Replacing a toilet is not a complex project, however it does require
some physical strength and in many cases the ability to work in tight,
and constricted areas. The parts that you will need are:
- Toilet - either one piece or a bowl and tank
combo.
- Toilet Gasket - wax or urethane ring that
seals the base of the toilet bowl to the drainpipe flange.
- Toilet Flange Bolts - brass bolts that fasten
the toilet bowl to the drainpipe flange and holds the toilet snuggly
against the floor.
- Flexible Water Supply Line - provides
connection from the water valve to the float valve in the toilet
tank. Water supply lines are available in two standard lengths; 12
and 20 inches.
In some cases, you may also need to purchase a
toilet seat or reuse the one from the toilet you are removing. You may
also want to purchase the caps that cover the toilet flange bolts.
The tools that will be required are:
- Water Pump Pliers - this is the easiest tool
to use to tighten the water supply connection to the toilet tank.
However a medium size adjustable wrench will also work.
- Adjustable Wrench or Wrench Assortment - used
to tighten the nuts on the flange bolts, the nuts on the bolts that
mount the tank to the bowl and to tighten the water supply line to
the water valve.
- Large Screwdriver - used to hold the bolts in
place that tighten the tank to the bowl.
- Small Scraper - needed to scrape any old
gasket material off the floor flange.
- Deep Socket Set - not a mandatory
requirement, but they do make the assembly much easier.
Removal Procedure:
- Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
- Remove the toilet seat if it is going to be
reused. Two bolts go through the hinge assembly (you may have to pop
up a cap that hides the head of the bolt) on the back of the toilet
bowl. The nuts are located under the rim of the bowl.
- Flush the toilet.
- Remove the lid on the toilet tank and sponge
out any remaining water. Note: The toilet has a water trap molded
into the bowl. Hence, there will be residual water left in the
toilet.
- Undo the nut that connects the water supply
line to the toilet.
- Remove the nuts on the bolts on the base of
the toilet bowl. These may be covered by caps that can be removed by
placing the tip of a screwdriver between the edge of the cap and the
bowl.
- Lift the toilet straight up to clear the
flange bolts.
- Remove the two flange bolts and discard.
- Remove any gasket material that remains on
the flange.
- Remove the water supply pipe at the valve end
and discard.
Installation Procedure:
- Mount bowl to tank by using the gasket, brass
nuts, bolts, and washers supplied with the toilet. (I find it easier
to mount the tank to the bowl because in many cases it is very
difficult to get access to the tank bolts once the bowl is
installed. However, some people prefer to install the bowl first,
because it is much lighter to maneuver into position and then mount
the tank on top.)
- Install the new water supply pipe to the
valve.
- Install the new flange screws in the slots in
the flange.
- Install the flange gasket on the base of the
toilet bowl.
- Lift the toilet bowl above the height of the
screws and lower so that the two flange bolts appear through the
holes in the base of the toilet bowl.
- Tighten the bowl to the flange by alternate
tightening of the two nuts on the flange bolts. Don't forget to
install the flange bolt cover bases, if applicable, over the bolts
before placing the nuts on the bolts.
- If you have installed the bowl without the
tank then install the tank to the bowl at this time.
- Connect the water supply line to the bottom
of the tank bowl float valve.
- Turn the water on and look for leaks.
- Install the flange bolt caps if applicable.
It may be necessary to cut the height of the bolts with a hacksaw in
order for the caps to fit.
- Install the toilet seat.
- Place cover on top of the toilet tank.
CAUTION: All toilets are molded from
porcelain, which is a very brittle material. Tightening any bolts with
to much force may cause the porcelain to crack!
For additional information on home repairs or
other renovation projects, visit
Renovation Headquarters.
Article Source:
TheFreeLibrary.com
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