Planning to install a new toilet at your home? Many people find installing a new toilet a complicated task and prefer to call a plumbing service for toilet installation. However, if you break this work into several small steps, it becomes an easy DIY task. It requires only the basic skills and tools to install a toilet at your home. Here are the things you will need:
- Rubber gloves
- Towel
- Supply tube
- Penetrating oil
- Wax ring
- Teflon tape
- Hacksaw
- Sponge
- Bucket
- Putty knife
- Wench
- Pliers
- Toilet seat
- Bolts of the toilet seat
- Screwdriver
Here is how you can remove the old toilet and install a new one in its place.
Remove the old toilet:
The first step in installing the new toilet is removing the old toilet. Start by shutting down the water supply at the stop valve. Once the water supply is cut off, flush the toilet thoroughly. Once the water has been flushed out, clean the toilet tank or cistern by using a towel or sponge and ensure that it is dried.
Remove the Cistern:
The next step is removing the cistern or toilet tank. You can do this by unscrewing the nuts at the bottom of the cistern. If you find that the nuts are stuck due to rust, you can use oil to loosen them. If they still cannot be removed, you can use a hacksaw to cut the bolts. Once the bolts are removed, lift, remove and discard the old cistern.
Remove the toilet bowl:
The next step is removing the toilet bowl. Start by using the screwdriver, pliers, or wrench to remove the washer, nuts, and bolts that fix the toilet bowl to the floor. If the nuts and bolts are rusted, try using the penetrating oil to loosen them or cut them off using a hacksaw.
Remove caulk & wax:
It is common to find caulk and wax around the base of the toilet bowl. You can use a utility knife to remove it. Once this is done, gently shake the toilet bowl until it breaks free and remove it from the floor. This will make the old wax ring visible that needs to be removed. Stuff a towel or old cloth in the exposed hole to prevent anything from falling in the sewer line and blocking it. This also helps keep the foul smell away. Now, remove the old wax ring with the help of a knife. Use the sponge or wet towel to gently remove the remnants of the wax.
Installing new flange & wax ring:
The top of the drainpipe is a flange that creates the connection between the toilet bowl and the floor. You can reuse it if it is not cracked or worn out. However, the wax ring will need to be replaced when installing a new toilet. There are two options to use the wax ring – either at the bottom of the toilet bowl or on the flange. Once this has been done, you can fix the new toilet bowl on the flange.
Install new toilet bowl:
After you have installed the wax ring, it is time to install the new toilet bowl. You should lower the new toilet bowl carefully to prevent damage to the wax ring. Firmly press down the new toilet bowl until it fixes. Be sure that it is square with the back wall and is not tilting or slanting. Secure the new toilet bowl with nuts and bolts.
Install the tank:
Next, install the new cistern or toilet tank. Secure it with the nuts and bolts until it is pulled down is in contact with the new toilet bowl. Once this is done, reopen the water supply and let the water fill in the tank.
Check leaks and finish off:
Now flush a few times and look out for water leakage. If there is leakage, try tightening the bolts. If the water leakage is around the base, it may be because of a problem with the wax ring. If that is the case, repeat the process and remove the toilet bowl and reinstall. If there is no leakage, then it means the toilet has been fixed property.
Here are frequently asked questions regarding toilet installation that you may find useful:
How much does it cost to replace a toilet in Australia?
The toilet installation cost in Australia is between $88-$525. While the cost of installing a new toilet with a professional plumber range from $150-$200.
Do you need a plumber to install a new toilet?
It depends entirely on you. If you have the experience of this kind of work and can spare the time, you can do it yourself. If you are not sure about doing it properly, it is best to hire a professional plumber for toilet installation and toilet plumbing.
Can you use the toilet right after installation?
No. It is recommended to wait for at least 6-12 hours before using a new toilet after installation.
The easiest way to get the best toilet installation or toilet plumbing services in Perth, and nearby areas is to reach out to toilet plumbing specialists. Farran’s Plumbing & Gas (FPG) is a trusted name in toilet plumbing and their services are available 24/7. You can call them on 0429 213 343 for any regular or emergency toilet plumbing service required for your property in Perth. They are known for the fastest, reliable and efficient emergency plumbing service at affordable prices.