How Do I Install a New Toilet?

11/9/2022 (Permalink)

It's time to install your new toilet.

Installing a New Toilet

Don't be afraid of the toilet. It's an essential part of your home, and it doesn't have to be complicated. In fact, installing a new one is easy — as long as you're careful and follow these steps.

Turn off the water supply

The first step to installing a new toilet is to turn off the water supply. If you don't know where your water shutoff valve is, this is a good reason to call a plumber or handyman with experience. The process of turning off the water supply involves shutting off pipes that are running through your walls, so it's not something you want to mess up if you're unfamiliar with plumbing.

Disconnect the water supply line

This can be done by shutting off the main valve or turning off individual shut-off valves for each fixture. 

Next, remove the supply line from the valve using a wrench and disconnect it from your toilet by removing 2 screws as needed on either side of where it connects at its base (most toilets will have 4 screws). Make sure you have something handy such as a bucket or large bowl to catch any water that may leak out during this process!

Drain the tank and bowl by holding down the handle and flushing

Now that you've done all the prep work, it's time to install your new toilet. First, drain the tank and bowl by holding down the handle and flushing. Use a bucket to catch water as it drains into the bowl, so you don't have to mop up a mess. If you're still having issues with leaking after doing this step once or twice, try re-tightening any bolts/screws that were loose before as well as re-adding additional washers if needed.

Remove old toilet

If there is a wax ring, remove it by prying it up with a screwdriver. Then use a putty knife to scrape away any remaining wax from around the base of your new toilet. If your toilet has been glued to the floor, use a pry bar to lift it up and off its flange.

• Unbolt or remove bolts on bottom portion of tank and set aside for re-use if possible (if not, don't worry about removing them now)
• Unbolt or remove bolts on top portion of tank using ratchet wrench and socket

Inspect and clean the closet flange

The closet flange is a metal ring that fits in the drainpipe, allowing you to mount the new toilet on top of it. The closet flange should be accessible from below where you plan to install your new toilet. You can do this by lifting on the wax ring on top of your existing toilet or by removing it entirely if it's not too firmly stuck down (if so, use a flathead screwdriver).

Once you take off that section of wax ring, look at what's underneath: You're looking for damage or corrosion around any seams between different pieces of metal—this can mean that part won't seal properly or could cause leaks. If there's visible corrosion or dents, replace that piece before proceeding with installation.

Install new wax ring and toilet

The wax ring is what seals the toilet to the floor. If you are replacing an old toilet, you need to buy a new wax ring and install it before installing your new toilet.

You can buy wax rings at any hardware store.

Toilet Installation

Toilet installation isn't rocket science, but it's not simple either. Follow these steps to do it right!

1. Ask for help. If you're installing a new toilet in your Providence, RI home, your best option is to ask a friend or family member who knows how to install toilets well. They can give you advice on what tools and materials to use, how much time the project will take, and whether they'll be able to help with any of the work itself (or if they'd like payment up front).

2. Don't try to do everything yourself. You may have seen videos on YouTube where people install their own toilets without any assistance - but don't take this as an example of something that can be easily done by most people! 

3. Take your time: Follow all instructions carefully so that everything goes smoothly.

Even if you've never installed a toilet before, we hope this guide has shown you that it's not too hard of a job. Just be sure to follow these steps and you'll be done in no time!