Get matched with top toilet pros in Squaw Valley, CA

Most codes require 15 inches on either side of the toilet's centerline (from the wall or vanity) and at least 21 to 24 inches between the toilet and the wall in front of it. These codes ensure that your toilet is easy to use and access, even in small bathrooms. Check your local building codes for the exact measurements required. 

Some older homes have toilets in the basement to combat sewage backups. This type of toilet, also known as a Pittsburgh potty, acted as a safety valve over the incoming sewer line. If a line backed up, it would back up into the toilet because it was the lowest fixture in the home, keeping it out of sight and away from the finished areas of the house.

Basement toilets were also used by workers with messy jobs, like those who worked in coal mines or steel mills. This way, they could clean up and avoid tracking dirt through their home.

Replacing a toilet typically takes two to four hours. Several factors can impact this timeline, including the condition of the old toilet, flange, flooring, and pipes. If a professional discovers issues like a cracked flange, damaged flooring, leaky pipes, or a broken wax ring, the installation will take longer. Additionally, some toilets, such as wall-mounted or in-wall-tank models, are more complex to install and may require cutting into and repairing drywall, which adds to the project time. Given the weight of toilets and the importance of proper placement, it is often best to hire a professional for the job.

The cost of making a bathroom accessible can be $3,000 to $25,000, but you could spend as much as $50,000 building a brand-new ADA-compliant bathroom. Some bathroom accessibility upgrades to consider include:

• Installing grab bars: $100–$500 

• Lowering cabinets and vanities: $1,200–$2,500

• Installing modified doors: $700–$1,500

• Installing a modified toilet: $400–$1,000

• Installing an accessible sink and faucet: $100–$1,000

• Adding a walk-in tub: $1,100–$17,000

• Converting a bathtub into a walk-in tub: $350–$1,000

• Installing a wheelchair-accessible shower: $2,000–$7,500

• Installing a shower ramp: $16–$300