Replacing or installing a new toilet sounds challenging but it is not hard as many homeowners may think. But this requires a few hours of time, patience, equipment, and tools to do the job.
Here are helpful ideas on how to do it:
Choose a proper toilet for your bathroom
In selecting a new toilet bowl, you have to consider its proper size for your bathroom size and the people who will use it. Some sizes are meant for elders and tall people. Also, you have to make sure that it will fit into the place where you are going to install it.
Prepare the tools
Basic plumbing tools are necessary to successfully replace the old toilet and install the new one. You need to prepare them ahead of time to make sure that you will not be interrupted while doing the replacement task and to save you from frustration also.
The tools needed are a 4-in-1 screwdriver, adjustable wrench, caulk gun, cordless drill, Hacksaw, level, locking pliers, pliers, rags, shop vacuum, slip joint pliers, tape measure, utility knife.
Know the basic parts of the toilet
You have to familiarize yourself with the basic parts so it will be easier for you to determine how to install the toilet. You do not have to memorize them but it will save you time to ask for assistance and explain your problem with toilet replacement to people with experience.
Remove excess water
Do not forget to turn off water connections, flush the toilet, and remove excess water. You may also use a sponge and a bucket to drain the excess water from the toilet. A water solidifier is also recommended to save you time and to deal with the excess water easily.
Prepare the floor
You need to consider the height of the flange before installing a new toilet. Do not hesitate to buy products that may help you to ensure that the connection of the flange is at the proper height.
You also have to fill the exposed sewer drain pipe with a rag or old clothes to keep you from smelling unpleasant odor in the bathroom. Be careful not to drop anything in the drainpipe to avoid another problem like an indoor flood in the toilet.
Install the new toilet
After doing the tasks that were mentioned above, you are almost ready to install the new toilet bowl. However, you have to be very careful to do this because you may not want to damage the new toilet and tank. There is a sensitive part of installing them like pressing the wax ring gently so you will not break it.
Place the new toilet properly, warm up the wax ring under warm water, place it firmly onto the bottom part of the toilet bowl connection, remove the old clothes or rag you used to cover the sewer drain pipe, and slowly lower down the toilet over the flange and closet bolts.
Remember to secure the bowl with the nuts once it has slid onto the flange and over the bolts. Before placing the nut, do it first with the washer over the bolt. Gently tighten each side to make sure the bowl is tightly installed to the floor. Also, you have to use an adjustable wrench and do one more full turn to each nut.
Reconnect water
You may now turn the water on and reattach the water supply using a wrench. Check if there are water leaks and if none, you have successfully installed your new toilet.
Seal the base with silicone caulk
You need a silicone caulk to seal the toilet base. However, it is recommended to use your new toilet for a day or two before sealing it with the silicone caulk to make sure that there are no leaks and everything is correctly installed.
Keep these ideas in mind and you will successfully install your new toilet bowl. Although challenging, it is also fulfilling because you will know the basic steps to fix it as well in the future because you are already familiar with its parts.
But in case that you already need help from a professional plumber, do not hesitate to hire one as soon as possible.
