How to Install a New Toilet

Here at Scott English Plumbing, Inc., we thought it’d be a good idea to explain to our customers how they can install a new toilet in their home or business. Honestly, it’s easier than you’d probably expect. Let’s get into it!

Step 1 – Measure for and Pick Out Your New Toilet

Before you get your hands dirty, you’ll first need to pick out your new toilet. However, even before that, you must make sure your new toilet fits in your bathroom.

First measure from the back wall to the closest bolts on your existing toilet. Make sure you measure from the wall behind your toilet itself, and not from any existing baseboard. Then, you should also measure the distance from the wall to the water supply lines on the floor. These measurements will be essential to have on hand when you’re out shopping for your replacement toilet.

After you’ve finished measuring, head down to your local hardware or home improvement store to get shopping. Make sure that the measurements of your new toilet closely match the ones you took previously. Also, keep in mind that toilet bowls come in many different shapes and sizes. Some are ovals, some round, and some are elongated. You’ll want to make sure you select a toilet that will fit in your bathroom while still providing you with all the leg room you need. In other words, you need to pick a toilet that you can comfortably sit on.

Step 2 – Assemble Your Tools and Materials

Nothing is worse than stopping a project halfway through because you forgot your putty knife. So, while you’re at the hardware store picking out your new toilet, it would be wise to make sure you have all the tools and materials that you’ll need for the job. A list of the necessary tools and materials for toilet replacement is as follows:

• Safety glasses
• Hacksaw
• Putty knife
• Work gloves
• A level
• Your new toilet
• Closet bolts
• Washers and nuts
• Toilet shims
• Wax toilet ring (if your new toilet doesn’t come with one)

Step 3 – Remove the Existing Toilet

Now that you have your new toilet and all the materials and tools you need, it’s time to get to work. Before you can install your new toilet, you’ll have to remove the existing one. Replacing your toilet is a multi-step process, so let’s break it down.

• 1 – Turn off your water supply and remove any water in the exiting toilet’s tank with a sponge or rag.
• 2 – Disconnect your water supply lines from your exiting toilet’s tank. You should also remove the nuts on the bottom of the tank so that it lifts freely from the bowl.
• 3 – Remove water from the toilet bowl using a sponge. Then, loosen the nuts attaching your toilet bowl to the floor.
• 4 – Carefully lift your toilet and set it aside out of your way.
• 5 – Using a putty knife, remove the existing wax ring where the toilet attaches to the floor. Never reuse a wax toilet ring.
• 6 – Block the hole where your toilet was to prevent dropping things inside and to help reduce sewer odors from seeping into your bathroom.
• 7 – Remove the old closet bolts (they’re located near the hole in the floor where your toilet used to be).
• 8 – Repair the flange if necessary. You can also purchase replacement flanges at your local hardware store.

Step 4 – Install the New Toilet

After you’ve finished removing your old toilet, it’s time to start installing your new one. To do this, we’ll basically be running through the steps for removal in reverse. Let’s get into it.

• 1 – Install your new closet bolts.
• 2 – Place your new toilet bowl upside down on a towel. Then, soften your new wax ring under warm water and gently press it into the hole at the bottom of the new toilet bowl.
• 3 – Take the rag out of your drain and carefully place your new toilet bowl over the closet bolts installed in step 1. Make sure you firmly press your new toilet into place and make sure that it is square with the wall behind it.
• 4 – Secure the new toilet bowl to the floor using the appropriate washers and nuts. Alternate tightening the nuts to keep the pressure even. Don’t overtighten or you’ll risk cracking your brand new porcelain throne.
• 5 – Use your hacksaw to cut off any excess bolt sticking up from the base of your new toilet. Then put on the caps that come with your new toilet to prevent damage to the bolts.
• 6 – Prepare your new toilet tank for installation. Flip over the tank and install the bolts and seal (they’ll slip into pre-cut slots in the toilet)
• 7 – Place the tank on top of the bowl and tighten the nuts to the bolts. Again, make sure you don’t overtighten them. You should also alternate tightening to keep the pressure even.
• 8 – Attach your water supply lines and turn the water back on.
• 9 – Check for leaks around the gasket and supply line. If you have leaks, tighten your nuts and make sure that your seals are all properly set in place.
• 10 – Install the toilet seat, and you’re done!

Too Much Trouble? Contact Scott English Plumbing, Inc. Instead!

If installing a toilet on your own seems like too big of a task, then don’t fret. The professional plumbers here at Scott English Plubming, Inc. are toilet experts, and we’re always here to help. We’ll get your new toilet up and running in no time! So, what are you waiting for? Get in touch with the Scott English Plumbing, Inc. team of toilet specialists today!