toilet easy or not?

Question

is it easy to install a new toilet ( take the old one off?) or do we need to hire a plummer?

Answer 1

I've installed many, and ittruly can be a DIY.

The issue is the weight and being able to carry each OUT and IN.

Removal of the old one means draining as much water as possible, carefully removing the floor connections. If it's a 2 piece toilet, remove the tank, and note the type of wax ring used.

Once out also note what flooring is underneath, and decide the 'footprint" of the new toilet to cover any issues.

I use a wax ring with a rubber flange sealed into it, that couples with the drain in the floor. Carefully settle the toilet onto the new wax ring,,, I start by placing the front of the toilet on the floor ands slowly lower it onto the ring. Then with the bolts through the holes in the base, reattache the washers and nuts until snug. I suggest buying new hardware,,, It's cheap enough.

I even suggest sitting on the toilet, seat down, a few times to settle it into the drain, and recheck the hardware for snug fit. DO NOT tighten the hardware, anywhere on a toilet like you're doing a Car repair... Porcelain is as fragile as it can be when stresssed by too much tension.

You can caulk around the toilet, but I never do. I expect, and accept the purpose of the seal, and that it will last as long as I do in using the facility.

Rev. Steven

Answer 2

Its fairly easy. Make sure you get a new wax gasket. Also measure the space that you are going to install the new toliet in.
Turn the water supply off. After you turn off the water supply drain the tank by flushing. Then remove the remaining water with a towl . remove the base nuts securing the toilet to the floor and the water supply line. If you are real strong you can now lift the entire assembly up and out. If not, you can remove the tank from the bowl so you are not dealing with so much weight. Good luck.

Answer 3

It is very easy. ! turn off the water supply 2. empty the takn of water 3. unscrew the water hose from the bottom of the tank 4. take the 2 nuts off that hold the toilet to the floor 5. lift old toilet off 6. remove the old wax ring from the hole where the toilet was 7. install new wax ring where old one was 8. reverse all to install new toilet. enjoy what you have done yourself

Answer 4

It actually is easy but you should have help when lowering it over the 2 studs. Once it's over the studs. press down on it to make a good seal on the new wax ring. You can sit on it also to put enough weight on it. Then when you think it's down all the way, start putting the nuts on the studs. Tighten one, but not to tight, then do the other side. Go back & forth but DO NOT over tighten. Just make sure you clean all the old wax off & install a new wax ring first.

Answer 5

check out Steve's amswer loaded with good info it is a diy job only thing I would add to steves answer measure from the wall to the bolt holes on the old toilet.. that will give you your rough in measurement older w/cs are at 10" and newer models are measured at 12" get the complete toilet as most bowls and tanks will not match up.. ps put on a new braided flex or supply line as well

Answer 6

I say go for it.... I read what Aussie said, and that would be my answer as well. I have done it, but have an extra pair of hands for lifting, cause toilets are not light. It is a struggle with a big heavy cumbersome thing in a (usually) small space.

Answer 7

Just don't forget the new wax ring. HD will set you up and help if you need anymore. After you finish the install, before you tighten the nuts, sit on the toilet and wiggle your butt around, to help seat it on that new ring. My plumber friends little extra trick.

Answer 8

thats easy just undo the water line that goes into the toilet (shut it off first) then take the 2 screws out pull the old one (toilet) out and put the new one in put the 2 new screws or bolts on hook the water back up and flush away

Answer 9

Underneath the toilet is a wax seal that can be very nasty to remove. sticky, smelly, dirty, yuck. (FUN !!)
If your willing to deal with that it is not difficult........

be sure to measure from the wall to the toilet anchor bolts and get the same measurement on the new toilet.
also do not over-tighten any of the nuts and bolts because it can crack the toilet.

Answer 10

Aussie is correct, but you should stick the wax gasket to the bottom of the new toilet before you replace it. Water will never seep if it's done that way.