Replacing your toilet isn’t such a complicated process and if guided and equipped you can actually do it on your own. Regardless if you are giving your bathroom a renovation or just changing your old toilet this do-it-yourself guide will help you understand how to install a Toilet properly. We at Cascada Showers realize that functioning bathroom is a necessity which is why besides offering the finest in bathroom accessories such as Automatic Toilet with modern design, we also offer the customers mainly focused do-it-yourself ideas. For inspiration on modern designs, check out our blog on Top 10 Modern Toilet Designs for a Stylish Bathroom Upgrade.
Why DIY Toilet Installation?
- It is cheaper than hiring a professional plumber to do it for you.
- It helps shop workers who learn practical skills and experience while practicing their respective jobs.
- You will not have to wait for an appointment so you’ll be in charge of the timing you money on professional plumbing costs.
- You gain hands-on knowledge and experience.
- You control the timing, without waiting for an appointment.
Prepared to find out how to install a toilet? Let’s dive into the details!
Tools and Materials You Will Need
To learn how to install a toilet you need a number of things, and tools and materials required for installation process are listed below.
Bolt cutter (The hacksaw is used for cutting bolts)
Toilet including the modern or the automatic one which Cascada Showers provides essential tools and materials. This will help make the process smooth and efficient:
Tools:
- Adjustable wrench
- Screwdriver
- Tape measure
- Putty knife
- Level
- Hacksaw (for trimming bolts)
Materials:
- Wax ring
- Closet bolts
- Toilet (modern or automatic, such as those offered by Cascada Showers)
- Flexible water supply line
- Plumber’s tape
- Silicone caulk
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Install a Toilet
Step 1: Prepare the Area
To ensure that your new toilet is properly installed it is important that the following steps are followed:
- Turn off the water supply: Before starting the operation find a shut-off valve and turn it off in order to prevent the flow of oil.
- Drain the toilet: This will mean that you open your current old toilet and try to empty it of as much water as is possible. After this rinse the bowl and the tank then use a sponge or a towel to drain off any remaining water.
- Remove the old toilet: Lose the nuts and bolts from the base and slowly remove the old toilet from the floor. Place it out of the way.
Step 2: Wipe the flange down and put the wax ring around it.
The flange is the pipe fitting that joins your toilet to your drainage system. This space needs to be clean and prepared for the arrival of new toilet construction as evidenced by the images below.
- Clean the area around the flange: You can scrape to remove any old wax ring using a putty knife.
- Place the new wax ring: Place the new wax ring into the position on top of the flange. This will mean that there will be no chances of a gap between the toilet bowl and the drainage pipe thus giving a leak proof connection.
Step 3: Position the Closet Bolts
Toilet to floor closest bolts are also used in the process.
- Install the bolts: Insert or drop them into the spaces that are on the toilet flange. Make sure they are installed vertically and separated with respect to some distance to the base of the toilet.
Step 4: Set the Toilet in Place
Next is the fact that you can place your toilet virtually on the floor.
- Align the toilet: Remove the toilet and place it on the wax ring, be sure that the closet bolts should pass through the designed holes in the toilet base.
- Press down: Place the toilet down firmly on the wax ring in such a manner that you get a tight surface for water. Do not move or shake around on the toilet as it may actually damage the seal.
- Tighten the bolts: Now using your wrench, tighten the nuts to the closet bolts as you have been instructed. They should not be tightened to the extent that they become too tight for this will cause cracking of the porcelain.
Step 5: Connect the Water Supply Line
Screwing your toilet firmly in position, it is high time to turn your attention to the water supply issue.
- Attach the water supply line: Secure one terminal of the flexible supply line to the shut OFF valve, and the other to the toilet fill valve. On the threads, apply plumber’s tape to avoid formation of leaks.
- Turn the water back on: Turn the shut-off valve gradually and as this is done the tank will be refilled with water. Verify that there is no leaking around base and connections.
Step 6: Test the Toilet
After the water is running, though, it must be adjusted and fine-tuned to get the most out of it.
- Flush the toilet: Flush it a few times to ensure that the toilet is in good conditions or not. Check that water is draining and filling up the tank without any problems.
- Level the toilet: Levelling: To ensure that the toilet is fairly horizontal, use a level. If it is not, using shims, you level it to the desired position as clearly depicted on the image below.
Step 7: Final Touches
When it comes to construction of the toilet, the final thing put in as a structure is the toilet and it is fully functional.
- Caulk the base: Use silicone caulk around the joint where the toilet meets the ground, where the flange is. This helps to stop water from getting under the house.
- Trim the bolts: If bolts of the closet stick up too high then cut them down to the appropriate height using a hacksaw. Fix the decorative caps to give off the desired looks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long can a toilet installation process last?
A: If all the tools and materials are put in place the installation process may take between 1-2 hours.
Q: Is professional installation required for a toilet?
A: No, you don’t need a professional. Of course, you can always hire a plumber to do it, but if you’re willing to give it a go on your own and perform a DIY toilet installation, then this guide is for you. But if you experience some problems or in case in doubt, it is advisable to seek help from a plumber.
Q: What is the role of a wax ring?
A: The wax ring also forms a seal preventing water from seeping between the toilet base and the opening drain pipe.
Q: Can I reuse the old wax ring?
A: It’s not recommended. A wax ring is a sealant that should be used once upon putting a new toilet and it is advised to be replaced when laying a new toilet to avoid water leakage.
Q: Should the toilet that I am fixing wobble, what do I do?
A: If the installed toilet is wobbling, this could be fixed without difficulty by placing some shims underneath it. Position them under the base until the toilet becomes flat on the ground then, fasten the bolt and apply silicone around the base.
Conclusion
I have made it a point to explain to you how you can install a toilet at your home without having to engage the services of a plumber. If you are well guided, especially on the right procedures and having the right equipment it becomes that easy. Besides, it is cost effective and time saving to do it yourself.
It is for this reason that at Cascada Showers we understand that every homeowner has a right to having well-functioning, beautiful and well fitted shower. Whether you are remodeling, fixing a new toilet or desiring an LED shower installed, bathtubs or the modern automatic toilets, we have all you need in premium quality as well as professional advice.
However, if ever in doubt or need further help, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Happy DIY-ing!