Ever had to replace a toilet? Whether it’s a cosmetic update or a repair, every homeowner has to face a toilet project at some point. That might mean dealing with a leak or replacing the entire unit with a new model. In either case, understanding how to go about such a task can save you lots of money.
Let's discuss that last point—as a homeowner, you might want to replace a fixture because of how it looks rather than how it works.
Toilet efficiency is another factor you may want to consider. Replacing an old toilet with a high-efficiency one is a great way to save on your water bills.
With that in mind, let's talk about the basic tools and supplies you need for the project:
Shut off the water by turning off the valve that supplies water to the toilet to stop the water flow. Then, flush the toilet to drain the water in the cistern. Be sure to hold on to the lever so all the water gets out. Use a rag to wring out the remaining water in the water closet and drain it in a bucket.
You can use the plunger to push the remaining water that's in the "trap" where you can't reach it with the rag. Doing this ensures that no water will spill when you remove the toilet you are replacing.
At this point, you unscrew all the nuts and caps holding the toilet bowl in place. Here, you can use the wrench or the hacksaw depending on the condition of the nuts. Rock the toilet side to side gently to loosen the wax ring—while taking extreme caution to ensure the gaskets beneath do not stain any surface.
Check the closet flange and test-fit the toilet (prior to adding the wax ring and mounting the bolts to the flange). Clean the area where you will fit the new toilet and remove all old materials, such as the wax ring—here's where the screwdriver or the putty knife comes in handy. Ensure you have plugged the drain hole when doing all this; the new toilet should rise to approximately one-eighth of the floor surface. Plus, check the alignment levels of the bolts where the toilet sits.
The wax ring ensures that the toilet drain and sewage system function as they should. While it's easy to fix, you might need an extra pair of hands to lift/balance the toilet. Center it over the closet flange and see to it that all bolts are aptly positioned. After fixing the wax ring, place the new toilet and rock it gently until it is firmly positioned. Tighten all the bolts and nuts to secure it. Next, apply the silicone and caulk to seal it tightly.
Reconnect the water supply system by turning on the valve you had previously turned off. Ensure that the cistern fills with water and flush at least once to confirm there are no leaks around the toilet and tank bolts. Tighten the bolts and caps with the wrench if you notice signs of leakage.
And there you have it—five simple steps to replacing your toilet. Like most projects, the most daunting part is getting started.
Looking for supplies for your renovation or DIY project? While ReStore doesn’t carry toilets, you can find great deals on other home improvement materials you need. Find a Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity ReStore near you today.