Learning how to install a toilet is easier than you might think. With the right tools and clear instructions, you can replace an old toilet or set up a new one without calling a professional. This step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know from shutting off the water supply to securing the toilet in place. By following each step carefully, you can make sure the installation goes smoothly and your toilet works properly for years to come.
Tools and Materials Needed to Install a Toilet Seat
Make sure you have all you need before beginning your commode installation. Good preparation saves time and keeps disruptions during the procedure to a minimum.
Essential Tools
Adjustable wrench:
Tightening nuts and fastening components would be best with an adjustable wrench.
Putty knife:
Perfect for flange cleaning and old wax ring removal is a putty knife.
Utility knife:
Utility knives provide exact cutting on gaskets and seals.
Sponge or bucket:
Removing any last water from the old toilet is crucial, using a sponge or bucket.
Required Materials
New toilet:
Choose the correct kind for the plumbing and décor of your bathroom.
Wax ring or wax-free seal:
Ensures a watertight closure with the flange by wax ring or wax-free seal.
Washers and nuts:
Secure the toilet’s base.
Toilet flange:
Connecting the toilet to the drain pipe depends mostly on the toilet flange.
Water supply line:
Replace worn-out or damaged water supply lines for dependable operation.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Install a Toilet
Installing a toilet correctly needs both attention to detail and cautious preparation. This detailed manual will help you guarantee a leak-free and successful installation.
1. Turn Off the Water and Prepare the Area
- To stop the water supply pipe, find the shut-off valve close to the base of the wall and turn it off.
- Several times flushing the toilet helps clear the bowl and tank.
- Use a sponge or bucket to clear any last water from the toilet tank and bowl to prevent spills.
2. Remove the Old Toilet
- Use an adjustable wrench to disconnect the toilet tank’s water supply line.
- Unscrew the bolts fastening the toilet to the floor. Should the bolts be corroded, you might be able to hack them off using a utility knife or saw.
- To break the wax ring’s seal, gently jiggle the old toilet; then, raise it carefully to prevent injuring the toilet flange. To catch remaining water, set the old toilet on a sheet or towel.
3. Inspect and Clean the Flange
- Scrape completely away the old wax ring with a putty knife. This is a vital stage to guarantee the new seal fits correctly.
- Look for flaws or damage in the toilet flange. Replace a worn-out or broken flange with a new one to stop instability or leaks.
4. Install the Wax Ring or Seal
- Choose depending on your taste a wax ring or wax-free seal. Place it firmly on the toilet flange such that it is evenly aligned to stop leaks. Instead some wax-free seals could fasten straight to the toilet’s bottom.
5. Place the Toilet on the Flange
- Lower the new toilet gently onto the flange such that the bolts line the bolt holes on the toilet base.
- Press down firmly and evenly once aligned to produce a watertight barrier between the wax ring or seal and the toilet.
If you’re having trouble installing a wax ring or toilet flange, be sure to read our detailed guide on How to Replace a Toilet Flange and Wax Ring.
6. Tighten the Bolts
- After loading place washers and nuts onto the bolts, tighten them with an adjustable wrench. To keep the toilet level, be sure you alternate tightening bolts.
- Steer clear of overly tightening since this can break the porcelain base.
7. Connect the Water Supply
- Attach the wall’s shut-off valve and the water supply line to the inlet valve of the tank. First hand-tighten the connection, then for a secure fit, use an adjustable wrench.
- Make sure the connection is just right, not too tight to avoid fitting damage.
8. Test for Leaks
- Opening the off valve turns the water supply back on. Let the tank to swell.
- Empty the toilet, then look for leaks around the base, the water supply line, and the bolts.
- Should you detect leakage, change the bolts or connections as necessary.
Following these guidelines will help you to install a toilet safely and guarantee flawless operation. See a skilled plumber right away if problems develop to guarantee everything is set up correctly. Additionally, if you are planning to upgrade your bathroom, check out our step by step guide on how to replace the old toilet.
How Long Does It Take to Install a Toilet?
For an experienced installer, installing a toilet stool usually takes one to two hours. If you’re new to the operation, though, you should schedule extra time to guarantee correct toilet alignment, sealing, and securing. There are several elements influencing the chronology:
Condition of the old toilet:
Eliminating a toilet with rusted or corroded bolts could call for extra time and work.
Bathroom layout:
Tight or inconvenient areas might complicate the operation, therefore increasing the time required to move tools and correctly position the new toilet.
A seamless installation depends critically on patience and preparation.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a New Toilet?
Installing a toilet can vary in cost depending on whether you choose to do it yourself or hire a professional plumber. Here’s a breakdown of the potential expenses involved in both scenarios.
DIY Toilet Installation Costs
If you’re considering installing a toilet yourself, you’ll need to account for the cost of the toilet, necessary parts, and tools.
1. Toilet Unit
Standard Two-Piece Toilet: $100 – $500
One-Piece Toilet: $250 – $900
Dual-Flush Toilet: $100 – $1,500
Smart Toilet: $600 – $2,000
2. Essential Parts
Wax Ring: $4 – $12
Toilet Flange: $5 – $25
Water Supply Line: $7 – $20
Closet Bolts and Caps: $5 – $10
3. Tools (if not already owned)
Adjustable Wrench: $10 – $30
Screwdriver Set: $10 – $20
Hacksaw: $15 – $25
Caulking Gun and Caulk: $10 – $20
Estimated Total DIY Cost: $150 – $600+
Note: Costs can vary based on the quality of materials chosen and regional price differences.
Professional Toilet Installation Costs
Hiring a professional plumber can ensure the job is done correctly, especially if complications arise.
1. Labor Costs
Standard Installation: $150 – $300
Complex Installation (e.g., moving plumbing lines): $300 – $1,000+
Hourly Rates: $50 – $150 per hour.
2. Additional Costs
Removal and Disposal of Old Toilet: $50 – $200
Permit Fees (if required): $50 – $200
Additional Plumbing Work: $150 – $500+
Estimated Total Professional Installation Cost: $300 – $1,500+
Note: Prices can vary based on location, plumber’s experience, and the complexity of the installation. For a detailed pricing guide, read our article on “How much does it cost to install a toilet?”
Summary Table
| Item | DIY Cost Range | Professional Installation Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Toilet Unit | $100 – $2,000 | Included in total cost |
| Essential Parts | $20 – $60 | Included in total cost |
| Tools (if not owned) | $45 – $95 | N/A |
| Labor | N/A | $150 – $1,000+ |
| Removal and Disposal (if applicable) | N/A | $50 – $200 |
| Permit Fees (if applicable) | N/A | $50 – $200 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $150 – $600+ | $300 – $1,500+ |
Our reasonably priced expert toilet installation services fit your budget. Our qualified staff guarantees accuracy and efficiency, so saving time and avoiding expensive mistakes. Whether you’re replacing or updating, our professionals meticulously address every element. Selecting us will let you enjoy excellent service at reasonable rates, thereby enabling everyone to afford professional plumbing. Please do not hesitate to contact Derks Plumbing, our Eagle Rock plumber, to seize this chance since they provide dependable plumbing services at reasonable rates.
Seven Signs That It’s Time to Get a New Toilet
One of the most important things in your home is your toilet. It can be very bad if it stops working right, especially if you have a big family. Luckily, you don’t have to know a lot about plumbing to know when your toilet needs to be changed. Before things get worse, keep an eye out for these signs.
1. It leaks all the time
It’s not always a big deal when a toilet leaks a little, but if it happens a lot and fixes don’t work, it might be time for a new one. First, find out where the leak is coming from. Fix a Leaky Toilet by replacing the wax ring under the toilet could be all it takes to fix the problem. Should it happen again and again, though, replacing is the better choice.
2. It vibrates or rocks
Something is wrong if you sit on your toilet and feel like it’s not stable. A weak bolt or a wax seal that is worn out could be to blame. But if the shaking doesn’t stop even after you fix everything, water leaks could damage the floor below. The best thing to do at that point is to get a new toilet and fix the floor.
3. It’s broken
Leaks can happen even if the tank or bowl only has small cracks. Put food colouring in the tank if you don’t know where the water is coming from. After some time, coloured water on the floor will let you know there is a crack. If you see cracks in your toilet, it’s probably time for a new one.
4. It Keeps Running
Something might be wrong with the tank if your toilet keeps running even when no one is using it. A toilet that keeps running loses water and could be a sign of a bigger problem. Sometimes it’s easier to just get a new toilet than to try to fix the parts inside the tank.
5. It gets clogged all the time
A clog every once in a while is normal. If, on the other hand, your toilet gets clogged often, something is wrong. It’s possible that your toilet isn’t running right anymore. If fixing it or cleaning it doesn’t work, you may need to get a newer type that flushes better.
If your toilet is clogged, check out our informational article on the topic: How to unclog a toilet
6. Old Toilet
The toilet can last for a long time, up to fifty years. But toilets that are older don’t always work as well, even if they look fine. If your toilet is old and starts to give you trouble, it might be best to get a new one before you have bigger water issues.
7. It makes too much water use
Sometimes a toilet that works fine will still waste water. When you flush an older toilet, it takes more water. You can save money on your water bill with newer types that use less water. A modern toilet is a great way to improve your house and save money on your bills.
Call Us to Install a Toilet Professionally
At Derks Plumbing, we know toilet installation can be tricky. With 20+ years of expertise, our team ensures a smooth, hassle-free process.
Why Choose Us?
Experienced plumbers: We handle everything from shutting off the water to securely fitting the toilet base.
Complete services:
From replacing toilets to resolving water damage, we’ve got you covered.
Customer satisfaction:
Your comfort is our priority, and we guarantee the best results.
Contact us today for professional toilet installation and enjoy peace of mind knowing the job is done quickly, efficiently, and affordably!
FAQ's
Can I install a toilet myself, or should I hire a professional?
While DIY installation is possible with proper tools and guidance, hiring a professional ensures precision, avoids leaks, and saves time. Complex issues like flange damage or water leaks may require expert help.
How do I know if my toilet flange needs replacement?
Inspect the flange for cracks, rust, or warping after removing the old toilet. A damaged flange can cause leaks or instability, requiring replacement before installing the new toilet.
Why is my toilet wobbling after installation?
This usually indicates an uneven floor or improper sealing. Ensure the toilet is level and the bolts are tightened alternately. If the flange is damaged, it may need adjustment or replacement.
How long does toilet installation take?
DIY installation typically takes 1–2 hours. Professionals may complete it faster, but factors like corroded bolts or tight spaces can extend the time.
What’s the average cost to install a toilet professionally?
Professional installation costs 150400 for labor, plus the toilet price (100–500). DIY costs 30100 for tools/materials (For more info visit our toilet installation & repair services).
