Replacing a toilet is a slightly complex process, but one that is manageable for those with basic plumbing experience or interest. Below are the steps for replacing a toilet:
1. Turn off the water supply and flush the toilet, removing as much water from the tank and bowl as possible.
2. Disconnect the water supply line from the bottom of the tank.
3. Loosen the two nuts on the underside of the tank to remove it.
4. Use a wrench to loosen the two bolts that hold the toilet to the floor.
5. Lift the toilet off the flange and remove it from the room.
6. Install the new wax ring and toilet.
7. Secure the new toilet to the flange with the hold down bolts.
8. Reconnect the water supply line to the tank and ensure there are no leaks.
9. Turn on the water supply and flush the toilet.
10. Adjust the toilet tank float as needed to achieve the desired fill level.
How do you replace a toilet step by step?
Replacing a toilet is a straightforward DIY project that can be done in a matter of hours, provided you have the right tools and supplies. Here is a step by step guide to replacing a toilet:
1. Gather all the supplies and tools that you will need to complete the job – these should include a replacement toilet, adjustable wrenches, a hacksaw, toilet hole gasket, tools for handling tile and caulk, among other basic supplies.
2. Shut off the water supply to the toilet.
3. Disconnect the water supply line from the bottom of the toilet tank.
4. Flush the remaining water from the toilet tank using the flush handle.
5. Disconnect the flushing lever from the back of the toilet.
6. Unscrew the two nuts that attach the toilet to the floor and remove the toilet from the floor.
7. Disconnect the toilet bowl and the tank from each other.
8. Prepare the floor for the new toilet. If you’re dealing with tile, remove it and create a clean, level surface.
9. Place the replacement toilet on the floor and align it with the flange in the floor.
10. Secure the replacement toilet to the flange.
11. Connect the toilet bowl to the toilet tank.
12. Connect the flushing lever and the water supply line to the back of the toilet.
13. Turn on the water supply to the toilet.
14. Test the flushing lever and the water supply line.
15. Seal the toilet to the floor using a toilet hole gasket.
16. Apply caulk around the base of the toilet.
17. Replace any tiles that were removed.
18. Clean up and admire your handywork!
What do I need to know before replacing my toilet?
Before replacing your toilet, there are a few key factors to consider and steps to take. First, it’s important to make sure you have the right supplies. This includes a new toilet, wax ring, tank bolts, and a plastic shim.
You will also need a few standard tools like a spirit level, a plastic putty knife, and a wrench.
Next, make sure you are up to date on the building codes in your area. Some communities require special installation of water supply lines or toilet parts. Make sure you understand any regulations that must be followed and secure the necessary permits if required.
Finally, turn off the water to the toilet and carefully remove the old fixture. This means disconnecting the water supply line and the tank, then removing the nuts and bolts that hold the toilet in place.
Take plenty of notes and photos to ensure you can easily reassemble the parts when installing the new toilet.
Once the toilet is removed, properly clean the area to ensure all the wax material is removed. Then place the new toilet, making sure it is level, and check for any areas that may need to be shimmed.
Make sure to place the wax ring onto the new toilet pipe and that the tank bolts are firmly secured. Then, reattach the water supply to the tank, turn the water back on, and test for any potential leaks.
What is the first step when installing a toilet?
The first step when installing a toilet is to ensure that you have the proper tools and supplies needed to complete the job. This includes a toilet, wax ring, mounting bolts, and any other necessary items.
Additionally, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the instructions that came with the toilet and make sure you have adequate space around the toilet. Once all the necessary components have been gathered and the space has been prepared, you can begin the installation process.
First, turn off the water supply and flush the existing toilet. Then you’ll want to detach the water supply line and any other connections to the old toilet. Once these items have been removed, carefully lift and remove the toilet from the floor.
Next, you’ll need to install the wax ring around the waste outlet of the flange. The inner and outer edges of the ring should fit snugly around the outlet. Now you can place the new toilet over the flange, and line up the bolts with the bowl.
Tighten the bolts with a wrench, but be careful to not over-tighten them as this could cause the flange and drainpipe to break.
Connect the water supply line and the tank to the bowl. Once these items are secured, turn the water supply back on and check for any leaks. Finally, adjust the tank height and the toilet seat before testing the flush mechanism.
What is the average cost to have a toilet installed?
The average cost to have a toilet installed can vary widely, depending on the type of toilet, the complexity of the job, and the labor costs in your area. Generally, the cost of a toilet installation will include the toilet itself, supplies like wax seals and assembly hardware, and the labor cost for the installation.
If you are replacing an existing toilet, Simple toilets or standard toilets can cost anywhere between $100 – $400 for the toilet itself, depending on the style and manufacturer. Installation supplies, like wax seals, bolts, and gaskets, usually cost between $10 – $20.
Labor costs for a toilet installation can range from $100 – $300.
If you are installing a more complex toilet, like a wall-mounted toilet or a bidet toilet, the price range for the toilet itself goes up and the installation costs generally increase as well due to the complexity of the job.
Wall-mounted toilet can range from around $400-$1500 and bidet toilets can cost $400 – $1000. Installation supplies, like wax seals, bolts, and gaskets, can range from $20 – $40. For complex toilet installations, labor costs can be upwards of $500.
In total, the average cost to have a toilet installed can range from as low as $120 to as high as $150 for a basic toilet replacement, to upwards of $2000 for a more advanced and complex installation.
Is it worth it to replace old toilet?
Replacing an old toilet can be a time consuming and expensive endeavor. However, there are some cases where it might be worth it, depending on the age and condition of the toilet. If the toilet is old and/or has significant plumbing issues or is inefficient, then replacing it may be the best option.
New toilets are designed to be much more efficient in terms of their water usage, which can save you money in the long run by reducing your water bill. Additionally, more modern toilets tend to be much more comfortable and of higher quality than their older counterparts.
For these reasons, it can be worth the investment to replace an old toilet in certain cases.
Is replacing a toilet difficult?
Replacing a toilet isn’t necessarily difficult, but it can be intimidating for first-timers. To replace a toilet, you will need a few tools, including a wax ring, a putty knife and a socket wrench. You’ll also need to turn off the water and drain the tank before removing the toilet.
Once you have the tools and the water supply is off, unscrew the water supply line from the bottom of the tank. Then disconnect the water supply line from the wall and use the putty knife to remove the caulk around the toilet base.
Finally, use the socket wrench to remove the bolts that connect the toilet to the floor. Once the toilet is removed, prepare to place the new unit. Put the wax ring on the flange and apply a few drops of plumbing adhesive to the bottom of the toilet bowl before pressing it onto the floor and connecting it to the water supply lines.
Finally, turn the water back on and ensure the connections are secure. As you can see, replacing a toilet isn’t overwhelming, but it does require some basic plumbing knowledge.
How long does it take to take an old toilet out and put a new one in?
It can generally take a couple of hours to safely take an old toilet out and put in a new one, although this can depend on the type of existing toilet as well as the type of construction surrounding the toilet and how accessible the existing water and waste pipes are.
Generally the first step is to turn off the water supply, flush the toilet of any water, disconnect the water supply line, and unscrew the bolts that hold it in place. The problem at this point is often removing the toilet without damaging the surrounding surfaces; there are several tools available to prevent this.
It’s also important to take steps to protect yourself from any potential contamination.
Once the old toilet is removed, the new one must be properly secured and fitted. This involves stuffing the wax ring into the flange of the drain pipe, ensuring the closet bolts are secure, and making sure that the toilet is level and sturdy by using a level.
After the installation is complete, the water supply can be turned back on and the toilet can be tested by flushing. The final touches may include hooking up the water supply line and installing any other accessories like a toilet seat.
Can you replace a toilet with any size toilet?
No, it is not recommended to replace a toilet with a toilet of any size. When replacing a toilet, you must make sure it is the proper size and shape for the toilet space to ensure a proper fit. The size of a toilet is typically measured from the floor to the top of the tank, or the height of the toilet, which also governs the size of toilet bowl.
Therefore, the new toilet should have the same height, width, depth and shape as the old one. The new toilet should also come with the same rough-in measurement, which is the distance from the wall to the center of the drain.
Improperly-sized toilets may result in leakage around the base of the toilet and difficulty with the flush valve. Therefore, it is important to be sure the size of the toilet is correct prior to installation.
How long should plumber take to replace toilet?
Replacing a toilet is one of the more complicated plumbing tasks, so the amount of time it takes to complete the installation can vary widely. On average, it can take between two and four hours for a licensed plumber to replace a toilet, including preparation, installation, testing, and cleanup.
Factors that can add additional time to the project include older homes with smaller access areas for the toilet and connecting plumbing, the need to repair, replace, or relocate existing plumbing, and additional fixtures such as a new flush valve, flapper, and toilet bowl.
In general, if the plumber is able to access the bathroom easily, the work should be completed in two hours or less.
Can I remove a toilet myself?
Yes, it is possible to remove your own toilet yourself, although it is generally advised to leave this job to a plumber. To remove your toilet, start by turning off the water supply and draining the tank.
Then, use a wax ring cutter to remove the wax ring seals and unbolt the toilet from the floor. Lift the toilet and carefully place it in a plastic bag for disposal. Once the toilet has been removed, you can take the opportunity to clean and inspect the drain flange and the surrounding area to assure that there isn’t anything that needs to be repaired before installing the new toilet.
If there is any damage, it is best to have a professional plumber handle the repair. After the toilet is removed, you can then move forward with attaching a new wax ring and positioning the new toilet in place, ensuring it is bolted securely to the floor.
Finally, connect the hoses and turn on the water supply to fill the tank and flush the unit.
Can one person lift a toilet?
Yes, one person can lift a toilet, but it is not the recommended way of doing it. Toilets generally weigh between 30 and 100 pounds, and lifting that weight without the correct lifting technique can be very difficult and risky.
The most recommended way of lifting a toilet is by having two people working together. This ensures that the toilet can be lifted in a safer and more controlled manner which minimizes the risk of injury.
Additionally, it also makes it much easier to move and place the toilet in its final position. Before attempting to move the toilet, it should be disconnected from the water supply and any waste pipes.
When lifting and moving the toilet, the back should remain straight and the weight evenly distributed between the two people. It is also important to have a good grip on the toilet to ensure it is securely held and doesn’t cause injury.
How do you remove an old toilet and install a new one?
Removing an old toilet and installing a new one is not a difficult task, but it is always important to be cautious when working with plumbing. In order to remove an old toilet and install a new one, you should follow these steps:
1.Turn off the water supply to the toilet and flush the toilet to empty it.
2.Using a screwdriver, remove the plastic caps that hold the tank in place. Disconnect the supply line from the bottom of the tank and drain the remaining water from the tank.
3.Loosen the bolts securing the toilet to the floor and gently lift it with the help of a helper.
4.Clean the area around the toilet with a vacuum and a damp rag, removing anyca lk or debris.
5.Place the new toilet wax ring on the floor flange, using pliers to press it onto the flange.
6.Place the new toilet on the wax ring and press down firmly, making sure it is properly aligned.
7.Secure the toilet in place with the new bolts and mounting hardware.
8.Reconnect the supply line to the bottom of the tank and turn the water supply back on.
9.Check to see if the toilet is flush and tight, and if the water supply is running properly.
10.Test the newly installed toilet by flushing it and checking for leaks around the base.
Following these steps should allow you to safely and effectively remove an old toilet and install a new one.
Are you supposed to caulk around a toilet?
Yes, you should caulk around a toilet. This is important because it helps prevent leaks and water damage. Caulking also helps to keep dirt, germs, and other contaminants out of the area where the toilet meets the floor.
It’s important to use a mildew-resistant caulk when caulking around a toilet. Make sure to properly clean the area and remove any existing caulk before applying a new one, and follow the instructions included with your caulk for proper application.
When possible, it’s best to wait 24 hours before using the newly caulked toilet.
Do you need a professional to install a toilet?
Yes, it is strongly recommended that you hire a professional to install a toilet. Toilet installation is a complicated process that should only be carried out by experienced professionals. Professionals will have the right tools and parts to get the job done properly and safely.
They will also follow all local plumbing codes and regulations when setting up your toilet. Additionally, having an experienced professional come in can save you time and money in the long run by making sure the toilet installation is done correctly the first time.