Installing a toilet is pretty much the same process whether you’re replacing an old toilet or completing a new bathroom.
Just follow these directions:
- Turn off the water supply located beneath the tank, flush the toilet to release water from the tank, and pour a bucket of water into the bowl to create a vacuum that forces out whatever remains.
- Disconnect the water supply line from the bottom of the tank before removing nuts from the closet bolts on each side of the base. This frees the toilet so you can lift it straight up and out.
- Scrape the old wax ring off the toilet flange and add a new wax ring on the flange. The protruding lip on the ring goes down inside the drainpipe under the flange.Better yet, use Fluidmaster’s Better Than Wax toilet seal. There’s no wax, no mess, and it’s made to last at least 10 years. So when you do need to replace it, there’s no wax residue to worry about it. Simply remove the old seal and place the new one. It doesn’t get easier than that!
- Use drinking straws to temporarily extend the bolts, making it easier to lower the new toilet (we used Gerber Plumbing Fixtures’ Avalanche Elite) into position over the closet bolts.
- When the toilet and bolts are in position, press down on the toilet to compress the wax ring or seal. Then remove the straws and add a plastic cap washer, metal washer and nut to the closet bolts. Nuts should be snug, but not too tight, or they might crack the porcelain base.
- Place the plastic caps, connect the water supply line and turn on the water.
These are the basics of how to install a toilet, but if you really want a convenient and efficient installation, you’ll need some special tools and accessories.
Watch the video to see the process step by step!
