How to Install a Toilet
Tired of your old toilet or got a malfunctioning one? The best way to deal with it is to get rid of the old and purchase a new set. Know why? You'll find that it's actually cheaper to install a new toilet than having your old one fixed. And you'll be able to save more if you install it yourself with, perhaps, a little help from your spouse.
When buying a new toilet, all the fittings are normally included in the package. The important parts include the toilet bowl, water closet, gasket or the wax ring and two 5/16-inch bolts.
Below are some easy steps you can follow to successfully install your new toilet.
1. The mounting base for the new toilet is called the exposed flange. On the sides of this are holes where you should place the two 5/16-inch bolts. The bolt heads should be inside the flange and should be straight up. You can then put the toilet gasket on the flange.
2. By this time, you can already put the new bowl by centering it on the gasket with the two bolts coming through the holes on each side of the bowl. After lowering it down, put more pressure so that the wax is squeezed and the bowl is sealed with the floor.
3. Put on the washers and nuts to the exposed bolts and tighten them just right.
4. Next step is to install the tank by pushing two 5/16 x 13 inch mounting bolts through the holes on the tank's bottom part. Rubber washers should be place under the bolt heads inside the tank to seal it. Then add the nuts and washers to the bolts and tighten them well.
5. Now apply the gasket made from sponge and rubber over the discharge tube.
6. Thread the bolts into the holes on the bowl and keep the gasket between the bowl and tank. Add the nuts and metal washers to the bolts and tighten them while holding the tank level.
7. The flush handle is up next. Screw it to the lift arm through the hole of the handle in the tank. The toilet handle is usually threaded in reverse. Then connect the lift arm to the chain of the flushing ball in the tank.
8. From there, you can now bolt the toilet lid to the bowl.
9. Connect the water line from the wall or floor to the valve located on the underside of the tank. You may now turn on the water and check the flushes and see if there are any leaks. If the tank and bowl are not stable enough, you can use hard rubber shims.
10. Once you think that your toilet is working well, cover the bolts with the plastic caps. You could add caulk, if you wish, to the base of the bowl to make a watertight seal, protect your floor and further stabilize the toilet.
11. Finally, put on the cover of the tank and voila! You have installed your new toilet and it's now rearing to take the first ride.
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