Problem: The existing toilet is damaged, wastes water or no longer matches the bathroom decor.
Solution: New toilets come in a variety of styles, use very little water and are easy to install.
Equipment list:
Open-end wrench, sized to existing closet bolts
Needlenose pliers
Adjustable wrench
Flat head screwdriver
Two pairs of slip joint pliers (large and small pairs, if possible)
Sponge
Rag
Gloves
One- or two-piece water closet
Good quality closet seat
Closet bolts to hold closet to flange (can be purchased separately if not provided with closet)
Flexible closet supply tube
Wax seal (deep seat or standard)
- This project will refer to toilets as "water closets," which is the term commonly used by plumbers.
- Most states require both new and replacement water closets to use just 1.5 gallons per flush.
Drain the existing water closet
- Shut off the water supply to the closet by firmly closing the closet stop (valve).
- Remove the tank lid and flush the closet, holding the lever down to let as much water drain from the tank as possible.
* Use a sponge to soak up the excess water in the tank.
* Use a plunger to force as much water as possible out of the toilet bowl.
Remove the existing water closet
- Pop the caps from the base of the bowl.
- Remove the nuts with an open-ended wrench. You may need to hold the bolt still with a pair of needlenose pliers. If the nut is rusted to the bolt, you may need to break it off.
- Disconnect the closet supply tube from the closet stop.
- Shift the closet back and forth while lifting it off the flange. If you are working alone, you will need to remove the tank by unbolting it from the bowl before you attempt lifting the closet from the flange.
- To prevent sewer gases from entering your bathroom, stuff a rag into the closet drain opening.
- Scrape all the old wax from the flange and check for cracks. If the flange is cracked, you will need to replace it. Be sure to wear your gloves when scraping off the old wax.
Install the closet bolts and wax seal
- Place the new closet bolts in the flange with the bolts pointing up.
- Remove the rag from the closet drain and place a wax seal onto the flange. Squeeze enough wax onto the bolts to hold them upright. Use a deep seat wax seal when replacing older water closets.
Attach the tank to the bowl
- Set the tank seal in place.
- Place the tank onto the bowl.
- Drop the tank bolts through the appropriate holes.
- Tighten the bolts until the tank doesn't wobble.
* If you're working alone, install the tank after installing the bowl.
* Be sure not to overtighten the bolts. You could crack the porcelain.
Install the new water closet
- Slowly set the tank and bowl assembly onto the wax seal, lining the bolts up with the mounting holes in the bowl.
- Tighten the nuts onto the bowl until the assembly doesn't wobble.
- Reconnect the closet supply tube to the tank.
- Refill the tank, adjust the water level, and check for leaks.
- Attach the seat using the seat bolts (provided with seat).
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