How to Install a Commode in an Existing Concrete Slab

"Commode" is another name for a porcelain toilet.

Installing a commode in a concrete slab is much the same as attaching a toilet to other types of surfaces, such as wood or tile floor. A "commode" is a term commonly used to describe a porcelain toilet located in a bathroom. Installing the commode in an existing concrete floor is done by first replacing the old flange, which is attached to the existing drain pipe, with a new one.

Things You'll Need

• Flat bar
• Chisel
• Hammer
• Rubber gasket
• Toilet flange
• Flange bolts
• Socket wrench
• Closet bolts

Instructions

1. Place the end of a chisel between the drain pipe and the existing flange, and tap on the end of the chisel with the hammer. This will separate the flange from the drain pipe.

2. Pry up the old flange from the floor with the flat bar. Pull the old flange out of the floor, and set it aside.

3. Place the new flange over the drain pipe. Mark the concrete where the flange is not flush with the floor with a felt tip marker. Chip away the uneven edges of the concrete with the chisel and hammer.

4. Set the flange back on the drain pipe. Insert the rubber gasket with the tapered end facing down so that it is in-between the flange and the drain pipe.

5. Place the brass ring in-between the flange and the drain pipe. Tap on the brass ring with a hammer to set it in position.

6. Insert four bolts or screws into the bolt holes in the brass ring. Tighten the bolts with a socket wrench. This will create tight seal and secure the flange to the floor.

7. Insert the head of the closet bolt into a slot on the edge of the flange. Push the bolt to the middle of the slot. Repeat this step for the other slot on the flange.

8. Set the wax ring over the flange. Press down on the wax ring to ensure that it is sitting tightly on the flange.

9. Position the base of the toilet on the flange. Align the closet bolts with the holes on each side of the toilet base. Press down on the toilet to apply pressure to the wax ring.

10. Place the plastic base over each closet bolt. Set the washer on the plastic base, and then tighten by hand nuts on the closet bolts. Tighten the nuts securely with the socket wrench.

11. Place caps over the closet bolts. Press down on the caps to snap them into place. Attach the end of the water line to the fitting on the tank. Open the shut-off valve for the water to begin filling the tank.

Tips & Warnings

• 'The closet bolts are used to secure the toilet to the floor.

• Trim the length of closet bolt above the nut with hacksaw, if needed.

References

• How to Install a Toilet
• How to Install a New Toilet Flange