6 Tips to Help You Carry Out a Successful DIY Toilet Installation

Whether you're looking for a new toilet because the old one no longer works or you just want to change things up, it's important to pick out the right toilet when carrying out your own toilet installation. If you're handy with house repairs, you'll probably have the necessary tools: a combination wrench, adjustable wrench, hack saw, screwdriver and level. Here are a few tips to help you go from buying to installing your new toilet.

1. Picking a water-saving toilet

Remember that choosing a water-saving toilet is about more than just picking the loo with the smallest cistern. You don't want to be flushing multiple times for a proper clean or it beats the purpose altogether. You need a loo whose cistern has been optimised to increase flushing force, which helps to clean properly without using up much water.

2. Picking a DIY-optimised toilet

Ask the hardware about toilets which come with pre-installed tank-to-bowl gaskets as well as tank-retaining bolts. All you need to do for these toilets is to lower the tank and secure it in place. Measure out your old toilet's base and ensure that your new toilet's base is slightly flared to completely cover the old footprint.

3. Removing the old cistern

Before removing the old toilet, ensure the cistern is completely empty to avoid creating a mess on the floor. To do this, turn the supply valve off and then flush. If you have a wet/dry shop vacuum, you can use it to suck out the remaining water from the cistern. Otherwise, a big grout sponge and bucket will do just fine. Remove the tank before lifting the bowl so that you don't throw your back out with the load.

4. Removing old bolts

It is not uncommon for old closet bolts to spin when you try to loosen nuts. With your hacksaw, cut a slot on the bolts. Next, fit your flat-blade screwdriver into the slot created to hold them in place as you try to loosen the nuts.

5. Installing the wax ring

Ensure the toilet flange is cleaned properly before placing the new wax ring on it for proper sealing. Use a putty knife to take out most of the old wax. A hair dryer can then be used to melt whatever wax remains, and this can be cleaned out with a rag. The new wax ring should be placed on the flange, not your new toilet. Carefully lower the bowl onto bolts, being keen to ensure it is properly aligned to the old footprint and the wall. Remember that you shouldn't try to realign the bowl once you've crushed the new wax ring. Doing this may break the seal. If the toilet is completely misaligned, you'll need to get a new wax ring and try again.

If you have any concerns about replacing a toilet or have encountered any problems, contact a plumber like P1 Plumbing & Electrical.


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