How To Install A Toilet

In some cases, we need to replace our toilet, it can mean savings on our water bills, particularly if you have a toilet that runs nonstop it seems. However in some cases, you may just be looking to get a new one to update the look of your bathroom overall. Either way, you will be excited that installing a toilet does not have to take all day, particularly if you are just replacing an old one with a new one.

One thing to think about before you begin is will you be putting the new toilet in an area where a toilet already exists, or will you be putting the new toilet in a completely new area. If you are moving the toilet, you will want to extend your drainpipes and supply pipes. If this is the case, it may be necessary to call your plumber, as neither extension is an easy job.

Before you begin, make sure that you have all the necessary materials for installing your toilet. For example, be sure that you have the following, if necessary:

•          Specific Tank Hardware

•          Washers

•          Gaskets

•          Bolts

•          Flexible Supply Tubing

•          Wax Gasket

After you have ensured that you have all equipment and materials for your installation, be sure you shut off the water completely. This can be done by shutting it off for the entire house or at the bathroom supply shutoff valve. After you have done this, you want to prevent any water damage and mess by flushing the old toilet to remove any water that remains and remove any that may remain after flushing.

Now you will want to disconnect the tube that runs off of the shutoff valve, drain any water from that as well, and then remove the tube from the tank itself. Next, you will need to remove the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor. In some cases, these could be difficult to remove normally, therefore you will want to use oil to loosen them or cut them with a tool such as a hacksaw.

Now you can remove the old toilet, you will need to pry off caps, remove bolts and nuts, as well as break any type of seal that is keeping the toilet and floor connected. After doing so, the toilet can then be lifted easily. Before you begin to place the new toilet and gasket, you will want to make sure you remove any evidence of the old gasket. You can use a putty knife to do this job.

Now it is easier to install the new gasket on the new toilet underside, instead of on the floor and trying to match it up. You want the tapered side to be facing away from your toilet. You will also want to use some caulk and place a thin layer of it around the base of the toilet.

It is time to lower the new toilet bowl onto the flange; the bolts can guide you to the right position. Now press down on the new bowl, rocking and twisting gently. If the bowl is straight, check with a level, place the new nuts, washers on, and hand tighten them. Avoid over tightening at all costs, this may lead to cracks in your new toilet. Caps should be filled with putty and placed over the ends of the bolt.

Now install the tank, assembling flush valves if necessary, tightening the spud nut, and place the tank onto the mountain bolts, with washers and nuts tightened. Once you have hooked the tubes back up and restored water to the toilet, you have just installed your very own toilet.