 |
|
|
Basics in Toilet Installation
When it is time to flush, it is time to flush and if you are having problems with your toilet, it may be time for another toilet installation. When installing a toilet, you may figure it to take several hours to do so. If you are replacing an older toilet with a new one, you may not have to worry about running drainpipes or extending your supply pipes, otherwise you will have to do these things or contact a plumbing contractor to help you with a toilet installation.
Although, most new toilets are available with all the necessary hardware, washers and gaskets, you may need to pick up a few different parts, such as a wax gasket for sealing the toilet drain, flexible water supply tubing and some hold down bolts to attach the toilet securely to the floor.
Shut off the water supply at the shutoff valve. Flush the remaining water from the toilet and tank. You can dry off the inside if you like for easier handling. Then disconnect the supply tube from the shutoff valve, you can empty the water from the tubing into a pail, and remove the coupling nut from tubing at the bottom of the toilet tank.
If you are replacing a toilet, you will need to remove the old one; to do this you will unbolt the tank from the bowl. Hold the mounting bolt from the inside of the tank with a screwdriver, while loosening the nut below the tank with a wrench. Next, pry the caps off the hold down bolts and remove them. Rock the bowl back and forth gently and the seal between the toilet and the floor will break free. Lift the toilet up while tilting it slightly forward, to avoid a water spill. Once you have the toilet removed, put a rag inside the drainpipe to reduce noxious gases from entering the house, although you may want to open a window for some fresh air.
Scrape the old wax gasket off the floor flange. Check to see if you need to replace the floor flange or hold down bolts. With the new toilet resting upside down on a few towels, place the new gasket onto the bottom of the toilet bowl, with the tapered side towards the back of the bowl. If the wax gasket features a plastic collar, the collar should also be towards the back of the bowl, just make sure that it will fit the floor flange, then run a thin bead of caulking around the base of the toilet.
You will then remove the rag from the drainpipe hole on the floor and then lower the bowl gently to meet with the top of the floor flange; the bolts will help guide you to the right position. With the bowl in place, press down while rocking gently to adhere the wax gasket. Make sure the toilet is level.
Tighten the nuts and washers; however do take care not to over tighten them as this can cause the toilet to crack. Then use plumbers putty to fill in the caps to place over the bolt ends. Assemble any item in the back of the tank and place the rubber cushion on the toilet bowl. Securely attach the tank and water supply tubing and turn on the water.
Bathroom Related Article
Do It Yourself Porcelain Sink Repair
bathroom installation and repair tips | contact us | | site map |