A simple guide to installing a new toilet
Thinking about installing a new toilet? Whether your old one is broken, outdated, or you’re just ready for something new, installing a new toilet isn’t as complicated as you might think. You can either call a plumber to do the job, or if you’re feeling a bit handy, you can try to take it on yourself. We’ll walk you through the basic steps of installing a new toilet. Let’s keep it simple, so even if you’ve never done any plumbing before, you’ll know what to do.
Why install a new toilet?
There are lots of reasons why people end up installing a new toilet. Maybe your old toilet is leaking, or it’s not flushing like it used to. Sometimes, toilets just get old and need to be replaced. Other times, you might want to switch to a more modern, water-efficient model. Whatever your reason for installing a new toilet, it can make your bathroom look better and work better, too.
Tools you’ll need for installing a new toilet
Before you get started on installing a new toilet, you’ll need to grab a few basic tools. Here’s a quick list:
– Adjustable wrench
– A sponge or small bucket (to get rid of any leftover water)
– A toilet wax ring (this helps seal the toilet to the floor)
– New toilet bolts (they usually come with the toilet)
– A new toilet, of course!
Once you’ve got everything, you’re ready to start installing a new toilet.
Step 1: Turn off the water
The first thing you need to do when installing a new toilet is to turn off the water supply. There’s usually a small valve behind the toilet. Just twist it until the water stops. After that, flush the toilet to get rid of as much water as possible. You can use a sponge or a small bucket to soak up any water left in the tank or bowl.
Step 2: Remove the old toilet
Now that the water’s off, it’s time to get rid of the old toilet. Start by unscrewing the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor. There are usually two of them on either side. Once the bolts are off, you can carefully lift the toilet off the floor. It might be a bit heavy, so if you need help, don’t be afraid to ask someone to give you a hand.
If the toilet doesn’t come off easily, it might be stuck to the floor by an old wax ring. Just give it a little wiggle, and it should come free. Once you’ve got the toilet off, you’ll probably see some old wax on the floor where the toilet was sitting. Wipe that away so you have a clean surface for installing a new toilet.
Step 3: Prep for the new toilet
Now that the old toilet is out of the way, it’s time to prep for installing a new toilet. Start by placing a new wax ring on the drain opening in the floor. The wax ring helps create a seal between the toilet and the drain, so make sure it’s sitting snugly in place.
Next, install the new toilet bolts. These bolts go through the holes in the floor and will help hold your new toilet in place. You’ll want to make sure they’re straight and secure before you move on to the next step.
Step 4: Install the new toilet
Now comes the fun part – installing the new toilet. Carefully lower the new toilet onto the bolts, making sure the holes in the base of the toilet line up with the bolts. You might need to adjust it a bit to get it just right.
Once the toilet is in place, push down on it gently to compress the wax ring and create a good seal. Now, tighten the bolts to hold the toilet down. Don’t over-tighten them, though. You don’t want to crack the porcelain!
Step 5: Attach the tank
If you’re installing a new toilet that comes in two pieces (a separate bowl and tank), now’s the time to attach the tank to the bowl. There will usually be bolts that hold the tank to the bowl. Tighten these bolts carefully, making sure the tank is level.
Step 6: Hook up the water
Once your toilet is in place and secure, it’s time to reconnect the water supply. Turn the valve behind the toilet to let the water flow back in. After the tank fills up, give the toilet a flush to check if everything is working properly. If the toilet flushes well and there are no leaks around the base, you’ve done a great job installing a new toilet.
Step 7: Check for leaks
After installing a new toilet, it’s a good idea to check for any leaks. Look around the base of the toilet and where the water supply connects to make sure everything is dry. If you see any water, tighten the bolts a bit more or check the connections to make sure they’re sealed properly.
Tips for installing a new toilet
Don’t rush through the steps. Installing a new toilet isn’t hard, but you want to make sure everything is done right to avoid leaks or other issues.
Toilets can be heavy and awkward to move. If you’re having trouble, don’t hesitate to ask a friend or family member to give you a hand.
Always use a fresh wax ring when installing a new toilet. Reusing an old one can cause leaks.
After installing a new toilet, flush it a few times to make sure everything’s working well.
When to call plumbers in Canberra
If you run into any problems while installing a new toilet, or if you’re just not comfortable doing it yourself, don’t hesitate to call a plumber. They’ll be able to handle the installation quickly and make sure everything’s done right.
Installing a new toilet might sound like a big job, but with a little patience and the right tools, it’s something you can definitely take up on your own. Whether you’re upgrading your bathroom or replacing an old toilet, following these simple steps will help you get the job done. Just remember to check for leaks, take your time, and call in a pro if you need help. Once you’ve finished installing a new toilet, you’ll have a fresh, functional bathroom that’s ready to go!