DIY Toilet Installation

If your toilet is old or needs repairs, it is often cheaper to replace it by installing a new one. This is very easy to do yourself and can be completed in a single afternoon. However, if you plan on installing a toilet in a new site, you will need to extend supply pipes and drains to the desired location, a job you may want to leave for a plumbing specialist.

Most toilets are sold with the necessary gaskets, washers and hardware for the installation of the tank to the bowl. However, you will also need to buy a new wax ring and a plumbers wrench or 8" channel lock pliers if you do not already have them.

1. Turn off water to the toilet. Use a bucket and a cloth or sponge to remove the excess water remaining in the tank and bowl after you flush the toilet.

2. Using a plumbers wrench or 8" channel lock pliers, remove the nut holding the water line to the ballcock valve on the side or bottom of the tank. Next, use a small wrench to remove the two 1/4" nuts holding the bowl to the floor flange. Remove the old toilet. Remove the water line from the valve or fitting on the floor or wall - if the water line is of the older plastic variety now would be a good time to consider replacing with the newer woven stainless steel fiber variety.

3. Now you are ready to install your new toilet. Put the two 1/4" bolts into the holes of the flange side with the screw heads in the flange slots. Put some wax old in the holes to hold the screws in place. Put the new wax ring in the flange, with the flat side up if tapered.

4. Place the new bowl straight down so that it is centered on the wax ring and the bolts are centered in the holes at the foot of the bowl. Sit on the bowl facing the wall until your weight settles the bowl flush with the floor. Put metal washers and nuts on bolts and tighten until snug. Do not over tighten, as you can break the porcelain bowl. Tighten again after toilet is completely installed and filled with water.

5. Next put the 2" rubber gasket on the tank where it attaches to bowl. Put rubber washers on bolts provided and put in holes in bottom of the tank. Place toilet tank on the toilet bowl lining up bolts in the tank with the holes in the back of the bowl. Underneath, thread metal washers and nuts onto the tank/bowl bolts and tighten with fingers. Using a screwdriver on the bolt heads and a crescent wrench underneath, tighten the bolts alternately to keep the tank level. Again, be cautious not to over tighten and break the tank and/or bowl. Reattach the water supply line, snug up the floor flange nuts, turn on water and inspect for leaks.

Handy Tips:

• Adding food coloring to the tank water can help identify hard to see slow leaks.
• Hard rubber washer bumpers can be used to help brace the tank against the wall - however since some sweating of the tank is to be expected these should be placed above the water line to prevent water damage to the wall.
• A new wax ring should be installed every time the bowl is unseated from the floor.