Installing a toilet may seem intimidating, but with the right tools, preparation and a bit of patience, it’s a manageable DIY project for homeowners. Whether you’re in Austin, Texas, replacing outdated fixtures in Seattle, Washington, upgrade to a more water-efficient model, working on bathroom renovations in Chicago, Illinois, and knowing how to install toilets is a pain to hire time, money and professionals. Using some key steps you can confidently refresh your bathroom and improve the functionality and comfort of your home.
Part of the toilet
Understanding the basics of toilets will make it easier to install. The toilet has two main sections. Tank that holds water and includes filling valves, flush valves and flappers. A bowl that leads to the drain. Important components include a sealed wax ring and bolts to secure the toilet to the floor. Knowing these parts can help streamline the process.
Toilet types
There are mainly two types of toilets. Two pieces and one piece. Two-piece toilets are the most common, featuring separate tanks and bowls. Usually, it’s more affordable and easier to transport.
One-piece toilets combine tanks and bowls to create a sophisticated, modern look and simplify cleaning. Wall-covered toilets are another option that can be mounted on the wall and free up floor space. It is important to choose the type that suits your needs and bathroom style.
Preparing for toilet installation
Before you begin, preparation is essential. Coarse distance – Measures the space between the wall and the center of the drain. This measurement will determine the size of the toilet you need. Turn off water to existing toilets and flush them out and empty the tank. Collect all the tools and materials you need and clear your workspace. Ensure proper lighting and ventilation.
As Desiree Rivera of Master & Sons Plumbing puts it, “Setting up a toilet without proper measurements is a fast track to realize that it’s all stuck in the wrong way. If you forget to block out the water, it turns into an unexpected indoor swimming pool. A well-prepared space minimizes potential problems and streamlines the process.
To set up your toilet smoothly, it is important to collect everything you need before you start. “We’ll gather all the tools, including small adjustable tidying, putty knife, rags or towels, buckets, levels, shop VACs, cork guns and more.” Bliss from Bliss Plumbing recommends. “Next, make sure you have all the supplies, including new toilets, wax rings, new supply lines, closet bolts, caulks and more.”
Preparing all these items prevents interruptions and ensures a smooth installation. Investing in high-quality tools makes your work easier and more efficient.
Safety Considerations
When implementing a home project, safety should always be the first. Wear gloves and eye protection to avoid exposure to injuries and unsanitary conditions. Pay attention to the weight of the toilet during removal and installation to prevent reverse tension. When dealing with tools, maintain a firm grip and ensure proper use. If you run into unexpected problems, turn off the water immediately. Safety precautions prevent accidents and provide a seamless experience.
Remove the old toilet
Once the safety precautions are in place, the next step is to remove the old toilet. This is Joel B. Bliss’ bliss, which will go into more detail below.
“First, make sure the toilet is turned off. This may sound simple, but believe it or not, this step is often overlooked. Once you’ve flushed the toilet, you’ll be sucking all the remaining water out of the bowl and tank, and then you’ll be able to move the toilet and appreciate it when there’s no water clogged around.
Next, remove the water line and remove the nut from the closet bolt at the foot of the toilet. You may need to use a putty knife to pop out of the decorative bolt cover to access the nuts. After removing them, you can freely pull the toilet. Check for damage under the toilet and after scrubbing it from the old wax ring, make sure the flange is not cracked or showing any signs of stress. ”
Gently shake the toilet to break the wax seal and lift it off the flange. Be prepared for residual water. Fill the drain opening with a rag to prevent sewer gas from escaping. Carefully clean the area and prepare for a new installation.
Bathroom floor preparation
Shake out old wax residue from the flanges and floors, completely clean the area and remove any remaining caulk, dirt or debris. “If the old toilet is removed to install a new toilet, don’t forget to let them get away from the floor from more caulk, dirt and debris,” advises Angela from Osborne’s plumbing and drainage.
Carefully inspect the flanges for damage or corrosion. Please express it as necessary. Also, check the floor for signs of rot or softness, especially around the flange. “Even a slight softness can lead to instability and leakage over time,” warns Dalkashi, a custom home in Oshi.
Make sure the floor is level and dry before continuing. New wax rings are traditional choices for sealing toilets, but some prefer rubber seals to improve consistency, especially in mods where the flange heights may vary. A properly prepared floor ensures a watertight seal and a stable base for new toilets.
New toilet installation
Inspect the floor and prepare it
Start by making sure your sub-floor is dry and stable and free of moisture or mold. This step is important to prevent future leaks and shaking. “Make sure your floors are free of moisture or mold. You need to make sure your floors are stable and safe,” says Nino and Christina, owners of Plumbers R Us.
Check the flange and install it
Make sure the toilet flange is properly secured to the sub-floor and you are sitting slightly above the finished floor level. This prevents wobbling and ensures a good seal. “Plumbers need to make sure the sub-floor is in good condition to secure the flange and prevent wobbling and future leaks,” explains Yarodid Vette, Nadi’s plumbing. Elijah of Ajayi’s design and construction adds, “Always make sure the flange is level or slightly above the completed floor to ensure proper sealing.”
Replace the old shutoff valve
Consider replacing the shut-off valve while preparing the pipe. This is a simple update that can prevent future water issues. “Replace the old shut-off valves while you’re there – they are cheap and can prevent future headaches,” advises Elijah.
Select and place toilet stickers
Next, choose a seal – either a wax ring or a rubber alternative. “We choose a rubber toilet seal instead of a traditional wax ring, and easily adjust it if necessary and remove clean removal,” suggests Elijah. Yaro, on the other hand, recommends sticking to classics. “We only recommend the wax ring you use as it is a true method that was tried.”
I’ll set the toilet bowl
Carefully lower the bowl onto the flange and make sure the bolt holes are aligned. Compresses the seal and prevents leakage. “Press firmly to seal the wax ring and bolt it evenly to avoid cracking the base,” says Michael Thomsen, owner of Oaks’ home repair and restoration.
I’ll get a toilet
Tighten the closet bolts evenly, maintain the bowl horizontal and alternate the alternating sides to protect the porcelain. If there is locking, use the shim to stabilize the base. “On the alternative side, we apply even pressure to avoid cracking the porcelain base,” he recommends modifying the Fort Mill Bass.
Reconnect the tank and water supply
Place the bowl in place, install the tank, install the toilet seat, and reconnect the water supply line. Matthew Kraus, CEO of Kraus Remodeling, consider replacing the old shutoff valve if it is desirable to use a new quarterly turn valve instead of a Gate Valve and a new braided supply line to reduce the risk of leaks and meet the latest IRC material standards. Once everything is connected, slowly revert the water back and look at the signs of a leak.
Leak test
Before sealing everything, give the toilet some test flash and check for leaks with the base and water supply. “We always test for leaks before we caulk the base,” Elijah says. Poseidon Plumbing states, “We will check for leaks upon completion, but please make sure there are no slight drips several times over the next 24 hours.”
Seal the base
Apply thin beads of caulking around the toilet base to prevent water from penetrating underneath. It leaves a small gap on the back as a leak detection point. “We apply caulking beads around the toilet base to prevent water damage, but leave small gaps on our backs to detect hidden leaks early,” advises Inspiration House Allison Burkell.
Make sure you have time to set it up
Before using the toilet, perform coke treatment for at least 24 hours to ensure a long-lasting watertight seal. “Let’s allow caulk settings and drying for at least 24 hours before use,” Nino and Christina warn.
Troubleshooting general toilet installation problems
Common issues include leaks, shaking, or weak flashes. Leaks often occur due to improper wax seals or loose connections. A shaking toilet indicates uneven flooring or inadequate shimming. The weak flash may be due to a low water level in the tank or a malfunctioning flapper. Address these issues quickly to ensure optimal functionality. Double check all connections and seals.
Maintain a newly installed toilet
To maintain a new toilet, clean it regularly with a non-abrasive cleaner. Avoid flash items that can clog the drains. Check for leaks and tighten the loose connection. Replace the wax ring regularly to prevent leaks. Regular maintenance ensures longevity and performance of the toilet. By following these steps, you can keep your toilet in excellent condition.
