Commode Installation

Proper installation of a commode will protect against leaks that can cause water damage.

Installing a new commode takes numerous steps, as well as preparation to gather the necessary supplies and tools to properly complete the job. You must also be comfortable with soldering the joint between the water-supply pipe and the stop valve, unless a stop valve is already installed. But once you complete proper installation, the commode and its stop valve will operate without leaking any water, giving you trouble-free use.

Things You'll Need

• Soil pipe
• Measuring tape
• Hand saw
• PVC primer
• PVC cement
• Drill
• Screws
• Bucket
• Tubing cutter
• Towel
• Wire pipe cleaner
• Toilet stop valve
• Flux
• Propane torch
• Closet bolts
• Closet nuts and washers
• Wax ring
• Wrench
• Close-quarters hacksaw
• Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Insert the soil pipe into the drain pipe in the floor, then use measuring tape to measure the distance between the flange and bathroom's finished floor. Remove the soil pipe and use a saw to trim the same amount you measured off the end of the soil pipe.

2. Apply PVC primer onto the inside of the toilet's drain pipe and the outside of the soil pipe, then apply PVC cement to the same areas. Insert the soil pipe into the drain pipe so that the closet flange rests on the bathroom floor.

3. Turn the closet flange so its large slots are on the right and left side of the toilet drain. Drive screws through the holes in the flange and through the bathroom's finished floor so the tips of the screws penetrate the subfloor.

4. Turn the house's main water valve to the closed position. Put a bucket under the water-supply line protruding from the wall and cut the line using a tubing cutter. Once the water in the pipe drains into the bucket, dry the inside and outside of the pipe with a towel, then clean the inside of the pipe using a wire pipe cleaner.

5. Turn the stop-valve handle and stem counterclockwise to remove them from the valve's body. Spread flux onto the water-supply pipe and the stop valve, then slide the escutcheon over the pipe until it sits flat against the wall. Slide the stop valve's body over the water pipe, pointing the outlet opening upward.

6. Apply heat to the joint between the water line and stop valve using a propane torch until the solder on the joint melts and a drop forms at the bottom of the joint. Insert the heads of the closet bolts into the slots on the flange and insert a washer over each bolt.

7. Place a wax ring over the flange with the rounded side pointing up. Lower the toilet bowl over the flange, threading the closet bolts through the holes in the base of the bowl. Press on the bowl until the base touches the bathroom's finished floor. Slide a nylon washer over each closet bolt and tighten the nuts onto the bolts until you feel resistance. Use a close-quarters hacksaw to cut the tops of the closet bolts so only three threads show above the top of the nuts. Press a plastic cover over each of the closet bolts.

8. Press the rubber washer on the bottom of the toilet's tank to make sure it is firmly seated, then slide rubber washers over the tank's bolts and insert the bolts into the holes in the bottom of the tank from inside the tank. Place the tank onto the toilet bowl so the bolts thread through the holes in the bowl. Insert a screwdriver into the bolt heads and tighten nuts onto the bolts until you feel resistance. Bolt the supply-water line onto the opening in the bottom of the toilet tank and the opening on the stop valve. Turn the stop valve's stem clockwise into place and turn the house's water shutoff valve to open. Flush the toilet once the tank fills and check for any leaks.

Tips & Warnings

• Over-tightening the nuts on the closet bolts can crack the commode's porcelain.

References

• This Old House: How to Install a Toilet