Plumbing is all about the correct installations and measurements. Whether you are installing a faucet or a toilet, proper measurements matter in every situation. And one such important calculation is the rough in of the toilet.
So, which is better, 10-inch vs. 12-inch rough in toilet? Both 10 inches and 12 inches of rough in toilets are standard sizes in the industry. As the numbers suggest, the distance of the 12-inch rough in the toilet is greater than the 10-inch one. And a bigger rough-in toilet is suitable for bigger spaces and toilets.
In this guide, we will have a detailed discussion about the differences between the two rough-in toilet sizes. So, continue reading till the very end!
Comparison Chart: 10 inch Vs. 12 inch Rough In Toilet
Here, we have prepared a quick chart comparing the 10-inch rough-in toilet with the 12-inch one. So, take a look at the table to understand the differences in a quick glance.
| Features | 10-inch | 12-inch |
| Measurement | 10 inches | 12 inches |
| Suitable For | Smaller space | Larger space |
| Available Options | Limited | Wide range |
| Style | Traditional and old | Standard and modern |
| Installation | Easy | Complicated |
| Utility bills | Higher | Lower |
| Flushing Performance | Poor | Good |
| Cost | Expensive | Reasonable |
10 inch Vs. 12 inch Rough In Toilet: Detailed Comparison
We now know the basic differences between the two rough-in toilet sizes. Let us take a look at the detailed differences between the 10-inch size and the 12-inch size.
Style
The 10-inch rough-in toilet is typically seen in old houses and bathrooms with traditional designs. On the other hand, the 12-inch size is currently the standard one and is usually seen in modern bathroom designs.
Space Requirement
A 10-inch rough-in toilet works best for bathrooms with smaller spaces. This is because the rough-in toilet size of 12 inches has a larger space requirement. And every toilet must follow plumbing rules and regulations.
According to the rules, plumbers must take the available space into consideration to ensure that users have flexible space to move.
Available Options
The 12-inch rough-in toilet is currently considered to be the standard size in the industry. And due to its popularity, there is a wide range of options available for this size. This includes several different types of toilet designs and toilet bowl sizes. On the other hand, the options for the 10-inch one are quite limited.
Installation
The 10-inch size is easier to install as the size is smaller and lighter. Thus, installing the bigger size is a bit complicated and requires more time. However, the tools required to complete the installation are the same for both sizes.
Flushing Performance
There is a difference in the flushing performance of both of these sizes. The smaller size usually provides a poor flushing performance compared to the bigger one.
And the reason behind this is the small amount of space available in the toilet bowl. This poor performance often requires a higher number of flushes and ends up requiring more water, which in turn causes the utility bills to increase.
Water Consumption
Another major distinction between the two sizes is water consumption. The 10-inch size typically consumes less water than the 12-inch rough-in. However, low water consumption often leads to a dissatisfying flushing performance, as mentioned above.
Cost
Last but not least, the cost is also a key difference between these two rough-in toilet sizes. As more options are available for the 12-inch size, you can easily find designs and styles that meet your aesthetic demands and budget.
However, the 10-inch size is a bit expensive as the options are limited, and there are not many designs available.
Pros And Cons Of 10-Inch Rough-In Toilet
As we mentioned earlier, the 10-inch rough-in toilet has its own pros and cons. Take a look at these advantages and disadvantages properly before you make a choice.
Pros
- Suitable for smaller bathrooms
- Replaceable by a 12-inch rough-in toilet
- The installation process is easy
Cons
- Fewer options available
- Price is on the higher end
- Poor flushing performance
- High utility bills
Pros And Cons Of 12-Inch Rough-In Toilet
Similar to the 10-inch size, the 12-inch rough-in toilet also has a few advantages and disadvantages. Check out the pros and cons of the rough-in size of 12 inches.
Pros
- Several options available
- Lower utility bills
- Good flush performance
- Low water consumption
- Available at a reasonable price
Cons
- Requires large space
- Installation is a bit complicated
- Cannot be replaced by a 10-inch rough-in
Why Is It Important To Choose The Right Rough In Toilet?
As we mentioned earlier, measurements when choosing or installing a toilet are highly important. This is important to make sure that the fixtures work perfectly without causing any sort of problem.
If you notice the right toilet according to the rough-in size, it would fit in the bathroom properly and work efficiently. However, if you choose a toilet that is suitable for a smaller rough in than the one installed in the toilet, it would fit.
But the problem will arise as there will be a 2-inch gap that you must cover properly to prevent accidents and maintain the aesthetics. And if you purchase a toilet suitable for a bigger rough-in, it will not fit in the available space properly.
So, make sure to pay attention to the toilet size before purchasing. And do not forget to measure the rough-in before making a decision.
FAQs
Puzzled up? In this section, we’ll answer some of the most common questions people have regarding toilet rough in.
Yes, taking the toilet rough-in into consideration is a must. It helps to ensure that you have the right size of toilet installed and adequate space to move in the bathroom.
In the current market, 12 inches is the most common and standard size. The 10-inch size is typically seen in old and traditional homes, while the 14-inch size is quite rare.
Conclusion
Rough-in sizes in toilets are a factor that you must consider when building a new home or getting your bathroom renovated. When it comes to choosing a certain rough-in size, both 10 and 12 inches are popular choices.
However, if you are looking for the best pick between 10-inch vs 12-inch rough in toilet, it is wise to go for the 12-inch rough-in toilet. This is because this size ensures lower utility bills and better flush performance, and offers multiple options to choose from.
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