7 Steps for Replacing a Toilet

8/17/2022 (Permalink)

Apply caulk to the new toilet bowl to avoid leaks.

If you discover a leaking toilet at your home in Colorado Springs, CO, toilet repair may not be an option if the leak is severe. You might have to replace the old toilet. Even if you're new to this type of job, it should still be relatively easy.

Steps to Replace a Toilet

Here are the steps:

1. Shut Off the Water Supply

First, shut off the water at the supply line. Then, flush the toilet to drain the water. Next, the water supply line must be disconnected from the bottom of the toilet tank. You must then remove the bolts on the toilet's base.

2. Remove the Old Toilet and Wax Seal

You'll see a caulk seal around the bowl's base. It needs to be cut out. The toilet should be movable. Now it's time to remove the leaking toilet, then remove the wax seal. If you see that damage has occurred from the leak, you might need to call water damage remediation professionals to take care of it before installing the new toilet.

3. Apply Caulk to the New Bowl

Caulk then needs to be applied to the base of the new bowl. This will make the installation look cleaner and will keep leaks at bay.

4. Install the New Wax Ring and Bowl

Place the new wax ring between the bolts. Then, put the bowl into place. The wax seal will be compressed by the bowl's weight.

5. Grease the Spud Washer

At the base of the tank is a spud washer. Put a coat of plumber's grease on it. Then place the tank as you're lining up the mounting bolts.

6. Tighten the Tank's Bolts

Place the washer on the bolts and then tighten the nut. Then, fully tighten the inner-tank bolts and place the mounting bolts on the bowl's base.

7. Ensure the Toilet Is Level and Test for Leaks

Ensure the toilet is level. Reconnect the water line and turn on the water. When the tank fills, test for leaks by flushing the toilet.

A leaking toilet can be a real inconvenience. However, if it can't be repaired, it should be replaced as soon as possible before the problem worsens.