How to Replace a Toilet

My last posts have been about the powder room.
A very small bath that was in need of attention.  I showed you how it has evolved.  The color palette that once was bold and heavy it is now light and airy.  The plain ceiling was given a nice texture treatment.  You can check those changes right HERE.

One of the main issues was in this bathroom was storage space, or the lack of it.  But then, I built three floating shelves and solved that problem, you can check how to build them right HERE.

Today my post is about the main problem I had in this bath... The Toilet.

The thing is, it got damaged. So, I needed to replace it.

I know, I know. Who wants to see that, right?!  Specially when you're having such a great time... It's Summer!

But, oh well, I promise I'll give you only the main points, what I think is really important, beginning with this: 

You CAN do it!  There is no need to call a plumber!

One of the most important things I learned is that replacing a toilet is not a big deal!

Almost all the things you need to change it come in the box with the toilet when you buy it.

First you need to turn off the water, flush the toilet a couple times, disconnect the whole thing, and remove it.

Once the toilet is disconnected from the drain line you can prepare the closet flange for the new toilet, scraping the wax residue from the old ring.

Remove the old closet bolts, and replace them for the new ones.

Now it's time to install the toilet bowl.  Before you install anything, I recommend you to place the bowl in place to align the closet bolts to the openings for them on the toilet. Do a pre-fit, because once you put the wax ring is better not to do adjustments.

Our toilet came with a wax ring but I bought a taller one.   When we installed hard wood floors the gap between the floor and where the toilet sits went up, so a taller wax bowl fits that space better. The wax ring or gasket keeps sewer gases out of the room, or prevent seepage from the toilet.

This was the ring I installed.

With the wax ring and bolts in place, the toilet is set.  No need to push on, or sit on.
Place a washer over each closet bolt, and then tighten the nut about six times on one side, and then six times on the other side, alternating until the bowl doesn't wiggle. Do not overthighten! That can damage the foot of the bowl.

Now it is time to place the water tank.  Using this wrenches,

make sure to tighten the water supply and the flush valve nuts.


Some pipe tape around this valve, to be on the safe side. When there is water involved is good to take some extra precautions. ;)

Now, to connect the water tank to the bowl you are given three screws.  Plumber's putty was wrap around them as well as the holes in the bottom of the tank that flank the flush valve.

Pipe-joint compound was applied around the bowl's inlet.




The tools used to tighten the bolts that hold the tank and toilet bowl together were a long screwdriver and a socket wrench.

With the two pieces together it is time to hook up the water to the toilet.  Our old toilet was already installed with a flexible supply line, we re-attached it to the new toilet.

A bead of sealant around the base of the toilet is recommended.

This was a small  upgrade from the previous builder's grade toilet that we had.  I'm looking forward to replace the other two we still have.  No big deal!