How To Install A Toilet

By Author: Tom D'Agostino
Total Articles: 12
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If your toilet is showing signs of wear or inefficiency, such as cracks, leaks, high water usage, or outdated appearance, it may be necessary to consider replacing it. It may be a good idea to contact a plumber at this time, but for someone reasonably skilled at DIY projects, it can be manageable.

How Do I Know If I Need a New Toilet?

Household toilets are frequently used, particularly in larger households. Normal wear and tear can impact the lifespan of a toilet. A well-maintained toilet can have a long lifespan, lasting for decades. If you experience a running toilet, internal components such as the floater and flapper can be replaced to resolve the issue without the need to install a new toilet. The lifespan of a toilet bowl and tank is typically around ten years. When cracks appear or water seeps onto the bathroom floor, it may be necessary to install a new toilet.

There are various reasons to replace a toilet, not just because of broken components. The advancements in toilet technology have been significant, particularly in recent years. There are new toilet models on the market that are more efficient, ...
... use less water, and offer various additional features such as UV lights for sanitizing and paperless cleaning.
How to Choose a New Toilet

It is recommended to shop for a new toilet in person to properly assess its quality. Toilets vary in height (typically 14 or 16 inches) and style (elongated or round) and are chosen based on personal preference for most people. It is important to consider your available space. A standard recommendation is to leave 12 inches of space between the center of the bowl and the nearest wall. Toilets of varying sizes may require different space allocations.

Removing the Old Toilet

Before you can put in a new toilet, you need to take out the old one carefully.

Turn Off the Water Supply: Find the water supply valve near the bottom of the toilet and turn it off. Then flush the toilet to get rid of the water in the tank and the bowl. If there's still water left, soak it up with a sponge or a towel.

Disconnect Water Lines: Use a wrench to loosen and disconnect the water line that goes to the toilet tank. Have a bucket or some towels ready to catch any water that might drip out.

Remove the Toilet Tank: Unscrew the toilet bolts that hold the tank to the bowl. Lift the tank off the bowl and move it out of the way. If the bolts are rusty, you might need to use a special oil to help loosen them.

Unbolt and Lift the Toilet Bowl: Take off the caps from the bolts on each side of the toilet base. Unscrew these bolts, then carefully move the toilet bowl back and forth to break the seal from the old wax ring. Lift the bowl and place it on something like an old rug or cardboard to keep from making a mess. Use a putty knife to scrape off any leftover wax from the round opening on the floor where the toilet was connected.

Make sure to throw away the old toilet parts properly and clean the area around the floor opening before you install the new toilet.

Preparing the Installation Area

First, make sure the area where you'll install the new toilet is clean and there's no trash or debris. This helps make sure the toilet stays steady and doesn't leak.

Before you put in the new toilet, look at the floor around the drain. The floor should be flat and even. If the floor is bumpy or uneven, the toilet might not sit right, which could lead to leaking.
Now, check the closet toilet flange. This is the part that connects the toilet to the drain. It needs to be even with the floor. If the flange is broken or not flat, you'll need to fix or replace it. This is important because it helps prevent leaks by making sure the toilet fits perfectly.
Look at the bolts on the toilet floor flange too. These bolts hold the toilet in place. They need to be in the right spots and not rusty or broken. If they are, you should get new ones to make sure the toilet is secure.
Lastly, make sure there's enough space for the new toilet and that you can get to the water supply easily. Following local plumbing rules is important to make sure your toilet works right and is safe.
Setting the New Toilet
After preparing the area, it's time to install the new toilet. This step is crucial to make sure the toilet works well and doesn't leak or wobble. Here's what to do:
Install the Toilet Wax Ring: Place a new wax ring on the toilet's flange, which is part of the sewer pipe. Center the wax ring to avoid leaks.
Position the Toilet Bowl: Lift the toilet and line it up with the flange and the bolts. Gently lower the toilet onto the flange to connect it. The wax ring helps create a tight seal. Press down on the toilet to secure this seal.
Attach the Toilet: Put the bolt caps on and tighten them lightly. Be careful not to tighten too much as it could break the toilet. Use a level to make sure the toilet isn't wobbly and adjust if needed.
Seal the Base: Put a line of caulk around the bottom edge of the toilet. This keeps water from getting under the toilet and makes it look neat.
After these steps, attach the toilet seat. This completes the installation of your new toilet.
Connecting the Water Supply
First, pick a flexible water supply line that is braided to last longer. You can find this at any hardware store. Choose a length that reaches easily from the shut-off valve to your toilet tank without stretching it.
Attach one end of this line to the threading under the toilet tank. Start by tightening it with your hands and then use a crescent wrench to make sure it's secure. Don't tighten it too much because this can break the threads. Add a little waterproof silicone caulk around this connection to stop any leaks.
Now, connect the other end of the water supply line to the shut-off valve near your toilet. Tighten this end first with your hands and then a bit more with the crescent wrench. Make sure it's tight enough but not too tight.
After both ends are connected, it is important to check for leaks. Turn on the water supply slowly and watch the connections. If you see any water coming out, you might need to tighten the connections a bit more. Make sure there are no leaks before you move on to the next step of setting up your toilet.
Testing and Troubleshooting
After you have connected the water supply to the toilet, it is important to make sure everything works correctly and there are no leaks. Doing this helps prevent problems like bad smells from sewer gases and water damage in your home.
Check for Leaks at Connections: Look closely at where the pipes connect to the water supply. See if there is any water leaking around the base of the toilet, under the tank, or at the water valve. You can use a dry tissue or cloth to spot small leaks near rubber gaskets. If you find any leaks, you might need to add some sealant to fix them.
Evaluate the Toilet Seal: The seal between the toilet and the floor (flange) must be tight. If this seal is not good, bad smells from the sewer could get into your house. Push gently on the toilet to see if it moves or wobbles; this could mean the seal isn't tight enough. You might need to put in a better seal or adjust how the toilet sits for a tighter fit.
Test Water Flow and Flush Function: Flush the toilet several times to check how the water flows and how the tank fills up again. Make sure the toilet flushes everything down properly and that the water stops filling at the right level in the tank.
Engage Professional Help if Needed: If you keep having problems like leaks or if the toilet doesn't work right, it's a good idea to call a professional toilet plumbing arvada. A plumber can make sure everything is installed correctly and works as it should.
Maintenance and Care Tips
Clean the toilet regularly. Wipe the porcelain with a damp cloth every day to avoid stains and buildup. Every two weeks, use a special bathroom cleaner but make sure it's not too harsh to scratch the toilet.
Look at where the toilet meets the floor. Sometimes, extra wax or sealant from when the toilet was installed might stick out. Gently scrape this off with a putty knife. Be careful not to scratch the toilet or floor. After scraping, dry the area with a clean cloth.
Once a year, check the rubber seal and other connections for any damage or leaks. If the seal looks worn out, replace it to stop water from leaking. Then, put a new line of sealant around the base of the toilet to keep it secure and dry. Use a high-quality bathroom caulk, and smooth it out for a clean look.
These steps will help your toilet stay in great shape and avoid expensive fixes or replacements.