A Beginner’s Guide to Replacing a Toilet

Is your toilet old and ugly? Doesn’t it flush properly? Do you experience recurring problems with it? Does it wobble? If you answered “yes” in all these questions, then there’s no better way to fix these issues but to replace your toilet. The john is not exempted from wear and tear especially when you’ve been using it for years.

In fact, toilet replacement is already part of every homeowner’s improvement plans. And remember, there’s just no sense in giving the entire bathroom an overhaul without changing the toilet, is there? So lucky for you, you won’t need to search the internet for tips and tricks regarding this project. We’ll give you a detailed step-by-step guide just in case you want to do this on your own. Here it is!

Removal of the Old Toilet

1. Obviously, you’ll need to remove the old toilet fixture first before installing the new one. Dispose of all the water in the bowl by first shutting down the supply valve. Flush the john to remove the water fast and easy. Now for any remaining liquid, just use your plunger to flush them into the drain.  Don’t forget to remove the leftover water out of the tank as well. You can use a sponge to make the job easier.

2. Once your toilet is rid of water, you have to disconnect the supply line from the fixture with the help of your handy dandy wrench. You can also replace the line if it’s no longer functioning well.

3. Check the base of your toilet. You should see bolts on there and they should be removed. Once done, take out all the bolts that connect the toilet seat to the tank. Rock the tank sideways carefully to gently ease it off then detach it from the unit.

4. Now grab the toilet and rock it sideways again. Doing so will break its seal and lift it up from the bolts. If the bolts are already corroded and they won’t let you detach the toilet easily, you’ll have to cut them off using a hacksaw. Once done, disconnect the toilet and store it somewhere safe.

Preparing For The Installation

1. Now you need to have the area cleaned for the new toilet. Get an old cloth; ball it up and plug the hole to prevent foul-smelling gas from escaping the drainpipe.

2. You should see the old flange and its bolts. Pull the bolts and dispose of them properly. Once done, remove what’s left of the wax seal using your putty knife. Check your flange and make sure that it is not broken or cracked. If it is, it should be replaced.

3. Once you’ve replaced the flange, replace your bolts, too. Install the new wax seal with its rubber or plastic side facing downwards. Tighten it then remove the rag that you used to plug the drain hole.

Installation

1. It’s time to install your new toilet bowl! Position it in place and make sure that the bolts go through the toilet base’s holes. Rock it a little then press it firmly downwards to seal the wax ring. Don’t forget to install the new nuts and washers and tighten them, too. Inspect the toilet and guarantee that it is level. Then attach the new bolt caps.

2. Get your new tank. Insert the new washers and bolts from inside and then position the gasket around the hole at the new toilet’s base.

3. Position the tank right on the toilet and make sure that all the bolts are securely fit. Don’t forget to install the nuts and washers just like what you did at the base.

4.  If your tank is not pre-installed, you’ll have to do the valve installation yourself. Otherwise, you proceed with connecting the water supply line.

5. Turn the water supply and flush the toilet. Check the base for leaks. If you find no leakage anywhere, you go ahead and caulk the toilet’s base. Your job is done!

Should you need professional plumbing help,just give us a call at 1-877-7-4LEAKS.

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