How Much Space Is Required to Install a Typical Toilet?

How Much Space Is Required to Install a Typical Toilet?
Written By
Larry Amon
Larry Amon
Published: Nov 9, 2009
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

Space

Measure room before installing toilet.

The average toilet is 15 in. wide and about 28 in. deep. However, you’ll also need clearance on both sides and in front of the toilet. You’ll probably want at least 1 ft. on either side of the toilet and 2 ft. in front, but this is still a small space for a toilet. Code requirements may list minimum spaces, and they can vary by city and county. Contact your local building authority to find the minimum distance where you live.

Common Mistakes

Plumbing in bathroom.

You also have to install the plumbing to take cold water to and from the toilet. A common mistake is to use pipes that are too small. Check local building codes for these standards, also. You must also provide enough space for the shutoff valve for the toilet, properly align the tubes, and install the toilet level.

Photo Credits

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Larry Amon

Larry Amon has been working in the computer field for more than 10 years and has experience writing scripts, instructional articles and political commentary. He has been published online, as well as in "NRB Magazine" and "Delmarva Youth &…

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