Welcome to our latest DIY plumbing guide, showing you how to install your own toilet.
As part of our DIY plumbing series, we’re excited to help our readers understand how they can easily solve most problems in their own homes.
With a little bit of instruction, some patience, and the right tools, you can keep your home running smoothly every day.
Toilets may not be sexy, cool, or really anything to brag about at all. But we all know how absolutely essential they are to any dwelling.
It might surprise you to learn that installing a toilet yourself is one of the easier plumbing projects that can be done at home without the help of professionals.
For this project, you’ll most definitely want to take a close look at the manufacturer’s instructions that came with the toilet you purchased. Every brand and model will have unique and specific design flourishes that must be taken into account.
The materials needed are somewhat minimal: only a wax seal and your new toilet itself. The tool list is more extensive, but every piece of equipment is relatively universal, something to keep around the house for any future project.
Once you’ve purchased or borrowed everything needed, you can begin. Make sure to clear out a full afternoon or weekend day for this project. While it’s listed at around 2 or 3 hours, your experience may vary.
Based on an article on Homeclick.com.
See our full collection of DIY plumbing guides here.
Materials needed:
- Wax seal
- A new toilet
Tools needed:
- Silicone caulk
- Small hacksaw
- Putty knife
- Flat head screw driver
- Adjustable wrench or socket set
- Protective gloves
- Large rag
- Large sponge
- Bucket
1. Remove the new wax seal
You’ll want to remove the wax seal first so that you can let it sit at room temperature to soften up. Set it out of the way while you work on the next few steps.
2. Shut off the water
Find the knob to close off the cold water supply. This is obviously very important so you don’t flood the room.
3. Remove the old toilet
Unscrew those mounting screws down below, then simply lift and pull the old toilet away. It will be heavy, so ask for help with this step if you need another set of hands.
4. Remove the old wax seal
Using your putty knife, now is when you can scrape the old wax seal right off. It will look gross, but don’t worry; it’s perfectly safe.
5. Block the drain
Don’t forget to block the drain using your rag, because this prevents sewer gas from wafting up into the room. That’s a problem nobody needs to have.
6. Connect the new tank and bowl together
At this point you can install the rubber gasket on the tank, and then mount the tank right on the bowl component. It’s starting to look like a new toilet!
7. Secure the tank to the bowl
Your new toilet will have come with hardware for securing the tank to the bowl. Use it here, and be sure not to tighten too much.
8. Position the new wax seal
Remove the rag from the drain and get that new wax seal out. Now you can apply it to the drain. You’re almost done!
9. Position the new toilet into place
As you lower the toilet into place, use the bolts as a guide. Once it’s positioned, be sure to press down firmly, creating a seal with the wax ring on the drain.
10. Secure the new toilet into place
Now you can tighten those bolts, but be sure to alternate sides to keep the pressure even as you go. If the bolts appear too long, just cut them off with a hacksaw and cover with the included caps.
11. Install the toilet seat
The seat that came with your toilet can be installed now. The manufacturer included instructions, in case there are any specific tricks. In most cases, this should be as simple as screwing it down.
Related: Types of Toilet Seat
12. Reconnect the water
Now you can reconnect the water supply line and then turn the valve on. Now your new toilet has running water!
13. Seal the base
Get out your silicone caulk and seal the base down. After this little step, your toilet will be perfectly working and ready to go!
If you’re like me, you may learn best by observing someone else going through the steps of a project. We’ve got a great video below that shows you everything you’ll need to know.
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