Our company gets calls all the time from customers who find themselves lost in the middle of installing a new toilet. Too many people think they can watch a video online and automatically know everything about toilet installation. Now, while it’s perfectly reasonable for a homeowner to handle something like this themselves. The problem is that, if you don’t do it right, you’ll find yourself calling a Miami-Dade emergency plumber in no time.
Here, we’ll go through five easy steps to installing a new toilet in your home or business. If you still have questions or just don’t trust yourself to take on this big of a project, don’t worry. You can always call one of our emergency plumbers and they’ll come out and complete the toilet installation for you in no time.
Make Sure You Have the Right Tools for the Job
Before you start any DIY project, you need to make sure you have the right tools. You don’t need anything special. Most of these tools should be available in your basic toolbox. Of course, make sure you don’t need to run to the hardware store in the middle of the toilet installation. Double-check to make sure you have the following things nearby:
- Screwdriver
- Wrench
- Hacksaw
- Drill
- Tape measure
- Flange bolts
- Tube of cork
Once you ensure you have these tools, you’re ready to go.
Prepare the Floor Before You Do Anything Else
Make sure the hole in the floor is big enough for the toilet. If not, use your drill to cut a bigger hole. You also need to check to see if the soil pipe is firmly in place. If so, attach it to the flange. Once this is done, you’ll connect the flange directly to the floor using your screwdriver. Make sure it’s nice and tight so it doesn’t move.
Once you make sure it’s secure, you’ll want to take your bolts and insert them into the slots on the flange. It’s a good idea to affix a couple of washers to make sure the bolts are secure.
After you finish these simple steps, you’re ready to set the wax ring on the flange. This is where you’ll eventually place the toilet bowl.
Now It’s Time to Assemble the Toilet
Before you can install the toilet, you need to assemble it. This is often the trickiest part for homeowners to master. As long as you follow these steps, you shouldn’t have any problems.
The first thing you want to do is insert the tank bolts and washers through the holes below the tank with the thread side. You can now put the disc below the tank. Now you want to lower the tank onto the bowl. Make sure the holes line up, otherwise your bowl is not going to fit right.
Now you want to insert the washers and nuts over the end of the bolts and tighten them. Make sure they aren’t too tight, or you can end up cracking the porcelain. The last thing you want to do is have to buy a whole new toilet.
Finally, put the toilet seat over the bowl. Use a few of the nuts and bolts to secure the seat to the top of the bowl. When you’re done this step, your toilet should look the same way it would once it’s installed. Now, you’re ready to move on to the meat and potatoes of the toilet installation.
It’s Time for the Actual Toilet Installation
Now that you’re more than halfway through, it’s time for the fun part. Here is where you’re installing the toilet all by yourself. The first thing you want to do is pick up the toilet and slowly lower it over the flange bolts. Once again, make sure the holes line up.
Once the toilet is in the right spot, secure the toilet using the wax ring. Now you want to insert the washers and nuts over the bolts. Tighten them using a wrench. Again, make sure you don’t overtighten them.
The next thing you’ll want to do is cut off the excess at the ends of the bolts. Cover any exposed nuts with your plastic caps. Don’t forget to attach them to both sides of the bowl.
The Last Step Is to Turn the Water Back On
If you’ve made it this far without having to call a Miami-Dade emergency plumber, you’re in pretty good shape. The last thing you need to do is turn the water back on, so you check to see if the toilet works properly.
Once you turn the water back on, flush the toilet. As long as nothing unusual happens, you’ll be okay. If you notice that something’s wrong, don’t waste any time calling one of our emergency plumbers. You don’t want to let the problem persist. As soon as you call the plumber, turn the water back off. Don’t use the toilet or place any waste in there. That is one mess you do not want to have to clean up.
If everything is working properly, you can put your tools away. Make sure to keep a few extra nuts, bolts, and washers. You may need them to replace a missing piece down the road.
You Can Always Call One of Our Emergency Plumbers in Miami-Dade, Florida
Now that you’ve seen how easy it is to install a toilet, you have a couple of options. You can give it a try, reviewing the steps here as needed. Or you can call and talk to one of our expert plumbers at Hillman Plumbing. Our emergency plumbers help customers every week who need a little assistance with a toilet installation.
Just give us a call, day or night and we’ll do our best to fit you in as soon as possible. We know what it’s like to have a plumbing emergency. After all – we’re homeowners just like you.
