How to Install a New Toilet

How to Install a New Toilet

It sounds like a difficult job, but with just a little bit of research, some patience, and the right tools, putting in a new toilet is a home improvement project you can do on your own. Better yet, by installing a new toilet yourself, you can save money not just in labor fees but also you can make your home more efficient. 

 

Why You Should Install a New Toilet

Household toilets get used a lot and go through a lot of wear and tear. Because toilets account for a large percentage of your home’s water usage, an obvious benefit to installing a new, more efficient toilet is lowering the amount of water used daily. So, replacing an old toilet can make a difference in your home’s efficiency and your monthly bills.

 

Additionally, like everything else, there have been advances in toilet design and technology. Modern toilets are more efficient, and the right one won’t use as much water as that old, running, noisy commode. These days, new toilets can come with seat warmers, features that pre-mist the toilet or bowl before you use it, an air dryer, a night light, an automatic lid, or self-cleaning. 

 

The possibilities seem endless. 

 

What You Will Need to Install Your New Toilet

These days, most new toilets come boxed with most of the supplies you’ll need to install them. However, there are a few things you will need to have on hand, like a wax ring (if it was not already included), an adjustable wrench, waterproof silicone caulk, and (of course) the new toilet. You also will need to have the ability to lift anywhere from 60 to 120 pounds to lift the old toilet out of the way and the new one into position.

 

Also, remember that the toilet flange needs to rest on top of the finished floor. The flange connects the toilet bowl to the drainage system and secures the entire unit to the floor with a wax seal.

 

Installing a New Toilet Made Easy

When you have the old toilet removed and before beginning the installation, investigate the area where the new toilet will be resting. If the floor is wet, moldy, or shows any signs of damage, you might need to replace or repair it before installing a new toilet.

 

New toilets come with instructions and installation manuals, but the basic steps are generally universal. Here are the steps to install a new toilet yourself:

 

Secure bolts to the flange

New toilets usually come with a set of toilet bolts. Use a wrench to secure the bolts on either side of the flange, which is the toilet waste pipe on the floor.

Replace the wax ring

Using your hands, place the new wax ring between the toilet bolts, ensuring it is centered on top of the flange.

Place the new toilet bowl onto the wax ring

Ensure both toilet bolts pass through the holes of the toilet bowl as you lower the bowl into place. Gently rock the toilet on top of the wax ring until the base is flush evenly with the floor. If the toilet is installed on an uneven floor, or if the flange is too high off the floor, the toilet will need to be fixed to make up for the extra space.

Once the toilet is attached to the wax ring, do not move it. Doing so could ruin the seal and could cause leaks in the future.

Secure the bolts

Place the plastic washer over the bolts so they lay flat, then place the metal washer over each bolt, so it lays flat on top of the plastic washer. 

Install the toilet tank

You’ll need to install the tank if you bought a two-piece toilet. Lift the tank into place, making sure the bolts go into the correct positions. Screw the bolts in by hand and then use a wrench to make them tight.

Secure the water line

The water line connects the tank to the water supply. Typically, it is found on the wall behind the tank or nearby on the floor. After connecting the line and tightening it with a wrench, flush the toilet several times to check for leaks.

Caulk the base

Apply the waterproof silicone caulk where the toilet's base meets the floor. Let it dry thoroughly before using the toilet.

 

Plumbing Demand Growing Rapidly

If you have specific plumbing needs or questions about what new technology and trends in the plumbing industry can do to ensure your plumbing is running efficiently, your local Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is here to help! Give us a call at 1-877-BEN-177

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