Handicap Toilet Installation

Handicap or ADA toilets are taller and elongated toilets designed to improve the quality of life for disabled, elderly and post surgical patients, allowing them to function independently. Handicap toilet installation is subject to building and plumbing code requirements, which ensure adequate space for wheelchair access. Handicap toilets require a wall or partition to the rear and one side for grab bar installation. Allow 16 to 18 inches from either wall and a 5-foot clearance around the toilets, enough space for wheelchairs to turn 360 degrees in the toilet area. Install the rough-in plumbing before installing the ADA handicap toilet.

Things You'll Need

• Closet bolts
• Wax ring
• Wooden shims
• Adjustable wrench
• Mini hacksaw
• Plumber's PTFE paste
• Pliers
• Kitchen and bath caulk

Instructions

1. Slide the toilet bolts into the grooves on the top of the toilet flange. Center the bolts with the center of the toilet flange opening.

2. Lay the toilet bowl on its side on a padded work area to prevent cracking, breaking and scratching the toilet bowl finish.

3. Place the wax ring on the underside toilet bowl outlet with the wax ring beveled end toward the toilet bowl.

4. Lift the toilet bowl over the closet flange; align the closet bolts with the holes in the closet bowl base flange.

5. Place the toilet bowl onto the closet flange and press down on the bowl to compress the wax ring. The closet bolts protrude through the holes in the toilet bowl base flange.

6. Slide the plastic cap retaining washer, marked "This Side Up," onto the closet bolts. Slide the metal washers onto the closet bolts.

7. Align the toilet bowl with the bathroom walls. Slide wooden shims under the toilet bowl as needed to prevent the toilet from rocking.

8. Screw the closet bolt nuts onto the closet bolts and tighten the nuts with an adjustable wrench. Overtightening the closet bolt nuts may crack and break the toilet bowl.

9. Cut the excess closet bolt lengths flush with the closet bolt nut using a mini hacksaw. Snap the toilet bowl decorative caps onto the retaining washers.

10. Lay the toilet tank on a level, padded work area.

11. Slide the neoprene spud gasket fully on the underside toilet flush valve threads.

12. Slide the toilet tank bolts into the toilet tank bracket. Insert the tank bolts into the bracket and slide them sideways to lock the tank bolts into place.

13. Place the toilet tank onto the toilet bowl. Lift the tank over the bowl and align the toilet tank bolts and spud gasket with the holes in the top of the bowl.

14. Slide the metal washers onto the toilet tank bolts. Screw the toilet tank nuts onto the toilet tank bolt threads; tighten the nuts with an adjustable wrench until the tank touches the toilet bowl, but do not overtighten.

15. Apply a coat of plumber's PTFE paste to the end of the toilet tank supply line.

16. Screw the toilet water supply line nut onto the toilet tank fill valve threads and tighten the nut with pliers.

17. Turn on the toilet water supply valve, flush the toilet several times and check all parts of the toilet for leaks.

18. Caulk the toilet bowl base where the bowl meets the floor, using kitchen and bath caulk.

References

• Accessible Environments Inc.: Kohler Toilet Installation and Care Guide
• Access Board; ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities; September 2002
• American Standard: The Total Bathroom