How to Install a Toilet

To many, installing a toilet is quite intimidating. However the reality is that toilets are designed so they can be removed and replaced quite easily. Whether you're replacing an existing toilet for a more stylish or water-friendly unit, or just need to remove it to clear stubborn blockage, here's how to go about it.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Adjustable wrench or set of wrenches
• Bucket and sponge
• Toilet flange (closet) bolts 5/16 diameter
• Screwdriver
• Wax ring (available at a home or hardware store for less than $5).

Removing Your Old Toilet

1. Assemble the materials you will need to complete the project.

2. Shut off the water supply to the toilet, usually a valve on a small pipe running to the bottom left side of the toilet tank.

3. Flush the toilet to get rid of most of the water in the tank. Bail and then sponge the water left in the toilet tank into the bucket.

4. Undo the water supply tube running to the toilet tank.

5. Remove the bolts in the bottom of the tank that hold it onto the toilet, and lift the tank off the toilet.

6. Pry off the decorative trim caps on the base of the toilet and undo the toilet bolts (flange bolts) holding the toilet onto the flange. These bolts might be corroded, so you may need to cut them with a hacksaw or a rotary cutting tool.

7. Stand over the toilet and rock it gently to break the seal at the base. Then lift it up and move it out of the way.

8. Clean the wax residue from the toilet flange around the hole in the floor and from the base of the toilet itself if you are going to be reinstalling the same toilet.

Installing a New Toilet

9. Put two new toilet flange (closet) bolts in the holes on opposite sides of the flange pointing straight up. Place the new wax ring onto the flange, and don't forget to remove the cloth you stuffed in the hole.

10. Lower the toilet onto the wax ring, being sure both bolts come up through the holes in the base of the toilet. Push straight down on the toilet, squeezing the wax ring so it creates a watertight seal.

11. Eliminate any rocking of the toilet on the flange by putting rubber shims under the toilet base.

12. Place washers and nuts on the protruding flange bolts and tighten them until they are snug. Don't try to make them too tight or the ceramic toilet bowl could crack.

13. Attach the toilet tank. This requires 2 bolts with rubber washers inside the tank and a rubber gasket between the tank and the toilet.

14. Connect the water supply line to base of the toilet tank and turn on the water. Check for any leaks.

15. Replace the decorative trim caps onto the flange bolts. You may need to cut them to fit the trim caps over the bolts.

16. Install the toilet seat and tank cover to finish the project.

Tips & Warnings

• The water supply line to the toilet tank is a pressure coupling. Putting some Teflon tape on the threads before attaching the supply line will minimize any chance of a leak.
• The toilet and tank together will weigh between 75 and 100 pounds. Have someone help you move them. Also, put a dropcloth or a thin piece of wood on the bathroom floor to protect it from scratches or gouges when you move the toilet.
• Your toilet is made out of porcelain, a material that cannot be compressed. If you overtighten the flange bolts, you may end up cracking the toilet base. A cracked toilet can't be repaired. Hand tight is probably tight enough.

[DIYManiac]

on 2/26/2007 When removing the toilet, an easier way of making sure all of the water is out is to take a length of hose and siphon the remaining water into a nearby bathtub. Simply submerge the hose in the tank filling it with water, plug one end with your thumb and then place it in the bathtub as low as possible. Unplug the end and watch all the remaining water flow out of the toilet and down the drain.

Clint
http://diyda.blogspot.com