How to Install A Toilet (It's easier than you think!)

Some home fixes feel “pro-only,” but swapping a toilet doesn’t have to be one of them. With a shutoff valve that works, a new wax (or waxless) ring, and a few standard tools, most DIYers can handle a replacement in an afternoon. Take it step by step, and you’ll save the service call while learning a skill you’ll use again.

We’ve put together this guide to help you confidently tackle the project. We hope you find it informative and helpful. If you need any assistance selecting the proper tools and supplies for your next toilet install, stop by Wood Country Building Services. We are happy to help! Before we get started, here is a list of what you’ll need:

6 Steps to an Easy Toilet Installation

Materials:

• Cleaning products
• Gloves
• Putty knife
• Adjustable wrench
• A plastic bottle with the top cut off
• Plastic grocery or garbage bag
• Paper towel or old rag
• Toilet
• Installation parts: flange bolts, nuts and washer, wax seal, braided toilet water line, and Teflon tape

Step 1: Unbox the New Loo

Unpack your new toilet and make sure you have all the parts listed on the box. Most toilets come with everything you need, but sometimes items are missing or not included. Ensure you have what you need before you get started.

Step 2: Dethrone

Installing a toilet often involves removing an old one. If your project is a brand-new bathroom, then jump to Step 3. Give the toilet a good cleaning before starting the removal. You will need to get up close and personal with the bowl, so it's best to have it as clean as possible before starting.

Turn the water off, disconnect the water line from the toilet, and flush the toilet to drain the water from the tank. Using the cutoff plastic bottle, bail out the remaining water from the tank and bowl.

If you are concerned about the weight and your existing toilet has two parts (tank and bowl), you can remove the tank by unscrewing its bolts from the bowl. Look for two small caps on either side, at the toilet's base. Pull them off with your hands, or pop them up with a putty knife. With an adjustable wrench, unscrew the nut and remove the washers. Lift the bowl straight up from the floor.

Before the next step, temporarily plug the drain hole with an old rag to prevent sewer gases from escaping into your home. Just remember to remove the plug before installing the new toilet!

Using the putty knife, scrape up any old wax seal on the toilet flange (also known as the closet flange). This step can be messy, so clean your putty knife with a paper towel or an old rag afterward. Place soiled items into the garbage.

Step 3: Install the Flange Bolts and Wax Seal

Place the flange bolts into the associated slots on the toilet flange and remove the temporary plug. If the bolts come with a spoke washer, use them; they will help a lot with the next step. Turn the toilet bowl on its side and place the wax seal around the hole on the bottom.

Step 4: Set the Toilet

Pick up the new toilet and align the bolt holes in the toilet's base with the flange bolts sticking up from the floor. Gently place the toilet on top of the flange so the bolts protrude through the holes, and press down firmly to set the seal (don’t rock it). Put the washers over the bolts so they rest on the toilet base, and secure them with the nuts, slightly snugging the nuts with a wrench. Do not overtighten, as this can crack the porcelain base! Place the caps over the exposed bolts for a finished look.

If your toilet has two parts, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for attaching the tank to the base. The same goes for the toilet seat.

Step 5: Hook Up and Test the Water

Water lines aren’t often included with a toilet, so you can reuse the original (provided it's in good condition) or install a new one. It's advisable to use Teflon tape around the threaded ends of any water connection to ensure the best seal. Then attach the female end of the waterline to the male end of the toilet water connection. Turn on the water and let the tank fill up. Look for any leaks at the water connection points, where the tank connects to the base, and around the toilet's base on the floor.

Step 6: Seal the Toilet Base (Optional)

Depending on where the bathroom is located in the house – if there is a finished space below – you may want to seal around the base of the toilet with a bead of silicone to ensure that any spills, splashes, or liquids don’t reach the floor below in the event of a water leak or other accident. This step will also make cleaning around the base of the toilet more effortless, as no dirt or bathroom debris will get caught under the base over time.

Dunny Done Right

Installing a toilet may seem daunting, but with the right tools and guidance, it’s a manageable DIY project that can save you time and money. From unboxing your new john to sealing the base, each step is straightforward and ensures a functional and professional result. If you need assistance choosing the right tools, supplies, or even the perfect toilet for your space, stop by Wood Country Building Services. Our knowledgeable team is always ready to help you confidently tackle your next project.