How to Install a Toilet: A Step-by-Step Guide
Installing a toilet may seem like a daunting task, but with this step-by-step guide, you can do it yourself! We’ll walk you through the entire process, from selecting the right toilet for your home to connecting the water supply. So whether you’re replacing an old toilet or installing one for the first time, follow these simple steps and you’ll be done in no time.
Removing the Old Toilet
The first step in replacing a toilet is removing the old one. You’ll need to disconnect the water supply line and empty the tank before you can remove the bowl. Once you turn off the water supply, be sure to flush the toilet to remove any remaining water. To force any remaining water down the drain line, use a plunger. Remove any remaining water from the tank with a sponge and a bucket using rubber gloves.
Next, with an adjustable wrench, remove the supply line. If the line has never been removed or has been connected for a long time, it might be difficult to loosen at one or both connection points. If that’s the case, use a powerful lubricant to dissolve any rust. Have a bucket and a rag on hand to catch any water that leaks from the supply line.
Loosen the nuts that secure the bolts at the base of the toilet. Carefully lift the bowl straight up and set it aside. Once the bowl is removed, you’ll be able to access the remaining components of the toilet. These will need to be unscrewed and removed before you can install the new toilet.
Use a utility knife to score through the caulking seam around the base if your toilet is caulked around the base. Gently rock the toilet bowl back and forth until it comes free from the sealant. Remove the toilet seal by moving it to the side. Using a putty knife, remove the old toilet seal. Any extra may be removed with a damp cloth or sponge. To prevent sewer gases from venting into the house, stuff a rag into the open line in the floor. Before putting in place the new toilet, remove the rag.
Examine the toilet flange
The flange secures the toilet to the drainpipe in the floor and acts as a connection point for the hardware that comes with the toilet’s base. If they’re in good working order, you may reuse the old toilet’s flange and bolts when installing a new one. Replace it with a matching flange if it is damaged or cracked.
Installing a New Toilet Seal
You may either replace the new toilet seal or wax ring using these techniques:
There are a couple different ways to go about installing a new toilet seal. You can either rest the new toilet bowl on its side on a padded surface, or you can place the seal in position on the flange prior to lowering the bowl into place. The benefit to resting the bowl on its side is that you can be sure that the ring is in the proper position when placing the toilet over the flange. However, placing the seal in position on the flange first may be easier for some people. Either way, just make sure that the seal is properly positioned before attaching it to the bottom of the bowl. 4
Installing the new toilet
Now that you’ve removed the old toilet and prepped the location, you’re ready to learn how to put in a new one. The first step is to place the toilet bowl onto the flange, aligning the bolt holes in the base of the bowl with the bolts in the flange. If it helps, you can hold the bowl by the inside rim instead of the outer edges to get a better grip and more control as you lower it. Once the bowl is in place, press down firmly to set the seal.
One of the most important parts of replacing a toilet is choosing the right wax ring. A wax ring forms a seal between the toilet and the drainpipe, and helps to prevent leaks. When installing a new toilet, be very careful not to move or tilt the toilet after setting the wax ring in place. Otherwise, you could break the seal and cause future leaks. If you’re not sure how to install a wax ring correctly, consult a plumbing professional. With a little care and attention, you can be sure that your new toilet will stay leak-free for years to come.
The next step is to place a washer and nut on each toilet bowl bolt. Once you have done that, you will want to tighten the nuts evenly, alternately from one side of the toilet to the other. It is important not to over-tighten the nuts, as this could cause the porcelain bowl to crack. If the bolts extend too far above the top of the washers and nuts, you can simply cut off the excess with a hacksaw.
Applying caulk around the base of a new toilet might seem like a good idea, but it can actually cause more harm than good. If there’s a leak, the caulk will trap the water under the toilet and cause serious damage to your floor. It’s better to just leave the area around the base of the toilet uncovered so that any leaks will be immediately obvious. Plus, it’ll be much easier to fix a leak if you don’t have to remove any caulk first. So, save yourself some time and trouble down the road by avoiding caulk when you install a new toilet.
Attaching the Tank
If you’re installing a new toilet, or replacing an old one, you’ll need to know how to attach the tank to the bowl. This is a pretty easy process, but it’s important to do it correctly so that your toilet will function properly. First, if you have a two-piece toilet, you’ll need to attach the tank to the bowl. If you have a one-piece toilet, you can skip this step, since the bowl and tank are permanently attached.
To attach the tank, first install the “tank to bowl” gasket onto the base of the flush valve. Then insert the tank bolts and washers from inside the tank. Next, place the tank onto the bowl, aligning the shank of the bolts with the holes in the bowl. If the bolts extend too far over the washers and nuts, cut off the excess with a hacksaw. Finally, secure the tank to the bowl by alternately tightening each tank bolt until the tank pulls down and meets the bowl.
Once the tank is attached, reattach the supply line to the exposed portion of the fill valve sticking out of bottom of tank and to supply valve coming out of wall or floor. 7
To install the toilet seat and lid, follow these steps:
There are many different types of toilet seats on the market, so it’s important to choose one that will fit your toilet model. Elongated seats are the most common type, as they’re more comfortable. However, round seats are more common in small homes and apartments where space is a concern. You can find the correct seat size by measuring your new toilet. Specialty items such as raised or heated seats may have special installation requirements, so be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Position and attach the seat according to the instructions, and then you just have one final step to complete.
The final step in installing a toilet is to test for leaks. Slowly turn on the water shut-off valve and allow the tank to fill. Once the tank is full, flush the toilet. Then, focus your attention on the base of the toilet and the point where the tank and bowl meet. Look for any water that may be seeping out from this connection. If you see any leaks, tighten the bolts that secure the tank to the bowl. Once you’re satisfied that there are no leaks, go ahead and enjoy your new toilet in your bathroom!
Installing a toilet may seem daunting, but with these step-by-step instructions, you can do it yourself in no time. Follow the tips in this article and you’ll be a pro in no time.
