Guide To Installing A Toilet
Installing a new toilet or replacing an old one is not a very difficult job for someone who can follow directions and has some experience working with their hands. Here are the steps involved in installing a toilet:
Toilet Installation Steps
- The first step in toilet installation is installing the floor flange. Position the floor flange over the drain and bolt it in place. Tighten the screws so that the toilet flange is properly secured to the floor. Ensure that it is level.
- If you are replacing a toilet, then there will already be a flange in the floor. All that you need to do is to remove the old wax bowl ring from the flange by gently scraping it off.
- After the toilet flange comes the wax bowl ring. This helps to secure the toilet bowl to the flange. Turn the toilet bowl upside down and fix the wax bowl ring in place. Put the flange bolts in the floor flange and carefully lower the toilet bowl onto the flange. Push the toilet bowl firmly so that it is pushed into the wax ring for a tight seal. The easiest way to do this is to just sit on the toilet.
Next, you need to tighten the washers and the nuts on the flange bolts. This is best done by hand.- Now you have to mount the tank. Set the tank on top of the bowl and screw the necessary screws in place. Tighten the nuts and washers on the mounting bolts. Be careful while tightening the nuts and make sure not to make them too tight as this can cause the porcelain to crack.
- Finally, all that is left is to connect the water supply. Connect the main water supply to the inlet on the toilet which is usually found at the bottom of the toilet.
- A good idea is to apply some silicone caulk at the base of the toilet bowl. This will help to secure the toilet more firmly and prevent a leaking wax ring. But do remember to leave the back side as is so that if there is any leakage you will be alerted by water coming from the base of the toilet and not when you see leaking walls and ceilings.
From the above, you should now know how to install a toilet. Although it is not very difficult, it does involve many little things which should all go smoothly so that you have a properly functioning toilet and there are no accidents around the house. Your best bet is still to hire a professional for toilet installation so that you can be sure your toilet is installed perfectly.