Toilet installation might not be one of the best things you may want to do when it comes to renovating your bathroom. However, this task is easier than you may imagine-and you don’t have to call a plumber to do it for you. Besides, nowadays new toilets come in standard sizes, so all you need is to get rid of the old one and install the new one.
From selecting the right toilet to removing the existing one and installing the new one, here is a step-by-step guide to toilet installation. Take a look, and before you complete reading this article, you would be an expert toilet installer.
- The Tools You Need To Install Your Toilet.
- Safety glasses.
- Work gloves.
- Putty knife.
- Adjustable wrench.
- Mini-hacksaw.
- Tape measure.
- Utility knife.
- Wax ring.
- Toilet flange.
- Water supply line.
- Closet bolts.
- Plumbers putty.
- Silicone sealant.
- Take The Measurements And Purchase New Toilet.
Take measurements of the distance between the centre of the bolts of the closet (you will see it at the base of your toilet) all the way to the wall. If there are four bolts in your toilet, start measuring from the bolts at the back. Ensure you have sufficient clearance on one side of the toilet.
Once you have these measurements, go to your local store and select a toilet size according to those measurements.
- Removing the Old Toilet.
This is probably the first stage in the actual toilet installation. First, where your work gloves and then check whether there are any cracks around the toilet. These cracks can be dangerous. Now, remove the top lid of the tank.
Switch off the line supplying the water to your toilet and then flush all the water. You can then utilise your sponge to get rid of the remaining water from the tank.
- Unscrew The Closet Bolts.
This is the second step. Start by removing the caps of the bolts and then loosen them using your wretch. If the bolts are hard to withdraw due to prolonged corrosion, hold the bolt using your adjustable wrench and cut them with your mini-hacksaw.
- Removing the Toilet.
If the toilet is firmly fixed on the floor with a sealant, use your utility knife to cut the sealant. Rock your toilet to loosen it from the floor and remove it. Immediately place a towel into the drain to block sewer gases. Next, scrap old wax from the floor using your putty knife and dispose off the debris.
- Pre-Toilet Installation.
Now it is the time for the installation of the toilet. To do so, follow these steps.
Step 1. For Those with Two-Piece Toilet.
Start by installing a rubber gasket on the outlet of your tank. Carefully place the anchor bolts directly into the holes of the tank. This helps direct it into the bow. Now, lift your tank slowly and put it over the bowl. Guide the bolts of the tank, and they will precisely get into the holes of the toilet bowl.
Step 2: Installation of the Bolt.
It is important to replace your flake bolts if you have decided to use the old flange since they usually corrode over time. However, if you have decided to replace the flange, make sure the bolt is completely screwed into the wooden floor.
Step 3: Setting the Toilet.
Now, set your toilet on the prepared flange and closet bolts. After you have fitted it in place, squeeze the wax ring until the toilet is entirely settled on the floor. It is not advisable to try to hold the toilet firmly on the floor by tightening the nuts. That can make the base of your base to crack. To make it firm on the floor, sit on it while facing on the wall and try to weigh it down on the wax ring.
Step 4: Secure Your Toilet.
The next step in toilet installation is securing the toilet after setting it. Put the washers on every closet bolt and tighten them. Do not exert a lot of pressure when tightening them as over-tightening may crack the toilet.
Step 5: hooking up.
Now to complete the installation process of your toilet, connect the water supply to your new toilet. To finish the process, test it for leaks, and finish by sealing the base with silicone sealant.