Being a homeowner can be stressful. You can rest assured that things are going to break down from time to time, sometimes all at once. The worst part is when it’s an integral section of the home, like the bathroom. Plumbing and electrical problems are the worst!
No one wants to have to deal with a leaky toilet. It’s noisy, annoying, and it can cause a lot of damage if you don’t get it under control. If a repair won’t cut it and you’re at the point where you have to get a new one, weigh your options carefully, and turn it into a DIY project.
We promise it’s not as hard as it seems, and if you have the right tools and can follow instructions well, you can save yourself some money by installing it yourself. Our guide will breakdown each step and tell you what to look out for as you go about this process.
Before You Begin Get Started
It probably seems easy to just walk into the store and pick a toilet model so you can be on your way home and start working right away. It doesn’t work like that, though.
You need to think about how it fits in with your current bathroom decor, how it impacts your water bill, and how comfortable it is if you’re going to be there awhile. Here are the key factors you should consider before making your purchase:
What Type of Toilet Should I Go For?
One-piece vs. Two-piece: One-piece toilets feature a sleek design that’s easier to clean, while two-piece toilets are often more budget-friendly. The choice comes down to your preference for aesthetics and maintenance.
Gravity-fed vs. Pressure-assisted: Gravity-fed toilets rely on, well, gravity to flush waste away. Pressure-assisted models use additional force for a more powerful flush, but they can be noisier. Consider your household’s needs and noise tolerance. For example, if there’s a baby’s room near the bathroom, you probably don’t want the pressure-assisted toilet!
Size Matters
Rough-in Measurement: This is the distance from the wall behind the toilet to the center of the drainpipe. Measure carefully to ensure your new toilet aligns perfectly with your existing plumbing.
Bowl Shape: You get more legroom and comfort with an elongated bowl, but if you have a small bathroom, you’ll want a rounder bowl.
Go Green
Low-flow Options: Water conservation is vital. Look for toilets with the WaterSense label, indicating they meet EPA criteria for water efficiency without sacrificing performance.
A Personal Touch
- Design: Take your pick between classic, contemporary, and everything in between because toilets come in a range of styles to complement your bathroom’s design.
- Color: Though white is the most common color (or, non color?), don’t be afraid to explore other options for a unique touch.
- Finish: Choose a finish that matches your other bathroom fixtures, whether it’s chrome, brushed nickel, or oil-rubbed bronze.
Essential Tools & Materials for Toilet Installation
Before you dive into the nitty-gritty of toilet replacement, it’s crucial to assemble the right tools and materials to ensure a smooth and successful installation.
What You Need
- Adjustable Wrench: Your trusty sidekick for tightening and loosening nuts and bolts.
- Screwdriver: A versatile tool for removing old toilet seats, loosening screws, and making minor adjustments.
- Pliers: Handy for gripping and manipulating small parts, especially in tight spaces.
- Putty Knife: Perfect for scraping away old wax and debris from the flange.
- Hacksaw: A useful tool for cutting stubborn bolts or pipes if needed.
The Building Blocks
- Wax Ring: The unsung hero of toilet installation, this wax seal creates a watertight barrier between the toilet and the flange.
- Closet Bolts: These bolts secure the toilet to the floor. If not included with your new toilet, make sure to pick some up.
- Supply Line: This flexible hose connects the toilet to the water supply. It’s a good idea to replace the old one for a fresh start.
- Caulk: A sealant that provides a finished look and prevents water damage around the base of the toilet.
- Old Towels and Rags: Essential for sopping up spills and keeping your workspace clean.
- Bucket: Handy for catching water when disconnecting the old toilet and for holding tools.
- Toilet Shims (Optional): Thin wedges used to level the toilet on uneven floors.
Toilet Installation: Your Step-by-Step Playbook
1. Empty the Tank and the Bowl
Before you start dismantling anything, it’s crucial to shut off the water supply to the toilet. Locate the shut-off valve, typically a small knob or lever behind the toilet. Turn it clockwise until it’s completely closed.
Next, flush the toilet to empty the tank and bowl. If any water remains, grab a sponge and soak it up. We’re aiming for a dry workspace.
2. Remove the Old Toilet
With the water off, it’s time to say goodbye to your old toilet. Start by disconnecting the supply line from the tank using your trusty adjustable wrench.
If you have a two-piece toilet, unscrew the tank bolts that connect it to the bowl. Once the tank is free, gently lift it off and set it aside.
Next, locate the floor bolts at the base of the toilet. These are usually hidden beneath plastic caps, so pop those off and use your wrench to loosen and remove the nuts. Now, grasp the bowl firmly and rock it gently from side to side to break the wax seal. With a final heave-ho, lift the old toilet off the flange and set it aside.
Toilets can be heavy, so don’t hesitate to ask for help if needed.
3. Get the Flange Ready
Now that the old toilet is out of the way, take a moment to inspect the flange, which is the pipe that connects the toilet to the drain. If it’s damaged or corroded, it’s time to replace it.
Use your putty knife to scrape away any old wax or debris from the flange. This ensures a clean, smooth surface for the new wax ring.
Next, insert new closet bolts into the flange. These bolts will secure your new toilet in place.
4. Install the New Toilet
Now comes the exciting part – installing your new commode! Before you get started, it’s helpful to warm the new wax ring slightly to make it more pliable. You can do this by placing it in a warm (not hot!) water bath for a few minutes.
Carefully lower the new toilet onto the flange, aligning the holes with the closet bolts. Press down firmly to compress the wax ring and create a watertight seal.
Once the toilet is seated, secure it by placing washers and nuts onto the closet bolts and tightening them with your wrench. Remember not to overtighten, as this could damage the porcelain.
5. Connect the Tank (If Applicable):
If your new toilet is a two-piece model, it’s time to reattach the tank. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, using new gaskets and bolts to ensure a secure connection. Tighten the bolts evenly to avoid cracking the tank.
6. Reconnect the Water Supply
Attach the new supply line to the fill valve on the toilet tank. Turn the water back on slowly, keeping an eye out for any leaks. If you see water dripping, gently tighten the connection until the leak stops.
7. Install the Seat and Lid
The final step is to install the toilet seat and lid. This is usually a straightforward process, but again, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for specific guidance.
8. Caulk Around the Base
Apply a bead of caulk around the base of the toilet where it meets the floor. This not only gives a finished look but also prevents water from seeping under the toilet and damaging your flooring.
Tips and Troubleshooting
Follow these tips if you start to feel overwhelmed during the installation:
Two Heads (and Hands) are Better Than One
Toilets can be surprisingly heavy and awkward to maneuver. Don’t hesitate to ask a friend or family member for assistance, especially when lifting and positioning the new toilet. A second pair of hands can make all the difference in preventing accidents and ensuring a smooth installation.
Take Your Time
Rushing through the installation process can lead to costly mistakes. Take your time, double-check each step, and refer back to the instructions as needed. Patience is key to a successful outcome.
Troubleshoot Like a Pro
Leaky Toilet: If you notice water pooling around the base of your new toilet, don’t panic. First, check all the connections to ensure they’re tight. Carefully tighten any loose nuts or bolts, but avoid over tightening, as this could crack the porcelain. If the leak persists, the wax ring may not be properly sealed. You may need to remove the toilet, clean the flange, and install a new wax ring.
Rocking Toilet: A wobbly toilet is annoying and can also lead to leaks down the line. To fix this issue, you can use toilet shims. These thin wedges are placed under the base of the toilet to level it out. Just insert the shims where needed and trim off any excess.
If in Doubt, Call a Plumber: If you encounter a problem you can’t solve or feel unsure about any step of the process, don’t hesitate to call a professional plumber. They have the experience and expertise to troubleshoot any issue and ensure your new toilet is installed correctly and safely.
Conclusion
And there you have it! See? Really not that hard! As long as you get your DIY arsenal together and you’re focused while doing the job, you shouldn’t have any problems installing a replacement toilet. Outside of fixing the problem, the biggest victory is saving a ton of money on labor.
There are a few stylish options available for a new toilet, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. Write everything down and weigh the good and the bad so you can make an informed decision. Happy Flushing!
