The Best and Quick way to Install a Toilet
While for many people installing a toilet is an expert plumber’s task, ShopToilet thinks that you could DIY by using our handy guide. We are pretty much sure that many of you reading this would have 10-15 years old toilets that have developed cracks and leaks and not to mention those smelly clogs as well.
Just in case if you were thinking how much a plumber would charge you to install your toilet, the Homewyse Toilet Installation Cost Calculator tells us that the minimum charges for installing a single toilet are $228.87, and this can be as high as $545.31. Why not save a few hundred bucks and use them for some other purpose?
To be honest, installing a toilet by your own is pretty much easy. You may need a helping hand, ask one of your family members to help you out. So, here goes our ultimate guide on installing a toilet.
How to Install a Toilet
We need a few tools before we begin. Here is a short list of them!
Tools required
- A toilet of course with an efficient flushing system.
- A wax ring. This will help in case the flange sites with or slightly below the floor to give an extended height.
- Close bolts. Grab the self-adjusting closed bolts as they don’t require you to cut or snap the excess bolt length.
- Screwdriver.
- Wrench.
- A torpedo level.
- Stainless steel washers. These will help for shimming the toilet.
Usually, the manufacturer includes all the necessary assembly items with your toilet. In case anything is missing you can grab it from the nearest plumbing shop.
Step1:
If you have a one-piece toilet in which the tank is attached to the seat, it might be a bit heavier, and you will need the assistance of another person. However, if you have a two-piece model, you can do it on your own. However, I still recommend that you should completely assemble the toilet before installing it.
Step2:
After removing the old toilet, get rid of the old wax ring using cardboard. Properly inspect the flange. Sometimes it is cracked or damaged. There repair kits available at DIY center. If you want to replace the flange, you can do it quite easily.
Step3:
Next, we have to position the self-adjusting bolts in such a way that you don’t require to snap or cut the excess bolt length. The self-adjusting bolts have a thread locker that drives the stud into the anchor nut when the hex nut reaches it. Finally, you have to slip the closet bolts on either side and then move the lock washes down the snug against the flange to properly fix them.
Step4:
Now grab the wax ring and place it directly on the flange. You can also fix it on the underside of the toilet. It would automatically adjust when you assemble the toilet on the flange.
Step5:
Hold the toilet firmly and move it over the rim and line up the holes with the closet bolts. Once it the toilet is in position, firmly press it against the bathroom floor.
Step6:
Now take the nylon washers and the regular washers and put them on the bolts. Hand tightens them on both the sides.
Step7:
Now take the torpedo level and check the level of the toilet from front-to-back and side-to-side. Normally it will level properly. In case it doesn’t take the stainless steel washers and shim the toilet with it. Plastic toilet shims are also available, but they often crack when you try to cut them to size.
Step8:
Finally, attach the supply line. Most of the toilets have a 3/8inches connector with a rubber gasket. Use your wrench to tighten it with the water supply.
Once done, verify the fill level and check for leaks. That’s all. Hope this guide was helpful. Share your thoughts with us in comments.
Watch this step by step video to install a toilet
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