Learning how to install a toilet is a skill that many homeowners may find useful one day. After all, toilets, like almost everything else in your home, have a lifespan. You may save money by doing toilet installations yourself.
Toilet installation: Necessary tools
A measuring tape
Screwdrivers (different sizes)
Wrench with adjustability
Putty blade
Caulking gun
Hacksaw
Utility knife
Protective gloves for plungers
Cleaning materials
Oil for penetrating
Toilet installation: The process
Remove the old toilet
The first step is to remove the old toilet carefully. If you are moving into a new home with an unfinished bathroom, skip this step.
Turn off the water
Begin by shutting off the water at the shut-off valve near the toilet, flushing it to remove any extra water, and using a plunger to force any resistant liquid down the drain line.
Take apart the toilet
Disconnect the supply line with an adjustable wrench. Loosening these screws may be difficult; if necessary, apply penetrating oil to break down corrosion. With a rag, catch and wipe up any water leaking from the line.
If you have a two-piece toilet, use the wrench to remove the bolts that connect the tank to the bowl. The tank should then be lifted and set aside. If you bought a one-piece model, you can skip this step.
Separate the toilet from the floor
Using a flathead screwdriver, pry open the bolt caps that attach the bowl to the floor. Remove the bolts, nuts, and washers if applicable. Turn the screws to create some room between the bolts and the floor, then cut the bolts off with a hacksaw. With a utility knife, scrape away any caulk around the base.
Rock the toilet bowl back and forth gently until any sealant breaks, then lift it to reveal the original toilet seal. With a putty knife, remove the wax seal and clean away any extra wax with a moist rag. Stuff a rag into the open pipe to keep sewer gases out of the house.
Inspect the flange
The toilet flange serves as a physical connection point, allowing one to secure the toilet to the drainpipe on the floor. Continue to use the pre-existing components with the new toilet if the flange and its bolts are in good condition; if you discover cracks or other alarming symptoms, replace them with a matching flange. If you’re not sure which new flange to get, take a picture of it before you head to the hardware store.
To replace the bolts, use an adjustable wrench to loosen and remove them, and add penetrating oil if they are rusted in place.
Install the new bolts
Replace the flange by first putting new bolts at the base. Tighten each bolt gently and carefully using an adjustable wrench. Later in the installation phase, these bolts will serve as an anchor for the bowl.
Install the new toilet seal or wax ring
It’s now time to begin placing the toilet seal or wax ring. The simplest technique is to place the seal or ring directly on the flange. However, it does not take into account the correct bowl location, which could lead to problems later on.
Here’s a somewhat more involved method for ensuring your bowl and flange fit exactly. To protect the toilet and flooring, place the new bowl on its side in a padded area. Attach the replacement seal to the bottom of the bowl rather than the top of the flange, and place the bowl over the flange to locate the tightest seal.
Source: Pinterest (Family Handyman)
Place the toilet bowl over the flange
After it’s been finished removing the old toilet and preparing the flange, align the bowl with the flange’s bolt holes. To acquire a better grip, try gripping the bowl by the inside rim. Once the bolts are positioned, press down to force them through the bolt holes in the bowl.
Continue pressing down to secure the seal. Then, to avoid damaging the ring or seal, do not move or tilt the toilet bowl. This type of damage causes leaks in the future. However, leaks caused by tank bolts can be repaired.
Secure the toilet
After connecting the bowl to the flange, proceed to the other connections to finish securing the fixture. Begin by placing a washer and nut on each toilet bowl bolt placed on the base’s external corners.
Tighten each nut equally onto the bolts, alternating between the two sides of the toilet. Work slowly from bolt to bolt, tightening little by little. Overtightening these bolts may cause damage to the bowl. Also, resist the urge to caulk the bottom of the bowl right now. Wait till after it’s been tested for leaks.
Cut off any surplus bolts with a hacksaw if they reach far above the tops of the washers and nuts.
Install and secure the tank
Make the appropriate connections because a toilet bowl is nothing without its tank. Install the tank-to-bowl gasket at the tank’s bottom (on the flush valve’s base). Some toilets, however, come with this gasket already installed. More information about your specific model can be found in the instructions. One can repair a toilet flush valve seal yourself if necessary.
Insert the tank bolts and washers so that they protrude from the inside of the tank. Place the tank on top of the bowl, matching the bolts with the holes on top. If the bolts protrude too much past the washers and nuts.
Tighten each tank bolt in the same manner as you would the bowl bolts. Tighten one at a time, working your way from one to the other. When the tank draws down and meets the bowl, a secure attachment is formed.
Reattach the supply line
Connect the supply line from the wall to the uncovered piece of the fill valve that protrudes from the tank’s bottom. Tighten both ends with an adjustable wrench, but not too tightly.
Source: Pinterest (The Spruce)
Install the toilet seat and lid
Follow the instructions included with the seat or lid. Once properly positioned, these components typically screw in place, while specialist items like elevated or heated seats frequently necessitate specific installation procedures. Install the bidet attachment before you attach the seat.
Test for leaks
Turn on the water supply line slowly and let the tank fill. Keep a watch out for any potential leaks. After that, flush the toilet and check for leaks around the base and where the tank and bowl connect. If everything appears to be in order, you have successfully installed a toilet!
Caulk the base
Caulk the base to prevent future leaks and increase stability. Use a caulking gun, move carefully, and give the caulk plenty of time to set and dry.
FAQs
How to reconnect the water supply?
Attach the supply line to the fill valve.
How to ensure proper flushing?
Adjust the chain or rod to the flush handle and flapper.
What’s the role of the flush valve?
It releases water from the tank into the bowl during flushing.
Where should the wax ring be placed?
Place the wax ring on the toilet flange.
How to adjust the water level in the tank?
Adjust the fill valve’s float to set the water level.
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