How to Replace a Toilet

Plumbing and toilets are not as scary as they seem. You can replace a toilet in a couple of hours and save yourself a large bill from the plumbing contractor. Most toilets are made in two parts with a separate tank and bowl. The instructions give in this article cover this type of toilet.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• new toilet
• large open end adjustable wrench
• rags
• wax toilet ring gasket
• caulk

1. The first step to replace a toilet is to turn off the water supply to your existing toilet and flush it. You want to remove all of the water from the toilet plumbing.

2. Dry out the tank and bowl with a sponge. You want this to be dry.

3. Use the wrench to unscrew the coupling nut that attaches the water supply to the tank.

4. Locate the nuts beneath the flange that's behind the toilet bowl. They are what holds the tank to the bowl. Unscrew them with the wrench and remove the long screws.

5. Lift the tank off the bowl.

6. Toilets are held to the floor by either 2 or 4 hold-down bolts and nuts covered by caps. Pry the caps off and remove the nuts. If you cannot remove them, use a mini hacksaw to cut them off.

7. Rock the bowl to break the seal with the plumbing and then lift the bowl away.

8. Place rags in the plumbing hole to prevent sewer gases from coming into the house.

9. Clean the floor and flange of all old wax. Remove and discard the old hold down bolts, use the new ones that came with the new toilet.

10. Check for level by setting the toilet on the flange. Level with non rusting washers as shim if needed.

11. Read and follow the new toilets manufacturer's directs for installation. It will go approximately like the following steps.

12. Install the new hold down bolts.

13. Turn bowl upside down and insert the wax toilet ring gasket over the toilets outlet horn. The ring should be room temperature.

14. Remove the rags you placed in the plumbing flange and set the bowl over the hole, lining up the hold down bolts. The flange and the wax ring should line up also.

15. Gently rock the bowl, even rotating it a little, to work out the excess wax and set it on the floor.

16. Put the washers on the bolts and tighten them. Do not over tighten or you will crack the toilet. Only turn one turn past hand tight. Cover with the caps.

17. Using any parts that came with your toilet such as a rubber washer, set the tank on the toilet. Install the tank mounting bolts that hold it to the bowl.

18. Connect the water supply to the tank. Turn on the water and watch the tank fill up, checking for leaks. If there are leaks check to make sure everything is tight.

19. Test flush checking for any plumbing leaks around the floor. If there are not any, caulk around the base of the toilet.

20. Place the top on the tank and install your toilets seat and your plumbing job is complete. Who knew toilet plumbing was so easy?

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to read the instruction manual that comes with your new toilet. The manufacturer's directions may vary from this.

[2besure]

on 12/26/2008 Wow, I think I'll call a plumber! 5*****