How to Install a New Toilet

Whether it's a leaky toilet base or leaky cystern, new low-water model replacement or you just need to update the bathroom there are a few things you need to know. Toilets are made of porcelain which, if not handled with care, can crack, chip and break easily. Clean-up of the remnants from the old toilet must be thoroughly scraped up in order for the new toilet to sit level and to be watertight.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• New toilet
• Wax ring--if not supplied with new toilet
• Caulk
• Clean-up rag
• Scraper

1. Make sure the shut-off valve that delivers water to the toilet is turned off. Scrape the remnants of the old wax ring from the toilet drain and clean up the screw-down bolts.

2. Carefully and gently turn the toilet over and install the new wax ring around the hole. Some toilets come with plastic collars; this being the case install the plastic collar making sure it first fits the drain flange. Run a medium sized bead of caulk around the toilet base to ensure a good seal.

3. Gently turn the new toilet the right way up being careful not to knock or chip the porcelain. Using the floor bolts for a guide, ease the toilet down making sure the wax ring is properly centered. Gently push the new toilet into position making sure that the wax ring makes a good seal.

4. When the new toilet is snugly in place use a level to check that it's in straight. Tighten the nuts over the floor bolts to hand-tight and place caps filled with a dab of putty over the nuts and check toilet level once again. If the toilet is straight find the rubber tank o-ring and position it over the back of the bowl. Tighten the nuts and washers to the mounting hardware and screw the water supply hose to the toilet. Hook up tank assembly if necessary. Turn on the shut-off valve, let the tank fill up and flush your new toilet.

Tips & Warnings

• Always check your local building codes before installing sewer pipes