How to Fix a Toilet to the Floor
The best method to fix your toilet to the floor is to use flange bolts. These T-shaped bolts fit into slots on the closet flange in the floor of the bathroom. The closet flange is a metal disc that rests at floor level or slightly below and connects the bathroom to the sewer network in your house. A pliable adhesive called plumber's putty applied to the bottom of the bowl can also help to create a watertight seal. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Putty knife
- Paint scraper
- Rubbing alcohol
- Rag
- Flange bolts, washers and nuts
- Toilet bowl
- Plumber's putty
- Adjustable wrench
- Wax ring
Instructions
-
-
1
Clean off the toilet flange where you will be installing the toilet. Use a paint scraper or putty knife to clear as much of any old caulk or putty that may be clinging to the flange or the floor around the flange opening. Soak a rag in rubbing alcohol and wipe up any remaining wax residue.
-
2
Insert the flange bolts, with the threads facing up, into the flange. Slide the T-shaped part of the bolt in the wider part of the flange opening, then slide the bolt around the flange to the 3 o'clock position, when looked at from above. Do the same for the other bolt on the opposite side of the flange at the 9 o'clock position.
-
-
3
Turn the toilet bowl over. Roll out a bead of plumber's putty and press this into place around the underside rim of the bowl.
-
4
Press the wax ring into position around the outlet in the bottom of the bowl.
-
5
Turn the bowl right side up. Have an assistant help you maneuver it over the flange. Align the holes at the base of the bowl with the flange bolts and slowly lower the bowl into place. Compress the wax ring and plumber's putty on the bottom of the bowl by sitting on it.
-
6
Insert the plastic and metal washers over the flange bolts. Thread the nuts over the end and tighten hand tight. Use the adjustable wrench to tighten each side, one turn at a time, three or four additional turns.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Apply a dab of plumber's putty to each of the flange bolts to hold them in place while you are lowering the bowl.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
