9-Inch Rough in Toilet: All You Need To Know

Are you in the market for a new toilet? When choosing a toilet for your bathroom, there are many factors to consider, including size, style, and installation requirements. 

One important measurement is the rough-in, the distance from the wall behind the toilet to the center of the waste outlet on the floor.

If so, can you use a 9-inch rough-in toilet, as manufacturers no longer make it, and it’s difficult to find? Also, is that what you need?

You can use a 9-inch rough-in toilet. However, getting this toilet type is difficult, which can be an issue, except if you use an alternative rough-in toilet. You mostly find this toilet in old homes or small bathrooms. If you are to get an alternative, you only need one that is adjustable, like the 10-inch rough-in.

In this article, we’ll discuss what a 9-inch rough-in toilet is and whether you can use it.

We’ll then discuss how you know if that’s what you need and options for replacing it with a 10-inch.

By the end, you’ll know if it’s a 9-inch rough-in toilet you need and how to fix or replace it with your alternative option.

Can I Use a 9-inch Rough-in Toilet?

Yes, you can get it if your bathroom is small or your house is old. 

However, you should note that getting this size of a rough-in toilet is difficult, but that doesn’t mean if you have it, you can’t use it.

Before installing one, ensure it suits your bathroom’s plumbing and setup. 

A 9-inch rough-in toilet has a waste outlet centered 9 inches from the wall behind it. This setup is different from the standard rough in size of 12 inches. 

If your bathroom has a plumbing setup designed for a 12-inch rough-in toilet, installing a 9-inch rough-in toilet may not work.

Measuring the distance is the best way to determine if you can use a 9-inch rough-in toilet. It should be from the wall to the center of the current toilet’s waste outlet. 

If it’s 9 inches or less, then a 9-inch rough-in toilet should work. Consider other options if it’s more than 9 inches. 

It’s also important to note that a 9-inch rough-in toilet may be more expensive than a standard toilet due to its specialized size. So, be sure to factor in the cost when making your decision.

Also, consider the installation stress with a 9-inch rough-in as it’s no longer common; hence, getting someone experienced with it might be difficult.

If you already have a toilet installed and want to switch to a 9-inch rough-in, a professional plumber’s help is needed to install the new toilet properly.

In summary, if your bathroom is small and the plumbing setup allows for it, and you’re willing to pay the additional cost, a 9-inch rough-in is great. 

Always measure and double-check before making any purchases or installations.

How Do I Know If I Need a 9-inch Rough-in Toilet?

One way to know if your toilet size is the 9-inch rough-in is to measure it. The rough-in distance is the measurement from the center of the drain to the wall behind the toilet. 

In most cases, the rough-in distance is 12 inches, as that is the regular size these days, but there are instances where it may be less. 

If you have a bathroom with limited space, a 9-inch rough-in toilet may be necessary. 

That is because a 12-inch rough-in toilet may not fit comfortably in your bathroom, making it difficult to move around the room.

To determine if you need a 9-inch rough-in toilet, measure the distance from the center of your drain to the wall behind the toilet. 

If the distance is 9 inches or less, then a 9-inch rough-in toilet is the perfect option.

However, if your rough-in distance exceeds 9 inches, then a 9-inch rough-in toilet may not be the best option.

It’s also important to consider the size of your bathroom and the type of toilet you want to install.

A round-front toilet with a 9-inch rough-in may be the best option for a small bathroom.  

However, if you have a larger bathroom and prefer an elongated toilet, then a 9-inch rough-in may not be available in that style.

Knowing the rough-in distance of your plumbing is crucial when choosing a toilet. If you have a 9-inch rough-in, a 9-inch rough-in toilet is the best option for your bathroom.

When choosing a 9-inch rough-in toilet, it’s important to remember that limited options are available compared to the standard 12-inch rough-in toilets. 

Also, consider compromising style or features due to the limited selection of 9-inch rough-in toilets.

If you’re considering a 9-inch rough-in toilet, remember that it may require additional maintenance over time. 

The smaller rough-in distance means the waste travels a shorter distance before reaching the drain, resulting in clogging issues if you don’t properly maintain it. 

Regular cleaning and using a plunger can help prevent clogs and keep your toilet functioning properly.

Overall, a 9-inch rough-in toilet is a practical option for bathrooms with limited space and the proper plumbing configuration.

Can You Replace a 10-Inch Rough-in Toilet With a 9-Inch?

Yes, but it may require additional work and adjustments to your plumbing. It also depends largely on the specifics of your bathroom and plumbing situation. 

If your current toilet has a 10-inch rough-in and you want to replace it with a 9-inch rough-in toilet, there are a few factors to consider.

You’ll need to ensure the new toilet properly aligns with the existing drain pipe, which may require repositioning the toilet flange or installing an offset flange.

Firstly, you’ll need to measure the rough distance from the flange bolts’ center to the wall behind the toilet.

If this distance is exactly 10 inches, a 9-inch rough-in toilet may not fit properly. 

Installing a toilet with a rough-in that’s too short or too long can cause problems with installation and functionality.

However, if the distance is slightly less than 10 inches, you can use a 9-inch rough-in toilet with some adjustment.

You may need to move the flange to ensure the proper distance when making this adjustment. That can be quite a project and may require professional plumbing assistance.

Another factor to consider is the position of the water supply line. 

If the water supply is on the same side as the rough-in measurement, move the line to install a new toilet with a different rough-in measurement.

If your bathroom is a 10-inch rough-in, you can size other plumbing system components for that distance. 

Before making any changes, consult with a plumbing professional to ensure the changes will not cause problems with your plumbing system.

The table below shows the differences between a 10-inch rough-in and a 9-inch.

9-Inch Rough-In	10-Inch Rough-In
You use it in smaller bathrooms or old houses.	You use it in wider bathrooms with a 10-inch rough-in measurement.
You have limited options with this toilet as most manufacturers no longer produce them.	You are more options with this toilet than with a 9-inch rough-in.
You might find it difficult to get.	You can easily find this toilet in the market, unlike the 9-inch.

It’s also important to note that a 9-inch rough-in toilet may limit your toilet options. 

Not all manufacturers make toilets with a 9-inch rough-in, so you may need to research to find a toilet that fits your needs. 

Overall, replacing a 10-inch rough-in toilet with a 9-inch is possible. 

However, ensuring you have the proper measurements and considering any potential plumbing issues before starting the project is important.