Installing Floor Toilets

Installing a toilet is usually the last major job in remodeling a bathroom. It is as simple as removing a toilet. Depending on the style you buy, there will be variations in the particulars of installation. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Tools: level; wrench.

Supplies: old towels; wax gasket; plastic gasket sleeve (if necessary); plumber’s putty; joint compound or joint tape.

1. Resting it on some old towels or bath mats to protect its surface, turn your new toilet upside down and place a round wax gasket around the drain hole, pushing it down firmly all around. No gasket comes with your toilet; you’ll have to buy one at the hardware store, but it will cost only a few dollars. If you have installed a new subfloor, it may be higher than your existing flange. If so, you can buy a wax gasket with a plastic sleeve that will make up the distance.

2. If you have relocated your toilet, you will have to install the closet flange on the new waste pipe. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, install the flange so that it is flush with the underlayment.

3. Remove the rags from your drainpipe. Turn the toilet right side up, and set it down over the drain hole with the flange bolts protruding up through the flanges on both sides. Grasping the bowl rim on either side, press the bowl to the floor. Twist and rock it gently back and forth as you go, to assure a complete seal with the wax gasket. Do not lilt the bowl or you will break the seal.

92a Flange bolt; Wax gasket; Plastic extension; Seat gasket firmly around drain hole

92b

4. Use a level to make sure the bowl is correctly aligned in both directions. Then put washers on the flange bolts, and tighten the nuts until the bowl does not rock. Cover the bolts with plastic or ceramic caps. The caps are usually purchased separately for most standard-design toilets. If you have purchased a special color or a nonstandard design, the caps are usually part of the package.

5. Install the tank according to the manufacturers directions. Make sure it is aligned with the bowls rim so that the tank bolts can connect the two parts of the unit. The bolts should be in place, and the nuts aligned, before the flushing assembly is connected.

6. Attach the flexible water supply line to the flush valve stem by tightening the coupling nuts. Turn on the water supply, and watch for leaks while the tank fills. When the tank is full, flush the toilet several times, examining the base of the bowl to be certain the gasket is not leaking. If water appears, tighten the flange bolts, mop up the water, and try again. If more water appears, your seal is broken or defective. You will have to drain the toilet and tank, turn off the water supply, remove the toilet, and reset it with a new gasket.

93a Tank, Bolts, Rubber washer, Rubber cushion

93b Coupling nuts, Seat bolt

7. If there is no leak, as will probably be the case, install the toilet seat by fitting the seat bolts into the holes at the back of the bowl’s rim, and secure the bolts with washers and nuts.

Next: Finishing Touches

Prev.: Floor Surfaces

top of page   Home