How To Change a Toilet and Toilet Seal

Easy

Introduction

Installing a new toilet or toilet seal is not a complicated task, if you have a few tools, a little patience and some time we can help you complete the task! Although the it may seem like the last thing you may want to attempt, its really not that bad! Get out the gloves, grab your tools and we'll get through this together! Toilets are sealed to the floor by a wax ring, this stops ( or is supposed to stop) the waste water from running on the floor. If your toilet is leaking, this ring has failed and needs to be replaced. If you are installing a new toilet, you will have to remove the old one and clean the floor in preparation for the new one. Once that is done the rest is quick and simple! We have rounded a few resources that will send you on your way to completing your new project. Please look over the information below carefully, and then use what is most applicable to your specific project. Remember: we have searched everywhere to bring you the very best information available so that your project will be a complete success! Always check with The DIY Home Pro first for all of your projects!

Quick Links

Introduction
What You'll Need

The Technique
Books and DVDs

Hire A Contractor
Ask Our Experts

Tools Needed
Materials Needed

What You'll Need

The Tools You'll Need

Crescent Wrench

A crescent wrench will come in handy to remove the retaining bolts that hold the toilet in place. You will also use this wrench to disconnect and reconnect the water line. Great Deal on a Crescent Wrench at Amazon

Scraper

A scraper will be needed to remove the old wax and sealant on the floor where the toilet was previously installed. The scraper will come in handy for several other household projects.

The Materials You'll Need

Toilet

Here are a couple of options on toilets, we have a sleek one piece unit that comes in several colors to match your decor, and a standard two piece toilet that also comes in colors. Remember when it comes to a toilet you get what you pay for, make sure you get a good brand to avoid having to change it again.

Toilet Seal (Wax Gasket)

The toilet seal/ wax gasket is the device that stops the water from running on the floor when you flush the toilet. Making sure you have a good wax ring and proper instructions for installing it is paramount!

Joint Tape

Joint tape is used to seal the threads of the water line when you reconnect the lines. Failure to seal the threads can cause water leaks. Simply wrap the male side of the threads a couple of times this will save a lot of future problems. Great Deal on Joint Tape at Amazon

The Technique

We have provided information showing you how to remove and reinstall a toilet. If you are working with new construction just start out where they are reinstalling the unit in the video or article you are viewing. A very thorough inspection of the floor beneath the unit is very important, lets fix those problems before you put that toilet back in place!

Installing a Toilet

Here is a video that will walk you through the process of installing the closet flange, the Johnny bolts and the wax ring. You will learn the importance of installing the wax ring the proper way. You will then learn how to tighten he toilet properly to insure no leaks. Once this is done you are walked through installing the water line. When it comes to installing a toilet you cannot get a more complete video. If you have floor problems due to water leaks, check out the next link "Fixing the Floor and All".

Fixing the Floor

This link will guide you step by step through the entire process from start to finish. Many times when replacing a toilet you will find water damage and plumbing damage. This article addresses how to repair the floor underneath the toilet if it is damaged. You will also learn how to repair the flange if it has been damaged over the years. As with everything in life, a good set of instructions and a little will power will get you through the job. We have it all for you right here, lets get started! View the Article >>>

The Entire Process

This article is based on replacing a toilet seal. This encompasses removing the old toilet, cleaning up, inspecting, and installing the new seal. Now don't you wish it were that quick and simple? Chances are if you think the toilet needs replaced, there has been a problem. Usually those problems include water leaks. If this is the case you will probably encounter a water rot problem if it has been leaking for very long. If not, the process will be pretty simple. This article describes many things about how to clean and prep the toilet for the new seal. It also shows how to determine possible problems before you reinstall the toilet. Be sure to carefully read this whole article, you may save yourself some trouble later. View the Article >>>

Books and DVDs

Toilet Repairs and Replacements

This DVD on Toilet repair and replacement will guide you through all of the necessary steps in fixing or replacing your toilet including the toilet seal. If you ever needed a DVD on bathroom plumbing this is the one for you!

Common Home Repairs

This book on common home repairs will take you through the steps of repairing and replacing a toilet. This book will also guide you through many home projects, most of which will be more pleasant than working on a toilet. Good Luck!

Hire A Professional Contractor

Not convinced you want to go it alone? Renovation Experts is a great place to find local professional contractors who specialize in any home improvement and home repair project you may have.