How To Articles


How To Install Or Replace A Toilet

By: Walter Sanderson

Common Mistakes


  1. Failure to purchase a new wax ring
  2. Failure to empty the trap
  3. Failure to know when to call a professional
Materials Requried:

New Toilet
Wax Ring





 Tools Required:

Plunger
Sponge
Bucket
Wrench
Putty Knife
Screwdriver

How to Empty the Water From The Tank


  1. Turn off the water at the toilet shut off valve. If there is not one at the toilet, you may have to shut off the water at the meter. Also at this point, you may want to consider adding a shut off valve. 
  2. Start draining the tank by simply flushing the toilet while the water is shut off.
  3. Try to use a cup to scoop out some of the remaining water.
  4. If you want it completely dry, you can use a sponge.
  5. Take care of any water left the trap by using an ordinary plunger. Simply plunge the bowl several times as you would with a clogged toilet. This forces any water that may be left in the trap.



How to Remove the Toilet

  1. First disconnect the water line from the shut-off valve by using a wrench. NOTE: This next step is optional, or you may choose to skip to step #4. You may find it faster to remove the tank and bowl as one unit. However, keep in mind it is much heavier and more awkward to carry.
  2. Loosen and remove the tank and bowl nuts. Using a long screwdriver, you can hold them while still inside the tank, and then loosen them from underneath the tank.
  3. Your tank is now free from the bowl thus allowing you to simply lift it up.
  4. Next, there are usually bolt covers on the base of the bowl. Remove them so that you can access the nuts.
  5. Remove the nuts on the closet bolts.
  6. You can take a tight grip on your old toilet and lift it out. If you skipped steps #2 and #3, remember that this will be heavy and awkward to handle.
  7. Take the putty knife and scrape off the old wax ring from the bottom of the bowl base and anything remaining on the drain pipe flange.



How to Install the New Toilet 

  1. Install a new wax ring by placing it on the bottom of the bowl.
  2. Carefully line up the closet bolts with the holes in the base of the bowl and gently let down the bowl and slightly twist is back and forth.
  3. In order to create a proper seal with the flange and drain, simply lean on the bowl, sit or kneel on it. Your weight will press the seal tight.
  4. Put the nuts back on the closet bolts and tighten securely. If you did this as one unit (where tank and bowl are still connected), proceed to step #7.
  5. Line up the flushing valve to the opening in the top of the toilet bowl.
  6. After making sure the seal is in place, add the tank to bowl gaskets, tighten down with a screwdriver and wrench.
  7. It is now time to reconnect the supply line. Simply tighten with a wrench, but you do not have to over-tighten as this is a compression fitting.
  8. Finally, turn the water back on and test for leaks.


That’s it, you’re done, and you now have a new toilet in your bathroom.








Author Bio:

This article was written by Walter Sanderson, founder of this website, STL Home Rehabbers.  He has more than 15 years experience in rehabbing and remodeling homes.  For more information about him, you can check out http://waltersanderson.stlhomerehabbers.com/.


Article Source:  http://www.stlhomerehabbers.com/



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