We often don’t realize that replacing a toilet is one of the most approachable plumbing projects for DIYers. Most folks think they need a professional, but honestly, with the right tools and a bit of patience, you’ll save yourself a few hundred bucks in labor costs. The process isn’t particularly complicated—it’s more about careful handling of porcelain and making sure your connections are watertight. Let’s walk through how you can tackle this project yourself.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Success in any DIY project starts with having the right tools at hand. For toilet installation, you’ll need an adjustable wrench, ratchet set, utility knife, and a putty knife to scrape off that old wax ring.
Trust me, that last one’s a lifesaver!
Don’t forget a bucket to catch water when you disconnect the supply line. That’s a mistake I’ve made before—water everywhere!
For materials, grab a new wax ring (or maybe one of those newer wax-free seals), closet bolts, and plastic washers.
We’ll also need caulk for sealing the base and some paper towels to check for leaks.
Shutting Off Water and Removing the Old Toilet
Now that we’ve gathered all our materials, it’s time for the messy part—removing the old toilet. First, we’ll need to shut off the water supply by turning the valve clockwise until it’s completely closed. This step is essential—skip it and you’ll have a mini flood on your hands!
- Flush the toilet to empty the tank, then soak up any leftover water with rags.
- Disconnect the water supply line with an adjustable wrench (keep that bucket handy!).
- Cut through any caulk at the base, unscrew the nuts, and carefully lift to remove the old toilet.
Preparing the Toilet Flange
Preparing the toilet flange is perhaps the most crucial step in your DIY toilet installation—get this wrong, and you’ll be dealing with leaks and wobbles for years to come.
First, we’ll need to check the flange’s position relative to your floor. Is it below, at, or above floor level? If it’s too low, you might need a spacer or stacked wax seals for proper sealing.
Next, remove all traces of old wax with a putty knife and vacuum thoroughly. Trust me, a clean flange makes all the difference.
Finally, install those oblong closet bolts with plastic washers to keep them upright.
Dry fit your toilet before committing—it should sit level and stable.
Measuring for Proper Fit
Three critical measurements stand between you and a perfectly fitting toilet.
We’ll need to measure the distance from the wall to the center of the flange—this is called the “rough-in” and it’s typically between 10-14 inches.
- Measure from wall to flange center (rough-in dimension)
- Check toilet height (standard 14-15″ or comfort 16-17″)
- Verify width clearance (minimum 15″ from adjacent fixtures)
Don’t forget to measure the distance between closet bolts too—should be about 5.5 inches apart.
I’d recommend doing a dry fit before final installation to avoid any, well, unpleasant surprises.
Trust me, nothing’s worse than discovering your toilet doesn’t quite fit!
Installing the Wax Ring and Seal
The critical wax ring step is where many DIY toilet installations go wrong. When you install a new toilet, proper sealing prevents those dreaded leaks.
First, center the wax ring on the flange, making certain you’ve removed any plastic wrap for better adhesion.
If your flange sits lower than ideal (happens in older homes), don’t panic! Stack two wax rings to create a proper seal.
Before fully committing, we recommend doing a dry fit to check alignment.
When positioning the toilet, verify those oblong bolts stay upright.
Then gently—and I mean gently—tighten the nuts. Overtightening is a rookie mistake that’ll crack your porcelain.
Setting and Securing Your New Toilet
Now that you’ve properly seated the wax ring, let’s get your toilet firmly in place.
Carefully lower your toilet onto the flange, making sure the closet bolts align with the holes in the toilet base. It’s kind of like a puzzle piece that needs to fit just right—take your time here!
- Hand-tighten the nuts onto the closet bolts (not too tight or you’ll crack the porcelain!)
- Use a hacksaw to trim any excess bolt length after ensuring the toilet is level.
- Caulk the toilet around the base for a clean look and to prevent water from seeping underneath.
Connecting the Water Supply
Connecting your toilet to the water supply is probably the last major hurdle in this installation process, and I’d say it’s one of the easiest parts—though you still need to be careful to avoid leaks.
Before you begin, remove the caps from the water lines and check your connections. Every professional plumber will tell you that proper tightening is essential.
| Step | Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Turn valve clockwise | Prevents water flow |
| 2 | Check rubber washer | Creates watertight seal |
| 3 | Use adjustable wrench | Guarantees proper tightening |
Once connected, slowly turn the valve counterclockwise and watch for leaks. The water level should stay below the overflow line.
Testing for Leaks and Proper Function
With your water supply now connected, it’s time for the moment of truth – testing your newly installed throne for leaks and proper function.
After all that hard work, we don’t want any surprises later!
Here’s how to properly check your installation:
- Turn on the water and use paper towels to check for moisture around the base and supply connection. Trust me, those towels will show what your eyes might miss.
- Watch the tank fill – water should stay below the overflow line. Adjust the float if needed.
- Flush several times to verify everything’s working smoothly.
Finishing Touches and Cleanup
As your toilet passes all the leak tests with flying colors, it’s time for those final flourishes that’ll really make your bathroom installation complete.
First, run a nice bead of caulk around the base of your toilet. This not only looks professional but creates that watertight seal you need.
Now reattach the seat, making sure it’s perfectly aligned—nobody likes a crooked seat, trust me!
Once everything’s secured, clean up your workspace. You know what they say about good craftsmen never leaving a mess!
Dispose of your old toilet parts properly, and wipe away any stray debris.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Install a New Toilet Myself?
Like diving into an invigorating challenge, we’ve got your back! Yes, you can install a toilet yourself. With proper toilet installation tips and DIY plumbing advice, we’ll help you tackle this manageable project.
Can a Homeowner Install a Toilet?
Yes, homeowners can install toilets themselves. We recommend learning DIY plumbing basics first. With proper toilet installation tips and basic tools, you’ll save money and gain useful skills.
Are You Supposed to Caulk Around a Toilet?
By Jove, we’re indeed supposed to caulk around toilets! We’ll want to apply silicone caulk using proper caulking techniques during toilet installation, but remember to leave a gap behind for leak detection.
Do You Have to Be a Plumber to Replace a Toilet?
We don’t need to be plumbers to replace a toilet. With basic plumbing basics and toilet installation tips, we can handle this DIY project ourselves, saving money on professional labor costs.
