Installing a Toilet

If you say that it is time to install a toilet, many people are going to start running for the hills. The reason for this is because people believe that this is something so difficult and complicated that no one but an experienced plumber is going to be able to do. Luckily, such people couldn't be more wrong. Anyone, and I mean anyone, can accomplish this task, as long as they have confidence in themselves, and proper instructions. As always, prior to beginning, you need to gather a few items.

You are going to need to gather these items:

• Bucket
• A few sponges or towels
• Screwdriver (either Philips or straight edge—check your toilet first)
• Toilet flange bolts 5/16" in diameter
• Wax ring
• Either an adjustable wrench or a set of wrenches

After you have gathered all of these different items, you are ready to begin the task of installing your new toilet. As the name implies, we are going to be installing a toilet, so you should have already removed your old toilet. If you have not already done so, then there is little that you can do to install your new one. Once you are truly ready meaning you have gathered all your materials and removed the old toilet, you can proceed to the first step.

1. On opposite sides of the flange you should see two holes designed to hold the flange bolts. Place those bolts in the holes so that the bolts are pointing straight up. You can then place your new wax ring onto the flanges.
2. You are now going to lower the toilet onto the wax ring. Be sure that you have both bolts coming up through the base of the toilet. Just push down—straight down—on the toilet. As you do this, make sure that you put a bit of pressure to create a watertight seal. (That is the purpose of the wax ring—to create a seal between the flange and the bottom of the toilet.)
3. If there is any rocking after you have placed the toilet onto the bolts, use a couple of rubber shims under the base of the toilet, and some nuts and washers on the flanges. Tighten everything down until snug. Do not tighten too much or you can cause the bowl to crack.
4. Now you are going to attach the tank to the bowl. This is going to simply require attaching 2 bolts with rubber washers on the inside of the tank. As you are doing this, make sure that you place a rubber gasket between the bowl and tank so that you can cushion the two parts of the toilet.
5. Reconnect the water supply to the toilet. Do this by connecting the water supply line to the base of the toilet. Once you turn on the water, be sure that you check for any leaks that there may be. If there are, then you are going to need to make sure that you have fixed the leaks.
6. In order to complete your task, you now need to replace the decorative caps over the flange bolts. Chances are you may need to trim them in order to fit over the bolts. Install the toilet seat and tank cover, and all that you have left to do is clean up any mess.