clear space around them for easy access. This means the bathtub, shower, vanity, and other objects must maintain a minimum distance from the bowl. If your bathroom has limited space, make sure you’re aware of and comply with these minimum clearances. Understanding the overall elongated toilet measurements ensures your bathroom remains functional and code-compliant.

What Changes Will I Need to Make to the Plumbing or Framing?

Framing

 Generally, you won’t have to change the floor framing or finished floor to replace an old toilet. However, if you relocate any walls or fixtures within the bathroom, you may have to relocate the elongated toilet flange, which is the secure collar that attaches the toilet to the drain pipe on the floor.

Pipes: Supply Lines and Drain

 Which side of the tank connects to the supply line? If you select a model with connections on the correct side, you can avoid long supply lines from the supply valve. Does the supply line extend from the floor or the wall? Take a few measurements of these locations and share them with a professional when selecting your new fixture to make the process easier.

Hardware

 The best manufacturers provide additional hardware options for maximum design control. You can select from a wide range of colors and textures and even choose whether the flush handle is on the left or right.

Finished Floor

 Be aware that the type of finished floor your bathroom has can affect how the bowl sits on the elongated toilet flange. Thick materials, such as ceramic tiles, will lengthen the distance between the toilet bowl and the flange. You may have to add a spacer to the flange if your new flooring adds more than 1/8 inch to maintain a secure, watertight seal.

HVAC Register

 Some bathrooms have floor HVAC registers instead of ceiling or wall registers. Check with your local building codes office to determine the minimum clearance distance you’ll need to maintain. Because the elongated toilet size extends further forward, make sure you have adequate distance from floor registers.

Electrical Outlet

 If there is a nearby jetted bathtub, the wall behind a toilet may contain a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet. Before final selection, ensure the widest part of the tank will not infringe on the outlet. The outlet is there to disconnect the power if the tub becomes accidentally electrified and must remain fully accessible.

ADA Compliance

 ADA-compliant residential bathrooms have different rules than standard building codes. If you plan to make your bathroom ADA-compliant, installing an elongated bowl is an excellent place to start. However, you’ll also need grab bars in certain locations, along with wide doors and easy-to-reach light switches.

Plan Your Next Project with Coburn’s

Finding the right elongated toilet dimensions is key to a successful bathroom upgrade. To find the right fixtures, hardware, and plumbing supplies for your space, visiting your local Coburn’s Showroom is the perfect next step.

At Coburn’s Kitchen & Bath Showroom, we stock a wide selection of durable toilets and plumbing fixtures. Our showroom consultants are ready to answer your technical questions and help you find the right products for your home.

Visit your nearest showroom location or browse our online store today to get started. Your ideal bathroom layout is just a visit away.