Whether you are replacing your toilet because the old toilet was broken or worn out, for as part of a bathroom remodeling project, to update your bathroom’s appearance, or to replace an old water wasting toilet with an efficient new low flow toilet, this is a job that should probably be left to a professional plumber. Many handy homeowners are capable of removing and installing a toilet, but toilets get a lot of hard use during their lifespan and the last thing you want is a leaky toilet.
Not only is a leaky toilet unsanitary, but a small leak can go unnoticed and eventually cause wood rot in the subfloor under the toilet. Replacing the bathroom floor is an expensive proposition that can be avoided by having your new toilet installed by an experienced plumber. It’s well worth the modest cost of a professional installation to have a top quality toilet installation that will provide great service for years.
If you are set on doing it yourself, first turn off the water supply to the old toilet and empty the tank. Unhook the water supply line, unbolt the toilet from the floor and lift it clear of the closet flange and attachment bolts.
Install a new wax ring on the closet flange and line the new toilet up over the wax ring and attachment bolts. Lower it evenly into place and install the nuts on the attachment bolts and tighten carefully. Do not over-tighten the nuts or the base will crack. Hook up the water supply line, turn on the water and check for leaks.
If you have any problems with the toilet installation, call your local plumber for assistance.
