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Plumbing drains (C) Carson Dunlop AssociatesToilet FAQs
Q&A on toilet types, brands, sources, repairs

Guide to types & designs of toilets:

Illustrated List of All Types of Toilets, How to Identify Toilet Parts, How Flush Toilets Work, How to Identify Toilet Type & Brand.

This article series describes the different types and models of toilets: historical or old toilet types, wooden high wall-tank toilets, conventional reservoir tank toilets, low-flush toilets, water saving toilets, back-flush toilets, up-flush toilets, and even chemical toilets. Here we explain how to diagnose and repair problems with toilets, leaks, flushes, odors, noises, running and wasted water.

InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.

- Daniel Friedman, Publisher/Editor/Author - See WHO ARE WE?

Types of Toilets & Toilet Controls & Parts for Water Closets, Elastic Valve Closets

Top flush flush valve toilet Glacie Bay (C) Daniel FriedmanQuestions & answers about types of toilets & toilet parts, identification, installation, repair, posted originally at TOILET TYPES, CONTROLS, PARTS - be sure to review the help provided there.

Question: history of toilet waste pipe opening rough-in distdance

2019/10/10 by susan dineen

in 1971 what was the standard distance from the wall to the hole the toilet sits on

in 1971 how far from the wall must the hole for the toilet be

Reply:

Susan, for decades the typical toilet installation dimensions have been

Typical toilet dimensions (C) D Friedman Titan

Details are at TOILET INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

Watch out: however, Susan because some homes used a different rough-in dimension. Other rough-in dimensions for spacing of the toilet waste pipe opening (center line) from the finished surface of the rear wall were

- 10 inches

- 14 inches

Because of these variations most plumbers or carpenters cutting the R.O. for the toilet waste line and flange mount will double-check the brand and model of toilet to be installed, or for an odd toilet on-hand they would drop a vertical line from the back of the toilet cistern or tank top lid's rear edge to the floor and measure the distance from there to the center of the toilet's bottom waste opening.

Watch out: using ANY non-standard rough opening or R.O. to install a toilet today is likely to lead to some vehement language some day in the future when the odd-sized toilet must be replaced.

Particularly onerous will be a toilet waste connection that is *** too close *** to the wall behind the toilet (or a wall to one side) as that can make it impossible to install a replacement toilet without moving the waste pipe - an onerous job.

On the other hand if the toilet waste connection is slightly too far away from the wall when installing a replacement or new toilet that's not a catastrophe. At most the installer might add a spacer or buffer behind the toilet cistern or tank to help stabilize the unit.

Watch out: also to be sure that the necessary space is provided around the toilet - at its sides and front.

In the U.S. the IRC requires at least 21 inches of free space in front of the toilet bowl (measured from the outermost front bowl rim edge),

and the UPC required at least 24 inches of free space in front of the toilet bowl (measured from the outermost front bowl rim edge

Both codes require at least 15-inches of free space on either side of the toilet bowl or seat.

On 2019-04-29 1 by Tommy Bolden

I invented an toilet have an Patent but need a prototype and manufacturing of the toilet also have Technical Engineering drawing

On 2018-10-22 by (mod) -

Perhaps you could attach a photo - that might let readers make a comment.

On 2018-10-22 by Jessica

I am trying to figure out what brand this toilet is. It's black and between the seat hinges is the letter K . Looks double stamped. Any one can help, please?

On 2018-06-15 by (mod) - The Windsor Bathroom Company contact information

Bhaya

Most toilets can accept pretty-standard repair parts. All you need are the measurements you already have, and a trip to your local plumbing supplier. You should not have to match the toilet brand/model - at least in most cases.

You did not give the country and city of your home - or toilet.

The Windsor Bathroom Company
Edisonstraat 16a
8912 AW Leeuwarden

Tel .: +31 (0) 58 2165070
Mob: +31 (0) 6 51989246
General information: info@windsorbathrooms.nl
Technical support: service@windsorbathrooms.nl

Shop Amsterdam
Windsor Bathroom Shop
Overtom 400HS
1054 JS Amsterdam

Mail: info@windsorbathroomamsterdam.nl

On 2018-06-14 by Bhaya

i have a toilet bowel one piece type. it is missing the flush valve and flapper toilet is good says on bowel "Windsor collection" do not know the manufacturer.

is it possible to find parts for this it has no access to bottom of tank and hole is 2-1/2" dia. tank is about 10" deep.number on bowel are 407-208-06-03-24 but on the lid it says 428-205-06-03-15

On 2017-02-23 4 by Michael

Thank you for the reply. We are having plenty of wild guesses here - with photos!
I now have a couple of pictures. How do I get them to you or post them on here?

Elastic Valve Toilet by Mike at InspectApedia.com On 2018-04-05 by (mod) - antique enameled steel toilet

Mike

Interesting. Are there any brand names or marks on the toilet or on the middle work?

And can you tell me the country and city where the toilet was located?

So that your images can be found by others interested in antique toilets and commodes, I have moved our discussion and copied your photos over

to ANTIQUE FLUSH TOILETS

On 2018-04-04 by Mike

Posted the pic of early toilet, reply if you like to shadycreekboers@aol.com

Elastic Valve Toilet by Mike at InspectApedia.com

Just picked up what I think is a primitive toilet, wanted to see if anyone could identify or know history.

On 2018-02-15 by (mod) -

Sorry but we don't sell any products or services at this website. That policy avoids any actual conflict of interest and it's important for reader trust.

just make a measurement of the distance between the hinges that is the opening through which the hinge bolts insert into the toilet base, I measure inseam length, and you'll find quite a few generic Replacements that will fix that toilet.

On 2018-02-15 by LindaLou

On your top flush toilet picture above....I am in need of that particular toilet seat to fit the 1997 Kohler top flush toilet. Can you help me?

On 2017-07-12 by (mod) - recommended regular schedule for replacing toilet parts

Bill,

I have not come across a recommended regular schedule for replacing toilet parts; rather the work is done when there's evidence of a problem such as what you've described.

Above on this page on toilet types at https://inspectapedia.com/plumbing/Toilet_Types.php#BackFlush you probably saw two different back-flush toilet designs: one is actually bolted to and suspended from a wall - the toilet doesn't touch the floor - making floor cleaning easier.

The second backflush toilet type, and this is how most American Standard backflush toilets are made, has a base that sits on the floor surface but flushes backwards into a wall connection to the sewer line.

If your toilet is like the first one - not touching the floor - I suspect there is a toilet seal leak in the wall.

If your toilet has a base sitting on the floor, before pulling the toilet I'd double check that there is not

- a problem with a running toilet and condensation appearing on the floor

- a crack and thus leak in the toilet bowl or base

If those are not present it's time to

- be sure there's a good water shutoff valve installed

- turn off water

- remove the toilet

- clean up

- replace its wax/seal to the waste line

- reinstall it

You're welcome to use the page-bottom CONTACT link to send me photos of the toilet and the situation and I may be able to comment further.

On 2017-07-12 by Bill

I have a late 60's or early 70's Ameica Standard back flush toilet. It is leaking around the floor tile.I have no idea if there has been any maintenace done to it or seals replaced. could you tell me how often this should be done?

On 2017-02-24 by Michael

Pictures have been emailed.

On 2017-02-23 by (mod) -

Michael

If you're viewing InspectApedia on a desktop, laptop, or other larger format device, see the CONTACT US link at the top or bottom of any page.

If you are viewing InspectApedia on a mobile device, at the top of any mobile page click on the small blue icon with white lines at the top right of the page to open a menu of website main areas.

Scroll down there to find our CONTACT link. There you'll find our email to which you can photos for comment or posting. Please do that as I look forward to seeing the antique toilet and adding it here for other readers to note.

On 2017-02-23 by Michael



Thank you for the reply. We are having plenty of wild guesses here - with photos!
I now have a couple of pictures. How do I get them to you or post them on here?

On 2017-02-22 by (mod) -

Michael,

There's not enough information in your query for me to make more than a wild guess that you're describing some sort of composting toilet.

On 2017-02-22 by Michael

Hello,
I'm doing some research for a friend. She showed me a picture of an old (+60? Years) old toilet she had just purchased. It looks like cast steel with a white enamel bowl. What caught my eye was a steel conveyor belt system and separator tank with propeller type agitators in it.

The whole unit appears to be about 3 foot long and two feet wide.
Does anyone know much about these??

On 2017-02-21 by (mod) -

Gkenn,

If you look carefully you may find a toilet brand name somewhere on the bowl or the tank or inside of the tank.

On 2017-02-20 by glenn

have oval shaped bowel.tank sets on back ledge of bowel as wide as tank can you tell me what brand this might be its old

On 2017-02-20 by glenn

have oval shape bowel,tank sets on ledge as wide as tankon bowel

On 2017-01-24 by Anonymous

My home toilet bowl has a blue double "KK" logo on the top, what brand is it?

On 2016-12-30 by (mod) -

Rachel,

You can use the page top or bottom CONTACT link to send us photos for comment.

But with just a few exceptions, dual flush toilet controls sold at plumbing suppliers and building supply stores are universal in application; they'll work in almost any dual-flush toilet.

On 2016-12-30 by Rachel

Hi I'm looking to replace the flush and fill valve for my dual button flush toilet but can't find the manufacturers name or info on my toilet anywhere if I post a pic could you help?

On 2016-11-10 by (mod) -

Not that I've seen but perhaps, Hal.

On 2016-11-10 by Hal

Are there toilet bowls that have the sanitary outlet located toward the front of the unit rather than the rear?

I'm asking about floor mounted drains, not into the wall. I would really like to reclaim some space by moving the toilet closer to the wall, but all the bowls I'm seeing discharge the same. I thought a wall mounted tank would do the trick, but unless the bowl connects differently, I'd just end up with space between the bowl and the wall--not useful to maneuver my wheelchair.

On 2016-05-03 by Svenja

Toilet brand/model need new Trip Lever and size of the opening is different from standard.
Hey. Our Trip Lever broke and the standard trip lever won't fit. It's a side lever and the hole/opening (square) is slightly bigger than the standard size.

There is no brand name on the toilet but we assume it's a toto toilet. Is there any way I can send you guys a picture of the toilet? Maybe you can help. Best, Svenja

On 2016-03-30 by (mod) -

All of the toilet tank flush control parts can be replaced as a set or individually. If that's not something you can tackle, even the smallest Rusty part, then like the rusty part I'm stuck. Not the best you might do is a little light oil spray and tried gently moving the sticky part back and forth to see if you can free it up.

On 2016-03-30 by Laura M.

The lift rod appears to be rather rusted, and this keeps the ball from rising quickly or lowering and the toilet keeps running for 10-15 min. Ive tried wd-40 to "lube it up" to no long term avail.

This toilet is from the 1970's. I am not capable to replace the entire kit and cant afford a plumber. Any help would really be appreciated.
Sincerely yours.

On 2015-10-22 by (mod) -

Lynn

If the only flush problem is having to hold the handle down, that is repaired by adjusting the length of the pull chain between handle and flush valve flapper. Try shortening the chain just a little.

On 2015-10-22 by Lynn A.

I have a problem when i flush toilet i have always had to hold down handle for a bit till the water flushed all the way. Although i have had problems with it not flushing after #2. It gets clogged and i have to plunge for it to go down. This time i tried to flush and it wont go down but if i leave it alone it will drain down quite far and sits there.

Notice when i opened the tank that the piece upright that has the screws in it, and which the arm of the ball attaces to s spraying ware out of the top of it. I checked my other toilet downstairs and this is not happening with that one. What could be wrong? Hope i explained it the best i know how

. I have a Berger 1.6 toilet. Thank you for your help on this. lsarmbruster1@gmail.com Lynn Armbruster

On 2015-02-05 by (mod) -

Stephen,

Usually you can purchase a generic toilet lid/seat combination, including slow-closing models, at any building supplier.

The on-center spacing of the lid fastening bolts is pretty much standard across the toilet world. The usual measurement that needs a little thought is simply whether your toilet's bowl is more round in shape or longer and more oval in shape.

You don't want to buy a small round toilet lid/seat to use on a long oval bowl or the end of the bowl won't be nicely covered.

You can also buy toilet parts directly from MFI if you want an exact match.

For MFI toilets sold in the U.K., call MFI at
MFI Direct Limited
Amsterdam Road
Sutton Fields Industrial Estate
Hull
HU7 0XF
Tel: 03 451 224 500

or see their online direct toilet seat and lid sales at
http://www.mfi.co.uk/Bathroom/Bathroom-Suites/Toilets/Toilet-Seats/

On 2015-02-05 by Stephen Ross

Hello I hope you can help we have a toilet that was purchased from MFI some 12 years ago.
The seat requires replacing due to staining from hair my wife's dye.

We would also like a soft close lid if possible. I have removed the cistern lid and found some numbers in side 2827 4 13 11 moulded whilst the lid was wet and 405 007 painted in black ink. If anyone can identify our toilet I would be very grateful.


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