If you have been a homeowner for any length of time, chances are you have experienced issues with your toilet. Almost certainly, you may have even had to install a new toilet. If not, you will most likely have to do so at some point in your life. But, do you know how to replace a toilet?
Toilet installation is not as complicated as you think. If you possess the required tools, you should have no problem installing the new toilet without the assistance of a professional plumber. The following guide shall give you steps on how to properly install a replacement toilet.
How to Replace a Toilet
Required Tools
- Wax Ring
- Torpedo level
- Stainless steel washers
- Screwdriver
- Replacement toilet
- Closet bolts
- Adjustment wrench
Follow These Steps For How to Install a Toilet:
- Remove the damaged (or old) toilet: Completely remove the old toilet as well as any remaining parts or debris. Thoroughly clean and disinfect the area.
- Assemble the new toilet: Do not assemble the new toilet until you have removed the old one. The tank will give it added weight for better support. Check to see if the toilet kit you purchased has all the required tools and parts before you begin.
- Inspect the flange: Take care to thoroughly inspect the flange to ensure that there are no cracks or such other damage. If you find any, you can purchase a flange repair kit at your local hardware or home improvement store.
- Arrange closet bolts: Plumbers recommend that you use closet bolts that are self-adjusting. They are equipped with a white thread locker that will allow the stud to be deeply driven into the anchor nut after the hex nut has reached it. After slipping the closet bolts on both sides, move the lock washers. Make sure that they are flush and tight against the flange.
- Place the wax ring: Either directly on the flange or the underside of the toilet, place and install the wax ring. This will ensure that it does not fall off or loosen from the flange. If the flange appears too low, you can install a wax ring with an extended height.
- Position the toilet: Ensuring that it is properly lined up with the holes for the closet bolt, place and install the toilet by pressing it firmly and level to the floor.
- Install nuts and washer: Insert the nylon and regular washers after positioning them over the bolts and tighten them on both sides by hand.
- Ensure that the toilet is level: Using extreme care, check that the toilet is level both front to back and side to side. If this is not the case, using stainless steel washers (or pennies), shim the toilet until it is level. Tighten the closet bolt nuts (but not too tight). Finally, conceal them by installing the bolt caps.
- Attach the water supply line to the toilet: Wrap the threads instead of using Teflon tape. Keep in mind that most toilets will need a ⅜ inch connector for the supply line.
- Check the fill level: Ensuring that all the connections are correct, open up the supply valve and wait for the toilet to fill. Be sure to inspect thoughtfully for any leaks. Next, adjust the fill valve until the water level meets the fill line.
- Caulk the base of the toilet (if needed). This will give it a polished look. Do not forget to leave a gap, or weep hole, as this will make it easier to find leaks.
If you require further assistance with how to replace a toilet, do not hesitate to call DrainCom! We can offer advice or send one of our experienced plumbers to help you with the process!
