A Toilet Installation Guide For Beginners

By Made’s Plumbing | April 1, 2023
A green background with an orange and yellow logo.

If you’re on a budget, installing a toilet by yourself is the cheapest option you have. For most people, they may think it’s a difficult task to do. However, it’s way easier than you think! All you need are the right tools and guidance, and you can install a toilet in no time. In this article, we will help you determine what you need to do for a toilet installation as a beginner.

Gather your Tools

First things first, you must gather the necessary tools. These are your sidekick as a beginner when installing a new toilet for your bathroom. Here is a list of the tools you need for a toilet installation:

  • Wrench: This will be used to loosen or tighten the nuts. Always choose a wrench that fits the size of the nuts you will use for your toilet.
  • Screwdriver: You will need it to remove the bolts of the toilet.
  • Putty Knife: Used for removing old wax rings from the flange. You may also use it for cleaning up debris and old caulk.
  • Wax Ring: This is used for sealing your toilet to the flange to prevent leaks.
  • New toilet: Obviously, you will need a new toilet. Choose a toilet that is most suitable to your bathroom, and meets your preferences.

Remove your Old Toilet

You must turn off the water supply to the toilet before starting. Secondly, flush the toilet and remove as much water as you possibly can. This helps prevent the remaining water to leak out from the bowl when you detach the old toilet. Flushing can also dislodge any debris and avoids future clogs. After that, loosen the nuts that secure the toilet and the flange by using a wrench. When the nuts are loose, it should be easy to lift the toilet up safely and remove it away from the room. Make sure to remove the old wax ring using a putty knife.

Install a New Wax Ring

Again, a wax ring is an important component when replacing a toilet. To properly seal the toilet from the flange, you must properly install it after removing the old wax ring. Just place the new wax ring on the flange, and press it down to ensure a tight seal.

Install your New Toilet

Finally, you may want to install your new toilet after doing all the steps above. Carefully secure your new toilet onto the wax ring. Ensure that the bolts on the flange fit the holes in the base of the toilet. Next, tighten the nuts and bolts but do not over-tighten them to avoid cracks in your new toilet bowl. Attach the water supply line to the toilet’s fill valve, then turn on the water supply. Make sure that the are no leaks and adjust the fill valve if you need to.

Bottomline

Installing a toilet by yourself doesn’t have to be intimidating. You can always do it with the proper tools and guidance. Just follow the steps above to install your new toilet and save money. Just take your time and follow the instructions thoroughly, and do not be scared to ask for professional help should you need it.

Keep in touch with us at Made’s Plumbing should you need toilet repairs or any other plumbing services.

Posted in Uncategorized