How-To Install a New Toilet During a Home Remodel

Many homeowners love assisting the general contractor with their bathroom remodeling project, but many are afraid they would be in the way. Discuss this with your contractor; most do not mind if you want to get your hands dirty and learn some home maintenance along the way! Today, we want to review the basics and the general toilet installation process. Please refer to the instructions and installation manual for the most accurate and detailed process to install a new toilet.

Replacing the toilet can be done as part of a bathroom remodeling project or as a solo adventure if your old toilet breaks.

Required Hand Tools

• Sponge.
• Cleaning Bucket.
• Slotted Head Screwdriver.
• Adjustable Wrench.
• Slip-joint Pliers.
• Rag.
• Scraper/Putty Knife.
• Gloves.

Required Materials:

• Wax seal.
• Toilet water supply tube.
• Toilet fill valve (if not included with your new toilet).

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Removing the Old Toilet

Step 1: Turning off the Water

Locate the water supply valve for your toilet and turn the water off.

Step 2: Remove the Tank Lid and Drain the Tank

Remove the lid from the water tank; do not worry. There is nothing dirty about this part of the project. To drain the cleanest water from the tank, flush the toilet and use a sponge to dry the excess water. Remove the water line from the water supply valve and move it to the old toilet fill valve by loosening the supply line nuts with an adjustable wrench or slip-joint pliers.

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Step 3: Remove the Tank from the Back of the Toilet

Two-part toilets can be taken apart to make them lighter to carry. There are typically two bolts holding the tank onto the bowl. A screwdriver, adjustable wrench, or slip-joint pliers can be used to remove them. Separate the tank from the seat and dispose of it properly.

Step 4: Remove the Caps and Nuts from the Base

The toilet is secured to the floor with bolts and nuts, and a plastic cap covers the nuts. You may have to break the nut or cut the bolt to remove it entirely.

Step 5: Remove the Toilet

Rock the toilet back and forth until you feel it tilt and break away from the existing wax seal. When removing the old toilet from the bathroom, be careful to keep it upright; water in the trap may leak out while carrying it out for disposal.

Step 6: Stuff a Rag in the Drain Opening

Prevent sewer odors from entering the bathroom by plugging the drain with a rag, preventing you from dropping tools and hardware into the drain.

Step 7: Remove the Wax Seal

Remove the old wax seal. Scrape the wax off the flange using a flat screwdriver, scraper/putty knife and inspect it for cracks. Replace it if necessary.

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Installing the New Toilet

Step 1: Install New Bolts and New Wax Seal

Install the new toilet bolts into the flange and press the wax seal onto them to hold them upright.

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Step 2: Install the New Tank onto the New Toilet

Attaching the new tank to the new toilet will allow you to line up the toilet for installation correctly. The installation manual for your new toilet will give detailed information on the proper steps for your unit.

Step 3: Install the Newly Assembled Toilet onto the New Wax Ring

Line up the bolts with the mounting bracket holes of your toilet and slowly set the toilet onto the wax ring, pushing it down firmly to ensure it is adequately sealed. Tighten the nuts onto the bowl so the toilet is secured with an adjustable wrench or slip-joint pliers, and cover it with new plastic caps.

Step 4: Install the Toilet Fill Valve

Your new toilet may have this installed at the factory; if not, follow the instructions for the valve you purchased.

Step 5: Reconnect the Water

Reconnect the water supply tube to the water supply valve and the tank, tighten all connections, and check for leaks. Turn the water supply valve back on to refill the tank, and again check for leaks. If any leaks are discovered, confirm that the connections have been tightened. If the connections are tight, you may need Plumbers Teflon tape on the threads to stop the leak.

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When the toilet operation checks out and does not leak, voila! You are finished!