How to Install a Toilet

Many homeowners are conscious of their finances today that they would rather install home fixtures themselves than a hire a repairman. Not a problem, though, because if you love your abode and you want to keep it in good condition, you can always learn how to do things yourself. It’s a just a matter of attitude.

For your toilet, we share the very basic steps to follow to install it correctly. Make sure you have somebody to assist you as the fixtures are quite bulky and heavy.

First, prepare the floor and soil pipe. Then install the pipe and closet lange making sure that the underside portion of the flange is in the same level as the finished floor. Secure the flange to the floor using the screws. It’s a good idea to set the floor bolts in a plumber’s putty first before inserting them through the toilet flange.

Now proceed to the toilet bowl and turn it upside down. Position the new wax gasket over the toilet horn or the waste outlet. You will find the horn on the bottom part of the bowl. After the gasket, apply plumber’s putty around the bottom edge of the bowl.

Next, position the bowl over the flange and press down firmly. Slightly twist the bowl while you’re pressing it down to secure it in place. You should be able to feel the toilet bowl as you’re pushing it into the wax ring.

To ensure that it is positioned in a straight way, you can use a level. Specifically, use the shims to level it and cut them so they won’t be visible.

To secure the bowl at its base, tighten the nuts and washers onto the hold-down bolts protruding from the toilet. You can use your hands or an adjustable wrench. Check if the bolts are tight enough to prevent the bowl from moving but remember not to overtighten the bolts as well as you can cause the toilet bowl to crack.

Before putting the decorative caps on the bolt ends at the base, fill them with plumber’s putty first. Seal the base as well with the same putty or silicone caulk.

Once the bowl is set, you need to install the tank next on the rear portion if you’re using a two-piece toilet. Place the tank on the bowl while you guide its bolts into the holes in the bowl. Using your hands, tighten the nuts and nylon washers onto the bolts then fit the rubber gasket onto the flush valve opening on the bottom part of the tank.

Proceed with installing the supply line. This is the pipe coming out from your wall or floor that will bring water to the toilet. Attach a shut off valve to the water supply line or and connect it to the flexible tubing. This tubing should be attached to the bottom part of the tank through the supply stub out.

Finally, connect the tank’s handle to the flapper chain inside the tank then check if supply comes in by turning on the water. Find out if there are leaks and tighten nuts where leaks exist.

Feel free to email me with your questions or comments.

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