A Quick Guide to Toilet Plumbing Installation
There are going to be times when you will need to replace your toilet. Sometimes you will simply want to replace a toilet due to your current model being old and less efficient than you would like it to be. Other times, people will be forced to replace a toilet due to having their old toilets break. Either way, toilet plumbing installation is something that you are going to want to know about.
If you have never attempted to install a toilet before, then it is a good idea to look up some important information ahead of time. You want to know what you are getting yourself into. It is going to be crucial to have access to the necessary tools and you want to make sure that you follow all of the proper steps to complete the job satisfactorily. Take a look at this quick guide to toilet plumbing installation to get a good idea of what you are going to need to expect.
Gather the Necessary Tools
Before proceeding, you will need to gather all of the necessary tools. Make sure that you have a hammer, a hacksaw, a drill, a box spanner, a spirit level, a tape measure, and a bucket that you can use. You will also want to grab a pencil to use for marking and some towels in case you need to clean up a mess. Once you have the right tools gathered, you can proceed.
Remove the Old Toilet
It is going to be necessary to remove the old toilet before moving on. Turn off the water before you do anything else. Then you will need to remove the bolts that are connecting the toilet to the floor. You should then be able to carefully disconnect the toilet and the cistern from the piping and water structure of your home. Removing an old toilet should not be difficult but you should be careful not to accidentally damage any piping or cause yourself other problems. Taking up the old wax ring may take some time but you can use an old scraper tool to get the job done.
Take the Time to Measure and Then Add the Wax Ring to the Floor
Measure the floor and the space where you are placing your new toilet. Ensure that everything is going to fit and then make marking where it is necessary. You need to add the wax ring to the floor before you can connect the toilet and start to secure it. This should not take too much time but do your best to install the wax ring right to prevent any future problems.
Connect the Toilet and Secure it to the Floor
The next step in your toilet plumbing installation is to connect the toilet and secure it to the floor. You will need to remove the soil pipe cover in order to install the toilet. Once this is set, you will be drill holes and screwing bolts into the floor. As long as you have the right tools, this part of the job is going to be simple. It just involves getting the bolts in place and screwing the toilet base on correctly.
Most toilets are going to come with instructions as well. Different toilet designs will have different requirements and different ways that things fit together. Take the time to read the instructions carefully so that you don’t make any small errors. It should not be too tough but it is worth double-checking your work just to be on the safe side.
Install the Cistern Tank and Connect the Water
One of the final steps is going to involve installing the cistern tank. Keep in mind that there are several different types of cistern tanks that you can make use of. All of them are going to have their differences so you should research specifics about your type of cistern tank if you need further assistance. Your cistern should come with all of the necessary connections, a seal, and any screws or bolts that you need.
The coupled cistern is one of the most common types and this involves the cistern sitting on top of your toilet pan. It is secured with two bolts that have squared ends in most cases. You need to follow any instructions that you have been given with the cistern in order to install the cistern properly. Ensure that it is connected right and then you can connect the water.
With the water connected, you will be able to check to see if everything is working properly. So long as you installed the seal right, you should not see any leaks in your toilet. Check for leaks as diligently as you can in order to avoid any problems. This will make it easier for you to see if there are any issues now as you can go back and fix things while you still have the right tools out.
Consider Hiring a Plumber
You could consider hiring a plumber if all of this sounds too complex or time-consuming to you. Installing a toilet is something that takes a lot of work so it might be better for some people to simply call the local plumbers. They can handle your toilet plumbing installation for you swiftly so that you do not have to worry. Either way, you should be able to get your new toilet and everything will work out fine.
