Question:
I had a plumber replace my standard 20 yr old toilet with a new taller elongated mansfield toilet. The old toilet studs in the floor were about 12 inches to 12 and 1/2 inches from the drywall. The new toilet was installed on the same studs but now the upright part of the new toilet sits about 2 inches out from the drywall, whereas the old toilet was flush against the drywall. Was the correct toilet installed? And if so, why does the new toilet not sit against the wall?
Answer:
Toilets come in different rough in sizes such as 10, 12 and 14. Ninety-nine percent of most modern toilets are roughed in for 12″, which is the distance from the bolts at the base to the wall at the back of the toilets. Some newer models do allow more air space between the wall and tank because the tanks are thinner/smaller to hold less water. As long as the toilet is stable and the tank isn’t loose, it should be ok.