Installing a new toilet is much easier than you might think. In fact, many homeowners choose to remove their old toilet and replace it with a new one without resorting to the help of a handyman or plumber. If you decide your new DIY project will be installing a new toilet, you need to know at least the basic steps on how to do it. This article will tell you how to remove your old toilet and replace it with a new one, thus giving your bathroom a fresh touch.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Remove the Old Toilet
Step 1. Measure the distance between the wall and floor screws before removing the toilet
Standard toilets have a distance of 30cm between the wall and floor screws. If your old toilet was also placed at 30 centimeters, you can buy a new standard toilet and install it in the same location without running into too many problems.
Step 2. Close the toilet water tap
By doing this, you will prevent new water from getting into the toilet bowl while you are busy removing the toilet.
Step 3. Operate the drain to empty the water tray and the toilet bowl
Step 4. Put on long rubber gloves to protect yourself against bacteria that lurk in the toilet and its surroundings
Step 5. Remove all the water left in the tub and toilet bowl
You can use a small cup at first, and then switch to a super absorbent sponge. Pour the excess water into a basin or similar container, and then empty it all somewhere safe.
Step 6. Unscrew the bolts that secure the water tray and the toilet bowl to each other
Step 7. Disconnect the pipes that bring water to the toilet
Step 8. Using your legs rather than your back, remove the water tray from the toilet bowl
Then place it in a convenient place where it cannot spread bacteria.
Step 9. Remove the floor screw caps and unscrew the bolts with an adjustable wrench
Step 10. Remove the silicone bead between toilet and floor by moving the bowl back and forth
You don't have to overdo it; a little back and forth movement will suffice. After the string has broken, remove the cup, and then place it near where you placed the water tray.
Step 11. Remove any silicone remaining around the drain hole from the floor
You will soon be installing a new sealing cord, so you need to remove as much of the old silicone as possible to ensure proper sealing.
Step 12. Close the drain hole with an old rag or something similar
This will prevent sewage fumes from spreading into the bathroom before you install the new toilet.
Method 2 of 2: Install the new toilet
Step 1. Replace the old flange around the drain hole with a new one
Unscrew the old flange and place the new flange around the hole. Then, secure each mounting bolt between the flange and the floor.
Step 2. Place a new O-ring where the toilet bowl will rest, around the drain hole
O-rings are sold both with a flat surface and with an inward funnel shape.
Step 3. Make sure the flange fits snugly to the floor
If the flange does not fit snugly to the floor, it may be necessary to remove the O-ring and try again. If necessary, tighten or replace the flange screws.
Step 4. Lift and place the toilet bowl on the anchor screws that come out of the floor
This step is complicated and can take several attempts.
Step 5. Once the anchor screws enter the corresponding holes properly, move the cup from side to side to create a seal with the drain hole
Swing the cup from side to side exactly as you did to remove the old toilet (see above).
Step 6. Insert the screws between the tray and the base, and then screw them in by hand
Make sure you don't screw them too hard or the bowl will break.
Step 7. Insert small wedges or shims under the toilet to make sure it is level
Step 8. Gradually tighten the bolts with an adjustable wrench until everything is properly secured
First screw one part and then the other. In other words, screw one part and the other as homogeneously as possible.
Screwing in too much can break the cup. Find the right compromise between sealing and fixing
Step 9. Put decorative caps on the floor anchoring screws
Step 10. Check that the water bowl is correctly positioned on the toilet bowl, making sure that the bowl screws can screw with the bowl
Screw in the bolts by hand. And don't over tighten them.
