Measure from your back wall to the closet bolts that secure the toilet to the floor. Be sure to measure from the wall and not from the baseboard. Also, measure to any nearby water supply lines on the floor. Some toilets have a wider base that might not fit next to a supply line on the floor. It’s a good idea to measure from the bowl to a sidewall to be sure that the toilet will fit in your space.
Choose the shape of your toilet bowl. Usually, toilet bowls are elongated for comfort, but if you have a smaller space you might need a round bowl.
Once you have the new toilet, start removing the old one. When replacing a toilet, remember that toilets are heavy; it’s easier to remove the tank first and then the bowl. Here's how to remove a toilet:
Turn off the water supply line and flush the water from the tank. Remove the rest of the water in the tank with a sponge.
After disconnecting the water supply lines from the tank, position a bucket to catch any water remaining in the bowl or lines. Unscrew the nuts on the bottom of the tank and lift it off the bowl. Wear gloves in case it cracks.
Use a water solidifier to keep any remaining water from sloshing out of the bowl. You could also use a sponge to get the water out. Loosen and remove the nuts that hold the toilet bowl to the floor. Lift the bowl and set it out of the way on a garbage bag.
Wax rings can't be reused. With a putty knife, remove and discard the old wax ring. Stuff a rag in the hole to block sewer gases and prevent anything from falling into the drain. Remove any excess wax on the flange (the top of the drainpipe).
If you don’t like the thought of your putty knife being used on a sewer drain, use a plastic putty knife or shim to remove the old wax ring. They’re budget friendly and can be thrown away after you’ve finished the job.
Remove the old closet bolts from the flange. Make any repairs to the flange as needed. Repair kits are available to fix a broken flange. Replacement flanges are also available to fit inside the pipe and create a tight seal.
The flange should be a little higher than your finished floor. However, if you’re adding new flooring, your flange could be too low. Products, such as taller wax rings and flange spacers, are available to create the proper seal when the toilet is in place. Install taller wax rings just as you would a typical wax ring. Some are wax free and use foam and rubber to create a seal.
Flange spacers sit on top of the existing flange. You must use silicone between the spacer and flange to create a seal and then secure the spacer to the subfloor.
Once you've ensured the flange is in good shape, the next step is toilet installation. Here's how to install a toilet:
Install new closet bolts by sliding them into the slots on the flange. Some have washers or nuts to hold them in place on the flange. Tighten down these washers so it’s easier to align your toilet when setting it in place.
Set the new toilet bowl upside down on a towel. Run the wax ring under warm water to soften it, and gently press it onto the toilet outlet.
Toilets usually include a wax ring. However, it’s best to purchase a backup wax ring in case of damage during installation. You can also use a wax-free ring. These types of rings fix on the flange, rather than the toilet outlet. They're easier to install than a typical wax ring, with less potential for damage during installation.
After your wax ring is set, remove the rag from the drain. Carefully lower the toilet bowl over the new closet bolts. Try to lower it straight down over the flange rather than tilting and rocking it into place. This will help prevent damage to the wax ring. Firmly press down on the bowl and make sure it’s square with the wall.
Add the cap bases, washers and nuts to the closet bolts. Make sure the cap bases have the correct side facing up. Alternate tightening the nuts to keep the pressure even. Make sure the nuts are firm but don’t tighten them too much; the bowl could crack. Then use a hack saw to cut off the excess bolt. Snap on the caps.
Typically, the valve assembly is already installed in the tank. Flip over the tank to install the bolts that'll hold it to the bowl. They should slip into slots on the tank. Then install the rubber gasket to the base.
Hook up the water supply and slowly turn on the water. Check for leaks around the supply line and the gasket base. If it's leaking, tighten the bolts a little more. If it continues to leak, take the tank back off and be sure the gasket is seated correctly. Flush the toilet a few times and check around the base. If there's a leak around the base and the nuts are tight on the closet bolts, the wax ring isn’t creating a tight seal. You’ll need to remove the toilet and install a new wax ring. Be sure to evenly set the toilet in place without tilting it to avoid damaging the ring.
Install the toilet seat with a screwdriver and set the top on the tank.
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