Installing a new toilet is not an incredibly complex task to take on, but it does require fundamental knowledge of a few essential plumbing skills. The primary concern is to protect the porcelain from cracking when assembling the toilet and when bolting it to the floor. It is also important to carefully line up the wax seal precisely over the floor flange.
For your convenience, the dedicated plumbers from Adeedo! serving Los Angeles and Orange County have written a step-by-step approach to act as a guide on how to properly install a new toilet:
- Removing the Old Toilet – First, shut off the valve for the supply line. Then, disconnect it at the tank. Remove and set aside the lid and flush the toilet. Use a plastic cup to remove any residual water and a plunger to force water out of the S curve in the lower toilet. Lift the plastic bolt covers at the floor, and remove the nuts. Finally, lift the toilet out of the way and place it on a piece of cardboard so you don’t damage the floor. A skilled Adeedo! plumber can help you remove an old toilet that will no longer be used, and haul it away for proper disposal, should you need help.
- Assembling the New Toilet – Many toilets come with the flapper valve and ballcock (water inlet valve) already installed. Follow the directions for placement of the rubber washers and foam seal between the tank and bowl. Line up the bolts in the tank with the bowl, and tighten. Do not over tighten as you could possibly crack the porcelain, which cannot be repaired.
- Installing the New Toilet – Place the wax seal over the drain hole at the bottom of the toilet. Ensure that the seal and drain hole are carefully lined up, then press it lightly so it will stay in place. Next, put the flange bolts in their grooves at the 9 and 3 o’clock positions. Our plumbers typically use toilet jacks to put heavy toilets in place. It is possible to rent this type of toilet jack if necessary, but two lifters and a spotter to line up the seal with the floor flange are an effective solution as well. Then, gently lower the toilet over the bolts in the flange, lining them up with the holes in the toilet pedestal. Tighten the bolts until snug, but do not over tighten. Sit on the toilet. Then, retighten the bolts if necessary. Reconnect the supply line, and turn on the water. Finally, be sure to check for leaks.
The entire process of toilet installation is relatively simple, but many things can go wrong. For instance, the floor may be rotted around the toilet flange and the toilet flange may be cracked. So, if the job becomes too daunting or problems arise during the process, please don’t hesitate to call us. At Adeedo!, we have been the preferred Los Angeles and Orange County plumber for 70 years.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please give us a call at (833) 936-1791.