When your toilet is damaged, cracked, leaking or singing too long, it may be wise to replace it. There are other reasons to replace your toilet. Some of these include wanting a more modern design, changing the color, to save money with water saving devices, even going green with eco-toilets. No matter what your reason is, you can always save money by turning it into a do-it-yourself project.
Installing a new toilet is actually easy. It just takes half a day for expert DIY plumbers and a full day for novice DIY plumbers. The tips below will help you install your new toilet efficiently and quickly. If you still need to deinstall the old one first, we can help with that too. Check out our article entitled, “DIY – How to Remove an Old Toilet in 5 Easy Steps” for assistance.
Step 1. Apply Caulk and Set
Apply a bead of caulk to the base of the toilet.
Remove the rag from the drainpipe.
Set the toilet bowl on top of the flange and press down.
Note: Toilets are very heavy. It would be wise for someone with a weak back to as someone to help you with your DIY toilet installation project.
Step 2. Fasten Bowl to Floor
After placing the bowl tightly in place, seal it with the bolts.
Gently tighten the washers and nuts onto the bolts, but don’t tighten it too much as it may cause cracks in the toilet.
Step 3. Level It Out and Cover the Bolts
You should level out the toilet after putting on the bolts.
If it’s not level yet, use plastic toilet shims.
Fill the caps with plumber’s putty and place them over the bolts.
Step 4. Set the New Tank
On the base of the tank, insert the bolts.
Place the tank tightly over the bowl.
Lower the tank carefully into place.
Step 5. Attach Tank to Bowl
Attach the tank to the bowl with its nuts and washers.
Make sure it’s tightened very well and that the tank is level.
Step 6. Put the Lid On
The lid is the cover of the tank. Once the tank is level, put the lid on.
Remember not to seal the joint between the lid and the tank.
Step 7. Connect the Toilet
The valve is the passageway for the water between the tank and the bowl. So, don’t forget to attach it.
Attach the valve by connecting the shut-off valve to the fill valve.
Step 8. Tighten the Compression Nut
After connecting the valves, tighten its compression nut very gently.
Open the shut-off valve.
Step 9. Apply Caulk
Tighten the foundation of your toilet to your floor.
Run a bead of caulk around the bottom of your toilet.
Step 10. Smooth It Out
Wet your finger.
Use your wet finger to smooth out the bead of caulk along the joint.
Installing a new toilet as a DIY project can be really frustrating and difficult, if you let it. If for some reason, you are unable to complete your DIY toilet task, do not hesitate to contact a plumber.
Most new toilets come without a toilet seat. So, be sure to buy a new one or you can simply save the older one from your DIY toilet removal project.