How to Install a Toilet: A Step-by-Step Guide

ByGeorge Orwell Updated

How to Install a Toliet?

To install a toilet, follow these steps:

1. Start by checking if the hole in the floor is large enough for the closet flange.

If needed, trace around the flange’s base and cut away excess flooring with a jigsaw.

2. Dry-fit the soil pipe into the closet bend and ensure the flange’s collar rests on the floor.

3. Apply PVC primer and cement to install the soil pipe and closet flange.

Rotate the collar until its slots are positioned to the right and left of the hole, and secure it to the floor with stainless steel screws.

4. Create a seal between the toilet and the floor by using a wax ring. Use a PVC flange to secure the toilet to the subfloor.

5. Solder the stop valve for the bathroom’s water supply, using a propane torch to heat the joint for soldering.

6. Attach brass closet bolts and washers to secure the toilet bowl to the flange collar.

Use stainless steel washers for shimming if the floor is uneven.

Hand-thread and tighten the nuts on the closet bolts with a wrench, one quarter turn at a time.

7. Trim the closet bolts with a hacksaw and snap plastic bolt covers into place.

8. Connect the tank-to-bowl and tank washers to secure the toilet tank to the bowl.

Hand-tighten the nuts on the tank bolts, alternating from nut to nut, checking for levelness.

9. Connect the tank’s handle to the flapper chain and use a tubing bender to shape the supply line to fit between the supply valve and the toilet tank.

10. Cut the supply line and assemble the plastic nut, compression nut, and compression ring onto the line.

Apply Teflon paste to the valve outlet threads before seating the line and fitting the compression ring.

11. Hand-tighten the supply line’s plastic nut under the tank and then tighten the compression nut with a wrench.

12. Position the seat assembly over the bowl and insert plastic bolts through the seat back and the bowl’s seat holes. Tighten the nuts by hand.

13. Turn on the main supply line, open the stop valve, and allow the tank to fill. Flush 5-6 times.

14. Check for leaks.

Following these steps, you can successfully install a toilet yourself.

Key Points:

  • Check if the hole in the floor is large enough for the closet flange and make necessary cuts
  • Install the soil pipe and closet flange using PVC primer and cement
  • Create a seal between the toilet and the floor using a wax ring and secure the toilet to the subfloor with a PVC flange
  • Solder the stop valve for the water supply and attach brass closet bolts and washers to secure the toilet bowl to the flange collar
  • Trim the closet bolts and connect the tank-to-bowl and tank washers to secure the toilet tank to the bowl
  • Connect the tank’s handle and supply line, tighten the nuts, and position the seat assembly over the bowl.

Did You Know?

1. Did you know that the world’s first flushing toilet was invented by Sir John Harington, godson of Queen Elizabeth I, in the late 16th century? It was a rudimentary prototype, but it laid the foundation for modern toilets.

2. The word “toilet” originally comes from the French term “toilette,” which referred to the process of grooming oneself. It wasn’t until the 19th century that “toilet” started being used to describe the fixture itself.

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3. Toilets in Japan often come with built-in water-saving features. One such feature is a sink on top of the toilet tank, allowing the water used for handwashing to later be used for flushing. It’s estimated that these types of toilets have saved millions of gallons of water in Japan.

4. In 1992, the city of Oushima in Japan had a “Musical Toilet” festival, where over 100 artists transformed portable toilets into works of art. These colorful and imaginative designs turned the typically mundane porta-potties into enticing attractions.

5. In 2013, NASA announced its development of a space toilet called the “Universal Waste Management System” for use aboard the International Space Station. This innovative toilet also has the capability to convert urine into clean drinking water, aiding in water conservation efforts in space.

Introduction: Installing A Toilet Yourself

Installing a toilet yourself can be a cost-effective and rewarding home improvement project. Over time, toilets can develop cracks or leaks, use too much water, or simply have an outdated color. By following this step-by-step guide, you can easily remove your old toilet and install a new one.

The estimated cost for the installation ranges from under $100 for a basic model to over $300 for a high-end toilet. The estimated time for the installation is 4 to 6 hours, depending on your level of experience.

Let’s get started!

  • Remove the old toilet using the following steps:
  • Turn off the water supply valve behind the toilet.
  • Flush the toilet to empty the tank and bowl.
  • Disconnect the water supply line from the bottom of the tank.
  • Unscrew the nuts securing the toilet bowl to the floor.
  • Carefully lift the toilet and set it aside.
  • Install the new toilet by following these steps:
  • Prep the area by cleaning the floor and removing any wax or debris.
  • Install a new wax ring on the flange.
  • Position the new toilet bowl over the flange, ensuring a proper alignment.
  • Press down firmly to create a seal between the wax ring and flange.
  • Secure the toilet bowl to the floor by tightening the nuts.
  • Connect the water supply line to the bottom of the tank.
  • Turn on the water supply valve and check for any leaks.
  • Test the toilet by flushing it a few times.

Remember, if you feel unsure at any point during the installation process, it’s always best to consult a professional plumber for assistance.

It’s important to note that each toilet installation may vary slightly depending on the specific model and manufacturer instructions. Make sure to read and follow the accompanying manual for your new toilet to ensure a successful installation.

Remember, with the right tools and a bit of patience, you can easily replace your old toilet with a new one, saving both money and improving the look and efficiency of your bathroom.

Preparing The Floor And Soil Pipe

Before installing the new toilet, properly prepare the floor and soil pipe. Follow these steps:

  1. Block the sewer gas and prevent hardware from falling in by stuffing a rag into the soil pipe.
  2. Check if the hole in the floor is sufficient for the closet flange. If not, trace around the flange’s base with a pencil and use a jigsaw to cut away the excess flooring.
  3. Dry-fit the soil pipe into the closet bend, ensuring that the flange’s collar rests firmly on the floor.
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Remember to take these precautions for a successful toilet installation.

Installing The Toilet Bowl And Flange

Now it’s time to install the toilet bowl and flange. Follow these steps:

  1. Apply PVC primer and cement to the inside of the soil pipe and the outside of the closet bend.
  2. Insert the soil pipe into the closet bend and give it a quarter turn to distribute the cement evenly.
  3. Once the joint is secured, rotate the collar until its slots are positioned to the right and left of the hole.
  4. Use stainless steel screws to secure the flange collar to the floor.

To create a seal between the toilet and the floor, use a wax ring. Here’s how:

  1. Place the wax ring on the flange collar, making sure it is centered and level.
  2. Carefully lower the toilet bowl onto the wax ring, aligning it with the bolt holes on the flange collar.
  3. Use brass closet bolts and washers to secure the toilet bowl to the flange collar.
  4. If the floor is uneven, use stainless steel washers as shims.
  5. Hand-thread and tighten the nuts on the closet bolts with a wrench, one quarter turn at a time.
  6. Finally, trim the closet bolts with a hacksaw and snap plastic bolt covers into place.
  7. Apply PVC primer and cement
  8. Insert soil pipe into closet bend
  9. Secure flange collar to floor with stainless steel screws
  10. Place wax ring on flange collar
  11. Lower toilet bowl onto wax ring
  12. Use brass closet bolts and washers to secure toilet bowl
  13. Use stainless steel washers as shims for uneven floors
  14. Hand-thread and tighten nuts on closet bolts
  15. Trim closet bolts with hacksaw
  16. Snap plastic bolt covers into place.

Connecting The Water Supply

To connect the water supply, follow these steps:

  • Start by soldering the stop valve for the bathroom’s water supply.
  • Use a tubing cutter to sever the supply line, leaving about 1 inch of pipe.
  • Attach the stop valve and escutcheon to the remaining pipe.
  • Apply flux to the inside and outside of the pipe, as well as the inside of the valve’s inlet.
  • Use a propane torch to heat the supply line stop valve joint for soldering.
  • Shape the supply line using a tubing bender to fit between the supply valve and the toilet tank.
  • Cut the supply line at a mark that is half an inch below the outlet.

To connect the supply line to the toilet tank, do the following:

  • Place a plastic nut, compression nut, and compression ring onto the supply line in that order.
  • Apply a thin coat of Teflon paste to the valve’s outlet threads.
  • Seat the line in the outlet, ensuring the Teflon paste is in place.
  • Fit the compression ring and hand-tighten the plastic nut under the tank.
  • Use a wrench to tighten the compression nut securely.

Attaching The Toilet Tank

To attach the toilet tank, follow these steps:

  1. Position the tank’s seat assembly over the bowl.
  2. Insert plastic bolts through the seat back and the bowl’s seat holes.
  3. Tighten the nuts by hand to secure the seat assembly.
  4. Ensure that the tank is level and securely in place.
  5. Connect the tank’s handle to the flapper chain, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Remember to refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for specific instructions on attaching the tank.

  • Position the tank’s seat assembly over the bowl
  • Insert plastic bolts through the seat back and the bowl’s seat holes
  • Tighten the nuts by hand to secure the seat assembly
  • Check that the tank is level and securely in place
  • Connect the tank’s handle to the flapper chain, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Final Steps: Testing For Leaks

Now that the toilet bowl and tank are installed, it’s time to test for leaks. Turn on the main supply line and open the stop valve. Allow the tank to fill and flush the toilet six times to ensure proper functioning. Finally, check for any leaks around the base of the toilet and the water supply connections. If any leaks are detected, tighten the corresponding connections.

With these step-by-step instructions, you can confidently install a toilet yourself. However, if you are unsure about any part of the installation process, it is always best to consult a professional plumber. Enjoy your newly installed toilet and the peace of mind that comes with a successfully completed DIY project.

Check this out:

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you install a toilet step by step?

To install a toilet step by step, the first step is to remove the old toilet by disconnecting the water supply and removing the bolts that secure it to the floor. Next, inspect the toilet flange to ensure it is in good condition and replace it if needed. Then, install a new toilet seal to create a watertight connection between the toilet and the flange. Carefully place the toilet on the flange, making sure it is aligned properly, and bolt it securely to the floor. Once the base is in place, attach the tank to the bowl using the provided hardware. Finally, install the toilet seat and lid, and test for any leaks by turning on the water supply and flushing the toilet.

Can you install a toilet yourself?

Yes, you can certainly install a toilet yourself as long as you are comfortable with handling the weight, which is typically around 100 pounds. However, it is important to have the necessary tools and a bit of home improvement know-how. If you meet these requirements and are up for a DIY project, go ahead and give it a try.

What equipment is needed to install a toilet?

To install a toilet, you will need a few essential tools. First, a 4-in-1 screwdriver will come in handy for various parts of the installation process. An adjustable wrench will be necessary to tighten and loosen bolts and connectors. A caulking gun will help in sealing the base of the toilet to prevent leaks. You’ll also need a cordless drill for securing the toilet to the floor and a hacksaw to cut and adjust the length of pipes if needed. A level is important to ensure the toilet is installed correctly and a pair of locking pliers and regular pliers will assist in tightening and connecting different components. With these tools, you’ll have everything you need to successfully install a toilet.

What is the first step when installing a toilet?

The first step when installing a toilet is to gather all the necessary materials and prepare the area for installation. This includes ensuring you have the correct size toilet and all the tools required for the process. Additionally, you should disconnect and remove any existing toilet before proceeding with the installation. Once everything is ready, you can move on to checking the flange and wax ring, and set your new toilet as the next step in the installation process.

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