How to Install Toilet Bolts

To install new toilet bolts on an existing toilet, the entire toilet must be taken off the floor. This isn't a hard project, but you may need some help with the lifting. If you are installing a toilet in a new location or new construction, it is an even easier project. The key to installing the bolts is in the tightening. Not tight enough and the toilet will rock; too tight and you can crack the toilet.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Toilet bolt assembly
• Wax ring
• Toilet
• WD-40
• Pliers
• Hacksaw
• Bucket
• Rags
• Plunger
• Small putty knife

1. Turn off the water to the toilet with the shut off valve behind the toilet. Unscrew and remove the flexible water line from in front of the shut off valve. Place a bucket or rag under the water line, as it will still have water in it.

2. Flush the toilet to get rid of the water inside. Use a plunger to push the rest of the water down the drain.

3. Unscrew the nuts that hold the bolts in place. Sometimes these nuts get rusted or fused onto the bolts and are very difficult to remove. If you are having trouble, spray on some WD-40 and let sit for about a half an hour. If they still won't turn, use a hacksaw and cut the bolts right below the nuts.

4. Lift the toilet off the remaining part of the bolts and set it on some cardboard or a tarp, with the bottom facing up. Scrape off the old wax ring with a small putty knife. Once you get most of the ring off, spray with WD-40 and wipe out the cavity for the ring until it is clean.

5. Clean the flange in the floor. It may need some scraping too, if any of the ring was stuck to it or it has any corrosion. Remove the small parts of the bolts that were left in the flange.

6. Put a new wax ring on the toilet. Press it into place so it won't fall off when you turn the toilet over, but do not squish it or change it's basic shape.

7. Place the new bolts in the cut-outs of the flange on the floor. Place the plastic retainers on the bolts to hold them in place while you set the toilet on them. Sometimes it helps to mark the floor where the bolts are because, if you are reinstalling the toilet alone, you will not be able to see the bolts while holding the toilet.

8. Place the toilet on the bolts. If the toilet gets too heavy or you need to put it down before you get it on the bolts, do not set it down on the new wax ring. Once the toilet is on the bolts, place the holder and nut on them and tighten. Do not overtighten or you will crack the toilet.

9. Sit on the toilet and make sure it does not rock. If it does, tighten them a little more. Cut the bolts to about a half inch above the nut with a hacksaw and replace the covers.

10. Screw the water line back on the pipe and turn the water back on at the valve.