When you’re replacing a toilet, it is important to do things the right way. A bad job can lead to a leaky toilet, which in turn can rot your floor and leave you with more work to do. Luckily, there is an easy way to do this project correctly the first time.
First, turn off the water to the toilet guide on replacing a toilet using the shut-off valve on the wall. Next, flush the toilet to drain it and then use a towel or sponge to soak up any remaining water. This will help make the replacement process cleaner and less messy.
After you have drained and cleaned the area, it’s time to remove the old tank. The easiest way to do this is by unscrewing the bolts that hold it on and then lifting it up and away. Be sure to place it on a towel or garbage bag to prevent any water from leaking onto your floor or into the ground outside the toilet.
You can also use a utility knife to cut through the caulking between the toilet and floor. This may be necessary if the new bowl doesn’t sit flush with the floor flange. Once the old tank has been removed, it’s a good idea to use a putty knife or scraper to remove the excess wax from the closet flange and the drain line. This will leave you with a clean surface and ensure that the new toilet bowl has a good seal against the flange.
Now it’s time to replace the fill valve. To do this, you will need to locate the water supply line and disconnect it from the valve or fill valve assembly. You will want to place a bucket or towel underneath the disconnected end of the water line to catch any residual water that may still be in the line. You will then need to use an adjustable wrench to loosen and unscrew the nut that connects the water line to the toilet.
Once you have removed the fill valve, remove the float from inside the tank and then place a new wax ring around the drain hole. Then, set the new toilet in place. Be careful not to over tighten the bolts, as this can cause cracking or leaking in the future.
To install the new toilet, simply follow the steps for removing the old one in reverse. Be especially careful when tightening the bolts, as it is very easy to crack or break a new toilet bowl or tank with overzealous wrenching.
When installing the toilet, be sure to use a washer under each bolt and also slip a brass washer over each bolt head. Place a new wax ring over the drain and then lift the toilet and set it on its flange, slipping the holes in the base of the toilet over the flange bolts. If the flange is uneven, you can level it by using a flange extender kit.
