How to Install a Toilet?

If your toilet uses too much water, has cracks and leaks, or is just too old, it’s time to get a new one. Installing a new toilet by yourself is not easy, but if you’re a DIYer, this guide is what you need. 

When you’re removing your old toilet and installing a new one, be sure to do everything correctly. Or else it can become a disaster.

Follow these steps to install a new toilet by yourself. But before you get started, get your tools ready.

Tools You’ll Need:

• Work gloves
• Pliers
• Adjustable wrench
• Screwdriver
• Wax seal

Step 1: Remove the Old Toilet

Before you remove the old toilet, find the shutoff valve, and turn off the water. Also, disconnect the supply line. Once that’s done, here is what you need to do:

1. Remove the tank

When you separate the tank from the bowl, it becomes easier to remove the toilet. But if your toilet’s tank and bowl are connected, don’t remove the tank. 

Take an adjustable wrench and start by unbolting the tank from the bowl. When it’s completely disconnected, lift the tank straight up and separate it from the bowl.

2. Unbolt the bowl

Once you have removed the tank, you have to unbolt the bowl from the floor. If the floor bolts have plastic caps, pull them off using your hands or use a screwdriver. Remove the bowl once it’s unbolted.

Step 2: Prep the Floor

After removing the old toilet, you have to prepare the floor to install the new toilet. Make sure there is no water on the floor. The hole should be large enough so that it can fit the closet flange up to the collar.

It’s very important as the toilet can leak if the flange sits below the floor. Remember that the toilet flange must sit at least 1/4 –inch above the finished floor.

Step 3: Install the New Toilet

The next step is to install a new toilet.

1. Add a new wax ring

The new wax ring acts as a buffer between your old flange and the new toilet. You have to place the wax ring perfectly on the flange.

2. Set the toilet

Next, place the new toilet on the flange. Keep in mind that you should align the bolt holes with the floor flange’s bolts.

3. Add washers and nuts

Once you have set the toilet, add the plastic washers, then add the metal washers, and finally, add the nuts to closet flange bolts.

4. Tighten the nuts

Start tightening the nuts. Be sure to add a washer before every nut and tighten them just enough to keep the toilet from moving. Don’t over-tighten the nuts. It will crack the bowl.

5. Bolt the toilet to the floor

Lastly, you have to attach the new tank. Place the tank on the bowl correctly and bolt it to the bowl. Bolt everything together to make sure it’s secure and connect the supply line.

And there you go! You have installed a new toilet.

Need a Professional to Install a New Toilet?

If you’re not sure you can install a new toilet yourself or just don’t have the time to install one, you should call Kwik Plumbers.

Kwik Plumbers has a team of dedicated and experienced plumbers who will install your new toilets and fix any other plumbing problems you might have.

Call 561-627-2244 or fill out a contact form now!