Replacing a toilet may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools, preparation, and guidance, it can be a straightforward DIY project. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step of the process, from selecting the right toilet to properly installing it. We will cover essential tools, safety precautions, and tips to ensure a successful installation. Whether you’re upgrading for aesthetics or replacing a malfunctioning unit, this article will provide you with all the necessary information.
Tools and Materials Needed
Before starting your toilet replacement project, gather the following tools and materials:
- New Toilet: Choose a model that fits your bathroom’s style and space.
- Wax Ring: This creates a seal between the toilet and the flange.
- New Closet Bolts: These secure the toilet to the floor.
- Adjustable Wrench: For loosening and tightening nuts.
- Screwdriver: For removing screws and caps.
- Utility Knife: To cut any caulk or old wax.
- Putty Knife: For scraping off old wax.
- Hacksaw: In case you need to cut off old bolts.
- Bucket and Sponge: To catch any remaining water.
- Gloves: For hygiene during removal and installation.
- Plumber’s Tape: To seal connections.
- Silicone Caulk (optional): For sealing around the base of the toilet.
Safety Precautions
Before beginning, ensure you take safety precautions:
- Turn off the water supply to the toilet to prevent flooding.
- Wear gloves to protect your hands from bacteria and debris.
- Use knee pads if you’re working on hard surfaces for extended periods.
Step 1: Turn Off Water Supply
The first step in replacing your toilet is to turn off the water supply:
- Locate the shut-off valve behind or beside your toilet. It is usually on the wall or floor.
- Turn the valve clockwise until it stops. This will stop water from flowing into the tank.
Step 2: Drain the Toilet
Next, you’ll need to drain any remaining water from the tank and bowl:
- Flush the toilet while holding down the handle to empty as much water as possible from the tank.
- Use a sponge or towel to soak up any remaining water in the tank and bowl. A bucket can be handy for collecting excess water.
Step 3: Disconnect Water Supply Line
Now it’s time to disconnect the water supply line:
- Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the nut connecting the supply line to the bottom of the tank.
- Be prepared for some residual water to spill out; have a rag handy to catch any drips.
Step 4: Remove Old Toilet
To remove your old toilet, follow these steps:
- Remove Tank from Bowl:
- If your toilet has a separate tank, unbolt it by removing nuts at the base of the tank using a wrench or pliers.
- Lift off the tank carefully and set it aside.
- Remove Toilet Bowl:
- Pop off any caps covering the closet bolts at the base of the toilet using a screwdriver.
- Loosen and remove nuts from these bolts using an adjustable wrench. If they are rusted, apply lubricant for easier removal.
- Gently rock the toilet bowl back and forth until it breaks free from the wax seal, then lift it straight up off the bolts.
- Clean Up:
- Remove any remaining wax from around the flange using a putty knife. Ensure that you clean this area thoroughly as any leftover wax can interfere with sealing your new toilet.
Step 5: Prepare for New Toilet Installation
Before installing your new toilet, check a few things:
- Inspect Closet Flange:
- Ensure that your closet flange is in good condition; if it’s broken or too low compared to your finished floor height, consider using a flange repair kit or height adjustment kit.
- Install New Closet Bolts:
- Insert new closet bolts into the flange at 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock positions. Ensure they are secured in place with washers.
- Install New Wax Ring:
- Place a new wax ring on top of the flange or on the base of your new toilet (depending on preference). This will create an airtight seal when you set down your new toilet.
Step 6: Install New Toilet
Now you’re ready to install your new toilet:
- Position Toilet Bowl:
- Carefully lower your new toilet bowl over the closet bolts, ensuring that they align with holes in the base of the bowl.
- Press down firmly to compress the wax ring without rocking or shifting.
- Secure Toilet Bowl:
- Place washers and nuts onto each closet bolt from underneath and tighten them evenly using an adjustable wrench. Be cautious not to overtighten as this can crack porcelain.
- Install Tank (if applicable):
- If you removed a tank earlier, place it back onto its bowl by aligning it with mounting holes.
- Secure it with nuts while ensuring not to overtighten.
- Connect Water Supply Line:
- Reattach your supply line to the bottom of your tank using plumber’s tape for a secure seal.
- Turn On Water Supply:
- Open your shut-off valve by turning it counterclockwise and check for leaks around connections.
Step 7: Final Checks
After installation, perform these checks:
- Flush several times to ensure everything works correctly without leaks.
- Inspect around both base and tank connections for signs of leaking water.
- If everything is secure, you may want to caulk around the base of your toilet for aesthetic purposes but leave gaps for potential leaks.
Key Takeaways
Replacing a toilet is an achievable DIY project that can save you money while enhancing your bathroom’s functionality and appearance. By following these detailed steps—turning off water, draining existing tanks, removing old fixtures, preparing for installation, and properly securing new units—you can complete this task efficiently. Always remember safety first; wear gloves and be cautious with tools during installation. With patience and attention to detail, you’ll have a newly installed toilet in no time.
Citations:
[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYCYUIhZDCI
[2] https://www.homedepot.com/c/ah/how-to-install-a-toilet/9ba683603be9fa5395fab9019b9cd1b7
[3] https://www.diy.com/ideas-advice/how-to-fit-a-toilet/CC_npcart_400185.art
[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIvN2s2DjNA
[5] https://fixedtoday.com.au/blog/how-to-replace-toilet
[6] https://www.lowes.com/n/how-to/replace-a-toilet
[7] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHhAsSoP04c
[8] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twF-Uus68ps