Is your old toilet showing signs of wear and tear? Or perhaps you’re renovating your bathroom and want to upgrade to a more efficient and stylish model. Whatever the reason, replacing a toilet may seem like a daunting task, but fear not! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of replacing a toilet, including the essential step of replacing the wax seal. With a little know-how and some basic tools, you’ll be able to complete this DIY project with confidence and enjoy a fresh, leak-free bathroom in no time.
Step 1: Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials Before you begin, make sure you have the following items on hand:
- New toilet (with tank, bowl, seat, and necessary hardware)
- Wax seal (with or without flange)
- Adjustable wrench or pliers
- Screwdriver
- Putty knife
- Bucket
- Towels or rags
- Silicone caulk (optional)
Step 2: Turn Off the Water Supply and Remove the Old Toilet Start by shutting off the water supply valve located near the base of the toilet. Flush the toilet to drain any remaining water from the tank and bowl. Next, disconnect the water supply line from the bottom of the tank using an adjustable wrench or pliers. Loosen and remove the nuts or bolts securing the toilet to the floor. Gently rock the toilet back and forth to break the seal, and carefully lift it off the flange. Place old towels or rags on the floor to catch any residual water.
Step 3: Remove the Old Wax Seal With the toilet removed, you’ll see the wax seal or ring on the flange—the opening in the floor where the toilet sits. Use a putty knife to scrape off any remaining wax residue from the flange and the bottom of the toilet. Wipe the area clean with a damp cloth.
Step 4: Install the New Wax Seal Place the new wax seal on the flange, ensuring it is centered properly. Some wax seals come with a plastic flange, while others are simply a wax ring. If using a wax ring without a flange, make sure it is aligned correctly. Gently press down on the wax seal to create a tight seal between the toilet flange and the toilet drain.
Step 5: Install the New Toilet Carefully lower the new toilet bowl onto the wax seal, aligning the mounting bolts with the holes on the toilet base. Apply even pressure, pressing down firmly to compress the wax seal and create a secure connection. Once the toilet is in place, place washers and nuts over the mounting bolts, tightening them evenly to secure the toilet to the floor. Be cautious not to overtighten, as it may crack the toilet.
Step 6: Reconnect and Test Reattach the water supply line to the bottom of the toilet tank and tighten it with an adjustable wrench or pliers. Slowly turn on the water supply valve, allowing the tank to refill. Check for any leaks around the water connections and the base of the toilet. If necessary, make adjustments to ensure a tight seal.
Step 7: Finishing Touches Once you’ve confirmed there are no leaks, it’s time to complete the project. Trim the excess mounting bolt length using a hacksaw or bolt cutters. Apply a bead of silicone caulk around the base of the toilet to provide a finished appearance and prevent water from seeping underneath.
Conclusion: By following this step-by-step guide, you can confidently replace a toilet and replace the wax seal, transforming your bathroom with ease.
