If it’s time to take out the old toilet and put in a new one, this post is a definite must-read. We made a step-by-step guide on how to install a toilet.

We also made a list of all the tools needed for the job. The first step of a successful DIY project is having everything lined up beforehand.

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Knowing what tools to use will save time and effort. Here’s a list of all the necessary tools needed for this DIY project.

What You Need to Install the Toilet

Installing a toilet is a pretty straightforward process. It can take about half a day for an experienced DIYer with a basic understanding of plumbing.

Start by measuring the distance from the back wall to the closet bolts. These are the bolts that secure the toilet to the floor.

Don’t forget to take into account any nearby water supply lines. Some toilets have wide bases, which might not fit in the space.

Keep this in mind when choosing a bowl. There’s the standard elongated toilet bowl. However, if there’s limited space, opt for a round bowl.

Are you putting in a new bowl? Then, it’s the perfect time to remove the old one. Turn off the water supply line and flush the tank several times.

Next, disconnect the water supply lines, then remove both the tank and the bowl. Place them on a towel or a large piece of cloth.

Below the bowl is the soil pipe. It’s designed to remove solid waste, which is why it’s larger than standard wastewater removal pipes. Place a rag in this pipe to prevent anything from falling in. It’ll also block off sewer gases from flowing out.

First, make sure the flange fits properly by tracing around its base. Then, use a jigsaw to cut away extra flooring.

Place the flange over the soil pipe. Next, press down gently on it until it rests comfortably on the floor.

Stainless steel screws are an ideal choice when attaching the collar to the floor. Make sure they’re long enough to secure everything in place.

To make sure everything’s set in place, use polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cement. Just make sure the slots are aligned before the cement dries.

Put the toilet bowl upside down on a piece of cloth or towel. Underneath the old toilet bowl is the wax ring, which rests on a PVC closet flange.

Wax rings protect the hard components of the toilet system. They also create an airtight seal that stops sewer gas and water from escaping through the pipes.

If there’s an old wax ring, remove it and put in a new one. Run the new ring under warm water to soften it. Next, gently press it around the toilet outlet on the bottom of the bowl.

There are wax-free rings that attach to the flange instead of on the toilet bowl. These are easier and less of a hassle to install than the standard wax rings.

Once the wax ring is in place, take out the rag from the soil pipe. Next, gradually lower the toilet bowl over the new closet flange.

Position the bowl directly over the bolts and set it down in one smooth move. This will prevent damaging the wax ring and inadvertently moving the bolts out of place.

The last step is to press down on the bowl. Also, take a few seconds to make sure it’s sitting square with the wall.

Securing the base is pretty straightforward. You need a nylon washer around each bolt and a nut to keep everything in place. Using a wrench, secure the nuts in place. Avoid over-tightening to protect the bowl against any type of damage.

Once everything is in place, use a hacksaw to cut off any excess bolts. Finally, place a security cap over the two bolts.

Align the bolts running through the tank with those on the bowl. Secure the nuts by hand, and follow up with a wrench to make them a bit tighter. Try not to tighten them too much, or the bowl will crack.

Now it’s time to take a step back to check the position of the tank. If it’s level, you can set the top on the toilet tank. If one side seems to be lower than the other, untighten the nuts, realign the tank, then secure the nuts once more.

After attaching the supply line, turn on the water bit by bit. Check for leaks around the supply line and tank base. 

If there’s leaking, go back and tighten the bolts a little bit more. If that doesn’t solve the problem, remove the tank and make sure its bottom is properly sealed.

Also, check for leaks around the base of the toilet. Flush the toilet a couple of times. If you find any leaks, tighten the nuts on the closet bolts.

Another cause might be the wax ring; it may be faulty. If this is the case, remove the toilet bowl and put in a new wax ring.

Now, it’s time to install the seat. Align the screws on the seat with the holes in the toilet bowl. Then, use a screwdriver to tighten the screws.

When everything is in place, the final step is to secure the toilet to the floor. Caulking is the best option for a couple of reasons.

For starters, caulking prevents the toilet base from malfunctioning. It also ensures it stays in place and doesn’t move around.

The second benefit of caulking is to trap unwanted smells, which don’t have to be toilet water. It can be remnants of tub water or leftover water from when you were mopping the floor.

How to Install a Toilet in 10 Easy Steps

Using our ‘how to install a toilet’ guide, anyone can try their hand at this project, even novice DIYers. All that’s needed is a few hours, the right tools, and our no-fuss 10-step guide.

Once the project is complete, stand back and admire the finished result. The best part is it saves the hassle of hiring a plumber and paying that extra cash!

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How to Install a Toilet

What You Need to Install the Toilet

How to Install a Toilet in 10 Easy Steps

A Final Note