A new toilet installation is much easier than you might think. Many homeowners decide to replace their old toilet without the assistance of a plumber or handyman.
However, before you take on this task, you should be familiar with at least the basics of toilet installation.
This article will show you how to take out your old toilet and install a new one.
If you are just wanting to reset you toilet then see instruction here.
Let’s get started!
Remove the old toilet
1) Measure the distance between the toilet floor bolts and the wall
Before you remove your toilet, it’s a good idea to take measurement to make sure the new one will fit.
Measure the length from the wall behind the toilet to the toilet floor bolts.
If the measurement is 12 in (30 cm), you are good to go! Standard size toilets are available in this size.
If your distance exceeds 12 inches (30cm), you may need a larger or longer toilet. To find the right toilet for you, take your measurements to the hardware shop.
2) Turn off the water supply valve
To turn off the water supply to the toilet locate the valve under the toilet and turn to handle the right. It will take several turns to close an older-style valve. You only need to turn the valve one quarter of a 360-degree circle if it’s a quarter turn valve.
Turning off a supply valve cuts the water supply to the toilet. This makes it easier to replace it with less mess.
3) Flush the toilet and set the toilet lid aside
Place the lid in a safe place where it will not be broken or tripped on. Next, flush the toilet several times until as much water as possible is removed from the tank.
You won’t be able to flush all of the water from the tank but we will show you how to remove the water that remains.
4) Remove any remaining water
To protect yourself against bacteria, place on rubber gloves before proceeding.
You can use a cup to scoop out any water remaining in the bowl or tank before switching to a sponge.
Use a large sponge to absorb the water from the tank and bowl. You can then squeeze the sponge out into a bucket
5) Remove water supply line from the tank and wall
Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the bolt at the back of your toilet.
Next, remove the water supply line nut located near the stop valve where you turned off the water
Take out the water supply line and throw it away. Most plumbers recommend that you replace your braided water supply lines every 3 to 5 years.
6) Unscrew the toilet bolts
If the toilet bolts are not visible, remove the plastic bolt covers. Next, loosen the bolts that secure the toilet to the flooring with a wrench. The washers and nuts should be thrown away. Sometimes nuts and washers can get so rusty that they can be removed by hand.
If you see caulking at the base of the toilet you may need to remove with a utility knife before lifting the toilet from the floor.
FYI: Toilet floor bolts are also called closet bolts.
7) Lift toilet off the floor
You may be able lift the entire toilet yourself, but it is easier to have someone else lift one side. To avoid injury, lift with your back straight and keep your back straight.
After you have lifted the toilet from the ground, take it out of your bathroom. If the old toilet is to be stored inside your home, place it on a towel, tarp or garbage bag until it can be thrown away.
If you are working alone and wish to make the toilet lighter, remove the bolts from inside the tank. Next, lift the tank off the floor so that you only have the toilet base to lift.
8) Remove old wax ring from toilet flange
Brown wax will be found covering the flange, which is the circular opening. Use a putty knife to remove the wax. Wipe off any remaining sticky wax from the flange with a damp cloth.
The metal or plastic flange can be left in place unless it is cracked or damaged. A broken flange should be replaced.
9) Plug the drain opening with old rag
Make sure to stuff the drain hole in the floor with an old rag. This will stop sewage fumes from entering your bathroom. It will also prevent tools from accidentally falling into it.
Installing the new toilet
1) Replace the closet bolts on the toilet flange
New toilets often come with a set of new bolts. To remove the old nuts, use a wrench to unscrew them and then pull out the bolts. To insert the new closet bolts into the toilet, place the bolt head facing down in the large opening at the flange. Slide the bolt into the slot at the narrow end. Repeat this process for the other side.
2) Install a new wax ring around your flange
Although most new toilets come with a wax rings, it’s a good idea to double-check. Place the new wax ring on the flange. If your wax ring has an angled edge, turn it upside down so that the narrow end touches the flange.
Wax rings can last between 20 and 30 years. If your toilet is leaking near its base, it’s time for a new wax ring.
3) Center the toilet base over the closet bolts
Place the new toilet base on the floor and over the closet bolts. Press down on the toilet and rock it back and forth until the wax ring is sealed. Another person can help guide the new toilet onto the bolts.
You should not remove the toilet from the wax ring after this step otherwise you will cause the seal to break.
4) Tighten the toilet bolts onto the toilet base
Attach a plastic washer to each bolt. Then, screw a nut by hand onto the bolts. Next, tighten the bolts using a wrench, alternating between them.
Once the nut is tightened, stop tightening. This will ensure that the toilet bowl doesn’t crack and that it is level. Even after you have installed the washers, nuts and bolts, the toilet bolts will still stick up. This is perfectly normal, as you’ll saw them down.
5) Remove excess length from bolts and place caps
You can use a hacksaw or a saw to trim the bolts’ excess length. Leave about 1/2 inch (1.3cm) of bolt above the nuts. Push the decorative caps over each bolt until they are completely hidden. Use a clean cloth to remove any metal filings or vacuum them up.
6) Place the gasket on the tank and push the bolts through the holes
Turn the tank upside down and place the rubber gasket on the tank’s bottom. Slide the tank bolts through your tank’s interior so that they extend beyond the tank’s bottom.
Your tank may come pre-assembled so this step may not be necessary.
7) Place the tank on the toilet bowl and screw it into place
Turn the tank upside down and place it over the bowl. The bolts will slide into the holes at the back of your toilet bowl. Next, tighten the bolts using a wrench.
8) Connect a new water supply cable to the toilet tank
Attach one end of the new supply line to the bottom of the toilet tank. Next, attach the other end of the supply line to the valve near the wall. Use a wrench to tighten the connections.
You can purchase braided water supply line from hardware stores or online. There are many lengths available so you can find the right one for your toilet.
9) Turn on the water supply valve and flush toilet
Turn the valve to the left. The toilet tank should be filled with water. Wait until the tank is full before flushing the toilet.
Look for leaks around the toilet base or near the water supply line. If you find leakage, you may need to tighten the bolts.
10) Caulk all visible gaps in front of the toilet
You should leave the back of the toilet uncaulked to allow water to escape in the event of a leak. Undiscovered leaks could cause the toilet’s subfloor to rot and fail.
Using a caulk gun, insert a tube of silicone tub with tile caulk. The caulk should be applied along the toilet’s base, making sure there is no gap between the toilet and the floor. Next, run your fingertip along the caulk to smooth the line and remove any excess.
Most caulking products take about a day to cure so don’t mop the floor around the toilet. For a quicker cure and mildewcide properties, use 100% silicone caulk.
Final thoughts
Now that you know how to install a toilet you are ready to purchase a new toilet and get started. Remember, if you still don’t feel confident replacing a toilet you can simply call a professional plumber to come out and do the job for you.
