Toilets are the most functional, essential part of your bathroom, but most people don’t like thinking about them for very long. Still, when the time comes, and either design or functionality is making you swap out your toilet, the process is much simpler than most people realize. In fact, replacing and installing a new toilet is a process that all homeowners can accomplish with a little bit of preparation and guidance. Here is a straightforward guide that can help you install a new toilet in your bathroom.
Preparation
Not much preparation is needed to remove an old toilet and replace it with a new one. In terms of items needed, basic things such as a wrench or tool to loosen the bolts are necessary, as well as buckets, towels, and anything else required to keep the area clean should leaks occur or grime from the underside of the toilet dirty up the floor. You may also need replacement bolts, as well as a flange and wax sealing (which will be discussed later.) These items may or may not come with a new toilet, but they can be easily purchased at any hardware store if needed.
Most of your preparation should consist of ensuring your choice of toilet fits your preferred design well and physically fits in the space comfortably. The first step to installing a new toilet is knowing the correct dimensions when you’re buying. Different models have different distances that they sit from the wall, so measure the distance from your wall to the bolts currently holding in your toilet. To prevent headaches caused by the realization that your freshly installed toilet blocks the closet door or a similar situation, measure the maximum length and width of the space your toilet can easily fit into.
Installation
Once you are prepared and have your new toilet purchased, the next step is the removal of the old toilet. Start by turning off the water source and flushing out any standing water. Any leftover water can be soaked up with a sponge or rag or left in the tank as long as you aren’t afraid of a few spills. Next, disconnect the turned-off water line source feeding into the toilet in the back. At this point, the process is as simple as disassembly and removal. Remove the bolts securing the tank to the toilet body and move it out of the room, then remove the bolts securing the main bowl. This main toilet bowl might be dirty on the surfaces that contact with the ground, so place it on a previously prepared towel or similar material.
To install a new toilet, begin by removing the previous flange and any of the wax seals that remained on the floor. Carefully install the new flange with fresh bolts and make sure not to bend them; angle them directly down towards the floor. Lower the tank on top and place nuts on the end of each bolt. Tighten both sides equally as you go so that neither side has more pressure or tightness than the other. The new tank may need to have a gasket and its bolts put in place. Flip it over to double-check everything is in place before carefully setting the tank onto the bowl. Tighten the bolts connecting it to the bowl, and use a tool such as a level to ensure it’s sitting correctly.
At this point, the last step is reconnecting the water lines, tightening them up, and turning on the water supply. Do this process gradually to check for leaks and spills.
Your new toilet is now installed, but what about the rest of the bathroom? Call West Coast Design Build Florida in Sarasota for excellent bathroom design ideas and professional installation.
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