Whether you have just purchased a new toilet or are replacing your old toilet, it is important to follow a few simple steps to ensure that the new toilet is installed properly. These steps include determining the "rough-in" measurements of your old toilet, replacing the seat, and checking for leaks.
Steps
Whether you are planning to install a new toilet or re-do your existing toilet, there are certain steps you must take. Before beginning, you should get the right tools and accessories.
First, you will need to remove the old toilet. You can do this by lifting it up or removing it from the floor. In either case, you should have a bucket and rubber gloves on hand. You will also need to get an adjustable wrench to help you.
Next, you will need to replace the flange. The flange is a plastic or metal piece that keeps your toilet dry. You will also need to remove the wax ring.
You may have to cut the flange to fit your new toilet. You can use a mini hacksaw or locking pliers. You should also use a scraper to clean the floor.
You will also need to use an adjustable wrench to tighten the tank bolts. Make sure to align the bolts with the holes in the bowl. The flange bolts should be between a quarter and half an inch long. You should tighten them slowly.
You should also attach the water supply line to your toilet. The easiest way to do this is to call a plumber. You should also test the water supply to make sure it is working properly.
For the most part, installing a new toilet is simple. It may take some extra work if the floor is uneven. However, if you do it yourself, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that it was done properly.
Lastly, you need to make sure that the water supply is turned on. If there are any leaks, you will need to tighten them.
Determine the "rough-in" measurements of your old toilet
Whether you're installing a new toilet or replacing an old one, it's important to measure the rough-in. Getting the measurements right will help you avoid costly mistakes. You don't want to have a toilet press against your wall or install a toilet that won't fit over your drainpipe.
The standard toilet rough-in measures 10 inches or more. However, there are some non-standard sizes. These are usually found in older homes. If you aren't sure what size toilet you have, it's best to get a professional opinion.
The most important rough-in measurement is the distance from the center of your toilet flange to the stud wall. This may be a few inches or several feet. In general, it's easier to measure from the flange bolt than from the bolt cap.
You may also need to measure the width of your baseboards. The baseboard may not be included in your rough-in measurement, but it should be considered. The baseboard may be thicker than the toilet, which could skew your measurement by a couple of inches.
If you're installing a specialty toilet, you may need to add another measurement to your rough-in. However, the standard toilets with 10 or 14 inches of clearance are usually found in older homes.
If you're installing a toilet in a corner, you will need to measure the toilet from both the left and right sides of the wall. The most impressive toilet may be tucked away in the corner, but you will still need to measure it in order to determine the rough-in.
The toilet may have a fancy toilet flange, but that's not the most impressive toilet. The toilet may be made of a fancy material like ceramic or stone, or it may be bolted to the floor.
Attach the toilet tank to the toilet bowl
Whether you're replacing your toilet or simply installing one, the process of attaching the toilet tank to the toilet bowl is important. If it's not properly attached, it can lead to leaks. So it's important to follow the instructions on the manufacturer's manual for a thorough and safe installation.
In most toilets, the tank is made up of two pieces. The bottom part of the tank is called the "cistern." This part is sealed to the toilet bowl by a gasket. If this gasket is damaged or clogged, it will leak. If you want to make sure the tank is properly sealed, you can replace it with a new gasket.
When a new tank is installed, it is usually fitted with a rubber gasket. If you notice leaks or if you can't find the gasket, you should purchase one at a hardware store. It's also a good idea to check for leaks around the water supply line.
After you've placed your new toilet tank on the toilet bowl, you will need to tighten the screws that secure the tank to the bowl. To do this, you'll need to remove the tank's gasket and washers. You may also need to use a heavy duty lubricant to loosen the nuts.
Next, you'll need to install the fill valve. The fill valve is connected to the water supply line. To remove the valve, you'll need two adjustable wrenches. You can also buy replacement fill valves at most hardware stores. You'll need to follow the manufacturer's instructions for removing the old fill valve.
Once the fill valve has been removed, you'll need to install the new one. You'll need to tighten the valve with a quarter turn.
Replace the toilet seat
Whether you have just bought a new toilet or you're looking to give your bathroom a fresh look, replacing the toilet seat is a simple and quick project. You can even recycle your old seat and use the nuts and bolts to attach your new one.
Depending on the type of toilet you have, you may need a few tools. For example, if you have an elongated toilet, you'll probably need a power driver and an adjustable wrench. You can also buy kits that include the necessary hardware to attach your new toilet seat.
Before you begin to replace the toilet seat, make sure the toilet bowl and the seat are clean. Using a commercial cleaner or a mixture of mild bleach and water will help kill bacteria. You should also use an antibacterial spray to keep your toilet clean.
Once the bowl and seat are clean, you can begin to remove the toilet seat. You may have to remove a decorative plastic cap before you can access the seat. If you have a plastic bolt cover, you may need to use a screwdriver to pry it off. Then you can remove the bolts.
If the bolts aren't loose, you can use a hacksaw to cut them out. You can also use a screwdriver or pliers to loosen them. If the bolts are stuck, you may need to use a lubricant. You can also use penetrating oil to loosen them.
If you're unable to remove the bolts yourself, you may have to hire a handyman. A handyman will be able to do the job in a shorter amount of time. If you do not know how to remove the toilet seat screws, you can hire a handyman to do it for you.
Check for leaks
Taking the time to check for leaks when installing a toilet may save you money on your water bill. Leaking toilets can cause water damage to your flooring and drywall. It can also cause structural damage.
If you have water running in your toilet, it is important to inspect the tank for leaks and cracks. Cracks can be caused by wear and tear on the tank, as well as improper maintenance. Also check for water pooling at the bottom of the toilet. Pooling can be caused by a cracked tank or a wax seal failure.
Leaks can also be caused by a broken flush level bar, as well as a stuck toilet handle. You can also test your toilet by using dye tablets or Kool-Aid. If you see dye coming out of the toilet, it is a sign of a leak.
Leaks can also be caused from a faulty shut off valve or a loose supply line. The supply line attaches to the fill valve on one end and the shut off valve on the other. If you see a leak, you should turn the water off to the tank.
If the leak is at the bottom of the tank, it can be caused by wear and tear, a cracked tank, or a tank that has been disrupted by misuse. A simple fix for this type of leak is to replace the supply line with a flexible stainless steel water flex.
Toilet leaks can be hard to detect. You may have to turn off the water supply for twenty to thirty minutes to test for leaks. If the leak does not go away, it is time to call a professional plumber.