How to install a toilet by myself
by
Sandra
+14
I (female) have a new one piece toilet and want to install. I have heard I can do it versus a plumber. A matter of ensuring the seal (wax ring I understand) is that correct?
14 answers
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Y I installed my own 2 piece toilet .I suggest you check YouTube and follow the instructions very well before you start.I think that the wax ring is very important. I'm a senior female and if I can do it so can you.
Jean Myles
on Apr 20, 2016
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if your house is very old... you may want to try one of the new type of rings, They mold to your settled floors. We had to change ours and used the wax type. The water started seeping after a few months,,, so we had to install a new type as our floors had settled somewhat....
Pat Miller
on Apr 21, 2016
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Consider the cost of repairs if it goes wrong against the cost of having it done right the first time.
Johnchip
on Apr 21, 2016
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I say yes. Plan for a couple hours to complete the project. Hardest parts are picking up the toilet and aligning it with the bolts.
Lisa Vito
on Apr 21, 2016
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All of the above. Don't forget the rubber gloves, and a rag to stuff in the drain line while you are cleaning and prepping the spot for the new stool. And warm up beforehand; installing a new toilet requires a bit of pretzeling to get at all the connections.
Catherine R
on Apr 21, 2016
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I agree with everyone. You can do it. If there is room you might want someone to help you lift. It is not like you have to lift something huge just awkward shape.
Sue Kiene
on Apr 21, 2016
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Toilets can be heavy so be careful lifting it or maybe get someone to help. Also have a few rags handy for the dripping water. Catherine is right, when you turn off the water, empty the current toilet and unbolt it to pull it out be sure to stuff a rag in the pipe coming out of the floor while you are doing other things.
Jennifer
on Apr 21, 2016
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Thank you!
Sandra
on Apr 21, 2016
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The only problem you might face is the weight of the toilet and the fact you need to place it on the wax seal just so...so it doesn't scooch around on the wax seal. Oh, the old toilet will drip water even when it seems dry and our installer uses a plastic bag to encase the base of the toilet. Also, after research online, put a piece of cardboard down wherever you'll be placing the old toilet.
Suellen Hintz
on Apr 21, 2016
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I have installed 2 in my home and I haven't had any issues with them. So long as you make sure the wax ring seals properly, you shouldn't have any problems. Oh, and I YouTube all of my DIY projects before starting them so that's a very good idea.
Donna
on Apr 21, 2016
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YES YOU CAN!! I had to pull and test the toilet in our master bathroom three times myself, so I know the process well. I suggest when you get the seal (wax ring) get two--one with the flange (like a funnel to make sure waste goes where it's supposed to go) and one without. That way if there's a gap, you can add the plain seal to make sure there aren't any leaks. You might also get a few shims (thin wedge shaped pieces of wood) to help level the toilet. User a level to make sure the toilet isn't leaning and use the shims to keep it where you need it to be. I just broke them off once I got the toilet level. Just be careful lifting the toilet. They're heavy and they CAN break! Good luck!!
Dawn Renee' Lemons Freeman
on Apr 21, 2016
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Use a new wax seal, if you have a tile floor installed you may need a big seal or use 2 but remove the plastic ring from the top seal. Clean off the old seal and place new on the drain. Seat toilet straight down on seal and tighten the nuts. Sit on toilet and wiggle a bit to seat it and re-tighten nuts. DON'T over tighten or you can crack the porcelain. Hook up water and test
Kev5130725
on Apr 21, 2016
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I've personally never done this but go to the blog: The Art of Doing Stuff. She is an amazing, young woman who does virtually everything herself! She recently installed a new toilet - her instructions and photographs are all there to guide you.
Elaine
on Apr 21, 2016
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Thank you! I have completed. Yay!
Sandra
on Apr 21, 2016
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