If you have some time this weekend, you can save yourself some cash with this toilet replacement project and DIY with a little bit of patience and know how.
If a toilet has become damaged or is overly inefficient, then it is time for a new model that is water responsible. Toilet replacement can be broken down into three main tasks: Removal of the old toilet, the removal and replacement of the wax ring and the installation of the new toilet.
There are several types and models available for your new toilet, so be sure to properly research the best kind for your needs. There are models that are all one piece, but most likely you will need to purchase the base and tank separately. You will also need to buy the wax ring kit to seal the base to the sewer line. This kit should include the mounting bolts and the finishing caps that go over the bolts. You may also want to purchase a cement mixing tub to aide in the removal of the old toilet. If the water supply valve on the old toilet is damaged or has rust, you should consider replacing it along with the toilet tank hose.
Toilet replacement tools needed are: an adjustable open end wrench or socket wrench, large flat head screwdriver, mini hack saw, disposable plastic scraper, plastic trash bags, paper towels, latex gloves and a utility knife or box cutter. It is also helpful if you have a large sponge to aid in removing water from the toilet tank and bowl.
Remove toilet by turning off the water supply valve and remove lid to the toilet tank. Flush the toilet to alleviate any water pressure and disconnect the water supply valve hose from the fill valve shank.
Remove the plastic mounting bolt caps from the base and unscrew the lock nuts holding it to the floor. You may need to use the mini hack saw to remove the bolt if the threads are stripped or if the bolt is corroded. Score any caulking around the base of the unit with the utility knife, then position the cement mixing tub close to the base of the toilet and once the bolts are removed, lift with your legs to remove the toilet unit from the floor and place in the plastic tub.
To remove the wax ring, put on latex gloves and have trash bags and paper towels at the ready. Use the plastic scraper to remove the wax from around the ring, wiping it onto the paper towels and throw the wax away. Next, use the scraper to pry up the rubber lip of the wax ring and throw it away. Remove the bolts from the sewer flange and throw those away as well. Clean up any remaining wax with the scraper and paper towels. This should render the opening free from just about all wax and any debris.
If there is going to be a delay in toilet replacement from old to new – you can create a plug for the sewer line hole by partly filling a plastic trash bag with some paper towels, wadding it up into a kind of stopper and then plugging the hole. This will keep most of the gases from the sewer line from entering the house. Remove the plastic bag stopper before installing the new toilet.
Be sure to inspect the sewer flange for any damage before toilet replacement continues. If there is any damage, it will need to be repaired first. The #1 cause of bathroom floor damage is improper installation of toilet flanges and/or defective flanges. If replacing the flange, make sure that it is installed so that it rests on top of the finished floor.
Follow the directions on how to install the wax ring. Center and adjust the ring as needed into the sewer flange. Now install the mounting bolts into the guides along the edge of the flange and make sure they are perpendicular. Place the unit over the wax ring and pass the bolts through the mounting holes on each side of the base. You should feel the wax ring compress around the toilets drain pipe as you push down to seal it.
Take the plastic finishing washers and install them as directed onto the anchor bolts, properly tightening the bolt to secure the base to the floor, making sure the toilet does not move at all. You can then trim the bolt to a ¼ inch above the nut with the mini hack saw, covering them with the finishing caps.
Now you can install the tank according to the directions and hook up the water tank hose and water supply valve again. When this is done, you can turn on the water supply valve and allow the tank to fill with water. Watch for leaks and adjust the water level. Install the seat and your toilet replacement is complete!
This post is specifically for those in the South Metro Atlanta area. We are currently experiencing temperatures in the low 20’s at night, with highs only in the 30’s. The most common frozen pipe calls are coming from those who have above ground well pumps. Many are calling us because they have no water. This is because their pipes have frozen outside at the well pump. This is where they are most vulnerable to freezing.
Heat pumps do ice up in winter. It is normal for the entire coil to be covered in a white frost or even light ice during certain weather conditions. Heat pumps will naturally ice up in winter but will periodically go into a defrost cycle to defrost the coils. This keeps the unit running efficiently.
