How To Fix Toilet Flange That's Too Close to Wall (Solved) -

The placement of a toilet flange is not always perfect.

It’s important to consider all factors when it comes to the location of a toilet flange and where it is set up inside the bathroom. If it is in the wrong spot, this can get in the way of how functional a bathroom is as a room.

A common issue people mention is when a toilet flange is too close to the wall.

If a toilet flange is too close to the wall, it’s best to cut into the drywall, create a 4-5″ alcove, and install a 3/4″ plywood into that gap. Once done, add drywall to complete the look. This will immediately add 4-5″ of space behind the toilet.

The best option is to adjust the wall when it comes to a toilet flange that is too close to the back wall.

The reason is simple.

If you attempt to change the location of a toilet flange, you will need to revamp the entire plumbing in this part of the house. It is a tedious, expensive job that is not going to be worth it for a couple of inches.

By cutting into the drywall behind the toilet, you can create a simple alcove that will do the same thing when it comes to creating space.

This guide will highlight what you have to do when it comes to a toilet flange that is too close to the wall.

Table of Contents

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What To Do If A Toilet Flange Is Too Close To Wall

1. Create Alcove Into Drywall

While you can’t change the location of a toilet flange easily, you do have the opportunity to rework the drywall.

This is assuming it is an inside wall.

If it is an exterior wall then you might run out of options and have to go for a more expensive relocation project.

However, if it is drywall behind the toilet then you are in luck.

All you are going to have to do is plan to cut a small alcove right behind the toilet. It has to be big enough for there to be enough space for the wall.

2. Go 4-5″ Deep Into The Drywall

To do this, you are going to start by cutting 4-5″ deep into the drywall.

You will want to make this a clean-cut as the goal is to only work within a specific part of the wall.

If you cut too much, it might look odd from afar.

Make sure to only go 4-5″ deep as that is all the space you are going to need behind the toilet even if the flange is too close to the wall.

3. Add 3/4″ Plywood

When the hole has been cut, you are now going to begin adding 3/4″ plywood to that part of the wall.

You want to fill the alcove to create a small hole that is finished.

It will take a bit of time to resize the plywood but it has to be a perfect fit. Make sure the alcove is crisp and clean.

Don’t rush this step and make sure it is set for the drywalling phase.

4. Finish With Drywall

The last step is to finish the alcove with drywall so it matches with the rest of the bathroom.

In essence, what you are going to be doing is recreating the back wall and adding more space behind the toilet with this solution.

It is a great fix that will immediately add the amount of space you were originally hoping for behind the toilet.

Of course, if you need more space, you can always add a few more inches to the alcove. However, it is recommended to stay within the half-foot range to make sure it still vibes with the rest of the bathroom.

Final Thoughts

This is the best strategy if your toilet flange is too close to the wall.

If a toilet flange is too close to the wall, start by cutting a small alcove into the drywall that’s 4-5″ deep. Now, add 3/4″ plywood to the alcove, and finish it with drywall. This will immediately create 4-5″ of space behind the toilet.

This is a simple fix that will work well and look clean when the drywall has settled.

Rather than changing the toilet flange’s location, this is a much better fix that is still going to look clean.

On the other hand, changing the toilet flange’s location will be a much more arduous job and one that is going to take a long time to complete.

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