When purchasing and setting up a new toilet in your residence, workplace, or other location, toilet adapters are one of the crucial factors to consider. The adapters mostly come in 10 and 12 inches, hence the discussion on how to transition from 10-inch to 12-inch toilet adapters.

You can replace 10-inch with 12-inch rough-ins by employing an offset flange adapter to link the toilet flush outlet to the main drain pipe. To achieve this, you have to ensure that the rough-in of your bathroom matches the rough-in for your toilet.

The benefits associated with 12-inch toilet adapters outweigh those of their 10-inch counterparts; for instance, an incredible capacity to accommodate standard toilets seamlessly.

This article compares 10-inch and 12-inch toilet adapters and explains how to switch from 10-inch to 12-inch adapters.

Specifications For A 10 Inch Rough-in Toilet

A 10-inch rough-in toilet is a ten-inch gap between the floor flange’s opening center and the wall. Even though very few toilets exhibit this characteristic, you’ll find them in old homes and buildings.

During the toilet remodeling, ensure that you purchase a toilet that will fit the allotted 10-inch space. The measurement is ideal for small bathrooms and powder rooms, such as Kohler Cimarron K-3851-0, American Standard Cadet Pro (two-piece), and Toto Drake Washlet.

Benefits Of 10-Inch Adapters

They are ideal for small restrooms
They save on space
You can reconfigure them to 12-inch adapters

Drawbacks Of 10-Inch Adapters

They are expensive
They are more susceptible to clogging

They provide limited options
They can increase dampness, humidity, mold growth, and sweating since the water closet connects to the wall.

Specifications For A 12 Inch Rough-in Toilet

It adopts the name 12-inch rough-in because of the 12-inch distance between the floor flange’s opening center and the wall. Nowadays, this is the conventional measurement, meaning there are alternatives to pick.

The top picks include Sterling Windham 403080-0, Kohler Persuade K-3654-47, and Toto Drake CST744SL.

Benefits Of 12-Inch Adapters

They can accommodate most standard toilets

They are ideal for small and large laboratories
They provide multiple toilet options
They embody a robust, flushing power

They are less vulnerable to clogging

Drawbacks

You cannot convert them to 10-inch rough-ins

Comparison Between 10 Inch And 12 Inch

It’s natural to consider 10 or 12 inches rough in toilets before purchasing to ensure you don’t make a mistake. The following are the essential elements to consider:

a) Water Consumption

10-inch toilet adapters provide 1.6 gallons for every flush. Recently, 12-inch toilet adapters reduced this amount to 1.28 gallons per flush.

The 1.28 GPF grabbed the attention of the California Energy Commission and CALGreen. They now recommend it for households citing the 1.28 GPF provided by 12-inch rough-ins cut down costs incurred from water bills.

However, remember that an excellent flushing performance doesn’t demand a second flush to clear waste.

b) For Individuals In Humid Areas

If you stay in an area with humid conditions, a 12-inch rough-in toilet will come in handy because it can withstand dampness. 10-inch toilet adapters are susceptible to humidity and mold growth, hence unsuitable for such places.

c) Measurement

You will find 10-inch adapters in older homes, although many deem the 12 inches rough-in as the 10-inch substitute. A toilet with a 10-inch rough-in offers fewer possibilities.

12-inch ones, on the other hand, offer a wide range of possibilities. They come in elongated or round, one-piece or two-piece, chair, or standard height options.

d) Clogging Problem

10-inch toilet adapters are more vulnerable to clogging, unlike their 12-inch counterparts.

How To Replace 10-inch Toilet Adapters With 12-inch Adapters

Even though 10-inch adapters are outdated, they have the advantage of being able to be converted to 12-inch rough-ins. You can upgrade to the desired adapter by connecting the toilet flush outlet to the main drainpipe with an offset flange adapter.

A toilet flange transfers the rough-in while also preventing harm. It’s also adaptable to changing circumstances. You should install higher than 1/4 inches off the bathroom floor to press the wax ring firmly and create a seal.

How Do I Install An Offset Flange Adapter

Measure the size of the drain opener, which can range from 3 to 4 inches.
Purchase an offset flange adapter that fits the size of the rough-in. The right wax ring and bolts will help you create a tight seal.

Cut off water supply systems connected to your toilet.
Flush water from the tank and use a sponge to clear every droplet of water remaining. Do this before detaching the tank cover.
Prepare a cloth or an old towel before dismantling the old toilet. You must place the toilet on the cloth or old towel carefully.

How Do I Know My Toilet Is A 10 inch or 12 inch

As previously stated, rough-in refers to the distance between the drain opener or the midpoint of the flange adapter and the toilet’s back wall. Get a measuring tape and follow the steps below to ascertain whether you have a 10-inch or a 12-inch.

1) If Your Toilet Is Floor-mounted

Measure the drain opener. Locate and mark the center.

Measure the distance between the bolt caps (at the bottom of the toilet) and the wall.
Incorporate rear bolts in case there are at least two caps. Do this while estimating your rough-in.
You must include a solid wall in the estimation if there is a stud wall.

2) If Your Toilet is Corner-mounted

Stretch the measuring tape from the toilet’s two angles to the center of the bolt caps to mark the precise positions.
Draw perpendicular at both points.

The rough-in is the area where the points intersect.

FAQs on 10 inch to 12 inch toilet adapter

Can You Replace A 10-inch Rough-in Toilet With A 12-inch Rough-in Toilet?

The rough-in for your restroom plumbing and the rough-in for the toilet should match. Even though the toilet targets a 10-inch rough-in, you can install it in a 12-inch rough-in area.

Why Would I Want An Elongated Toilet Bowl?

Experts think extended bowls are more sanitary since the larger surface area allows men and kids to use them with far less mess. You require the elongated bowl to be in good books with ADA and easy to use for people with mobility concerns.

What Is The Difference Between A 10-inch And 12-inch Rough-in Toilet?

Most toilet bowls function with a 10′′ or 12′′ distance. However, a 10′′ rough tank is narrower to accommodate the shorter spacing. Since 10-inch rough-in toilets are becoming increasingly scarce, they are more costly.

Can You Use A 12-inch Rough-in Toilet?

You can, however, the toilet tank’s rear would be two inches farther from the wall.

How Do I know If My Toilet Is 10 or 12?

If the toilet features four bolts instead of two, measure from the middle of the back bolts. 10, 12, and 14 inches are the conventional rough-in dimensions.

If the metrics fall within these ranges, round it down to the subsequent standard measurement.

Closing Thoughts

Hopefully, this post on 10- inch to 12-inch toilet adapters has been beneficial. If you have a small bathroom, then the 10-inch rough-in would suffice.

If the 10-inch one fails to function as expected, you can reconfigure it to a 12-inch rough-in. The 12-inch toilet adapters feature multiple alternatives that the 10-inch counterparts cannot match.