How to Install a Toilet in 10 Easy Steps

Toilet installation can be a daunting task, but it can also be easy if you have the right tips to guide you through the entire process. It will also be less daunting if you know all the toilet components. If you don’t understand how the toilet parts work, call a plumber.

Thanks to Plumb-Tech for offering affordable toilet installation services. However, what will you do when you urgently need the plumbers, but they are busy on other projects? Calling them is no longer a viable option. Keep reading to learn how you can do the job.

Here’s how to install a toilet in 10 easy steps

Installing a new toilet is as easy as you can wish it to be. However, you have to be careful while at it to avoid accidents and to mess up.

Before installing a new toilet, you have to know how to uninstall the old one.

Removing the Old Toilet

Knowing how to get rid of your old toilet is essential, and it is the first step to your new toilet installation. First, remove it off the water using the shutoff valve located on the wall or the floor around the toilet.

Then flush the toilet to get rid of the water in the toilet bowl and use the plunger to send out forcefully any water that may be remaining. You can now disconnect the supply line using an adjustable wrench.

With the same adjustable wrench, you can remove the bolts from the tank’s bottom to separate the tank from the bowl. After unbolting the two, you can now remove the tank by lifting it off the bowl.

After that, look for the toilet bolt caps situated at the bottom and use a pair of pliers to remove the bolts holding the toilet’s base in place.

Now the base of your toilet is freely loose and ready to be pulled out. Please do so by pulling it straight up to avoid any residual water from spilling.

Installing the New Toilet

After uninstalling your old toilet, now it’s time to bring in the new one. The installation process is as easy as stipulated in these ten steps below.

1. Get All Your Supplies Together

Check if you have all the tools you need for your installation work. In your list, you should have the following items:

• Level
• Wrench
• Work gloves
• Mini-hack saw
• Putty knife
• Safety glasses
• Sponge
• Towel
• Measuring tape
• Closet bolts
• Nuts
• Wax ring
• Toilet shims
• Water solidifier
• Flange repair kit

2. Fix in the Closet Bolts

You will be replacing the old closet bolts by sliding the new ones into the flange slots. Ensure you tighten the washers to gain a perfect alignment when installing your toilet.

3. Install the Wax Ring

Spread out your towel and place the bowl upside-down on top of the towel. Take the wax ring and press it on the toilet outlet. Stretching the wax ring to the desired length can sometimes give you problems. You can run it under warm water for about one minute to soften it for an easier stretch.

4. Set Your Toilet

This step shouldn’t give you challenges. Place the toilet bowl over the closet bowls you already installed and press it down firmly. Make sure it fits perfectly and firmly before proceeding to the next step.

5. Bring in the Cap Bases, Nuts, and Washers

The cap bases, nuts, and washers are the tools you need to fasten the toilet to the floor. Add the nuts, caps, and washers to the closet bolts you newly installed and tighten the nuts tightly but not too tight. Over-tightening can crack the base of the toilet.

6. Prepare the Tank for Installation

Get your tank ready for installation by turning it over to add the bolts to hold the bowl in place. These bolts will easily slip into the pre-made slots on the toilet tank and then add the base’s rubber gasket.

7. Set the Tank on Your Toilet Bowl

With your gasket installed, it is now time to set the tank on your toilet bowl. Secure the tank in place and tighten the nuts gently but firmly enough not to crack the bowl. Check if everything fits perfectly before moving on to the next step.

8. Connect the Water Supply

With everything set and almost running, water is the only missing part of the equation. You should now reconnect the water supply pipes and turn on the water. Turn on the water gradually just in case there is a leak to avoid splashing.

9. Perform an Overall Check

The water might not leak initially but may leak in subsequent flushes you make. So it is prudent that you check by flushing the toilet as you check the base and tubing and see any leaks or wetness. If you spot any leaks and wetness, try tightening the bolts.

10. Bring in the Seat

This should be the final step after setting other things in place. Depending on the type of toilet seat you are installing, you can snap it into place, pin it into place, or use a screwdriver to fasten it into place.

You can always find instructions on installing the toilet cover from the manufacturer’s website or checking the directions that came with the toilet during the purchase.

Final Words

When you follow these steps keenly, you will be done with the new toilet installation process before you even notice it. The important thing is that you should have all your requisite tools in place before you kick off with the process. If you face any challenges, you can always seek help from professional toilet installers.