Can You Change a Toilet Without a Plumber?
Is your toilet broken or old-fashioned and in dire need of an upgrade? Before you pick up the phone to call a plumber, consider if you could perform this task solo. The question is: Can you change a toilet without employing professional help?
The thought of DIY plumbing may sound daunting at first but it’s not impossible. With basic tools and a step-by-step guide, replacing a toilet might just be within your skill set. In fact, many homeowners have successfully managed this task.
For those who’d like to give it a try, Ryan Osburn Plumbing provides helpful advice and product recommendations to make the process manageable. Should you decide halfway that professional intervention is necessary, their experienced plumbers are just a call away.
Materials and Tools Required
Embarking on a DIY toilet replacement? Arm yourself with essential tools to make the project easier. Let’s dive into what your toolbox should include.
What are the primary tools needed?
A hammer, tape measure, level, pliers, screwdrivers, and a wrench set should form the core of your toolbox for this job.
Do I need any cutting tools?
Yes, a utility knife could be helpful for areas that require precision cuts. Having a handsaw could prove beneficial as well.
What about drilling equipment?
A cordless drill can ease the process of making necessary holes or driving screws. A power screwdriver provides added speed and torque.
Are any specialty tools required?
Certain unique tasks may require specialized tools like a stud finder for locating wall studs or wire snips for handling electrical wires.
What should I use for holding materials in place?
Clamps can be pivotal to secure materials while performing activities such as assembly, drilling, or gluing.
Disconnecting and Removing the Old Toilet
Your first task will be to cut off the water supply. Locate the shutoff valve and make a point of turning it off.
Draining the Toilet
Once shut off, ensure you flush your toilet multiple times. This process facilitates the removal of water from both tank and bowl.
Dismantling the Old Toilet
After completely draining your toilet, proceed to unscrew it carefully. Remove all bolts connecting it to the floor gracefully.
Safely Discarding Old Parts
Remember to dispose of old parts appropriately. Avoid mishandling them as they tend to be sharp and can easily cause injuries.
Preparing the Area for Installation
Replacing a toilet without a plumber starts with getting the area ready. To begin with, clean your workspace to create an unobstructed and level platform.
Next, mark out your working perimeter using stakes and stringline. This avoids interference with utilities like water and electricity lines hidden underneath the floor.
It’s also essential to validate the level of the floor with a spirit level. Don’t rush this part as you might need to adjust any uneven flooring.
If you face any inconsistencies, use a spade or turf cutter to remove the topsoil until about 150mm (6 inches). Moreover, don’t throw away this topsoil just yet.
- Laying down sand base: Pour out a layer of sand over the area that you compacted. Make sure it lays flat and even for proper installation.
- Compacting the ground: Guarantee stability by using a plate compactor or hand tamper. This process helps to keep your new toilet firmly in place.
- Geotextile fabric placement (optional): If your zone encounters heavy rainfalls or soil movement, consider adopting a geotextile cloth. It assists in preventing shiftiness over time.
- Double-checking everything: Once again, review everything before proceeding. Ensure that your sand base remains level and ready for the impending installation steps.
These steps may seem overwhelming, but following them diligently increases your chances of successfully replacing your toilet without needing to hire a plumber.
Installing the New Toilet Bowl
Installing a new toilet can lead to saving on your water bills. It’s not as complicated as you might initially think.
You start by measuring for the right toilet size, factoring in your bathroom space and floor drain location. Toilet dimensions are generally identified by their ‘rough-in’ sizes.
The rough-in measurement is identified by measuring from the back wall to the center of one of the bolts that secure your current toilet to the floor.
A common rough-in size is 12 inches. However, measurements can also range from 8 inches to 14 inches depending on the specifics of your bathroom design.
If you have shelves or cabinets above your toilet, take into account the tank’s height. Measure from the ground to the topmost part of your tank lid.
Now, focus on the shape of your toilet bowl. Elongated bowls are generally comfortable but round ones are more suitable for tighter spaces.
The size and shape of the bowl will determine the toilet seat size. While seats are standard in size, some variations exist among different brands.
To measure perfect fitting for the toilet seat, remove the seat and measure from the center space between the seat bolt holes to the front edge of the bowl.
Attaching the Toilet Tank
You need to first ensure that the water supply to your toilet is shut off. Find the valve and turn it clockwise to cut off the supply.
The next step is disconnecting the current setup. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the bolts attaching the tank to the bowl.
After removing any debris found on both ends, you’re ready to attach the new tank. Remember, cleanliness ensures a smoother installation process.
- Carefully align the new tank with the bowl. Make sure it fits properly before proceeding.
- Tighten all bolts using your hand initially, then gently apply an adjustable wrench. Avoid over tightening as it might cause damage.
- Reattach your water supply line to your new tank. A good connection ensures no leaks will occur throughout use.
Rewire the line to connect with the shut-off valves, and you’re done with replacing your own toilet! It’s a simple action that can save you money.
If you need more details on how to best carry out this process, feel free to read this guide from dummies.com. Good luck with your DIY project!
Connecting Water Supply
The first step in toilet replacement is handling the water supply. Any successful DIY plumbing project starts with proper precautions.
Prevention of flooding or damage by twisting the shut-off valve to cut the water source is crucial. This small move can save you a significant headache.
- Reinvigorate Dry Putty: With a screwdriver, remove any old, dry putty and knead it using canola oil until reaching a usable consistency.
- Ad-Hoc Micrometer: Accurately measure diameters by joining two combination squares head-on for precise readings.
- Instant Hardware Patina: To give metal hardware a patina effect, use gun bluing.
- Kitty Litter Pouch for Tool Protection: Create an anti-rust pouch with silica crystal kitty litter and breathable fabric ideal for toolboxes.
Moving onto the next step, unscrew the water supply line’s nut. Once it’s loose enough, you can remove it by hand.
If your toilet is caulked to the floor, utilize a utility knife to slice through the caulk. Removing this seal will help disassemble the old unit.
A helpful tip from Family Handyman for an additional tool safeguard includes attaching a flashlight to pliers using a rubber band for hands-free light during your DIY toilet installation process.
Once your old toilet has been safely removed, clean the flange area where it once stood. Inspect it closely for any signs of wear or damage.
Final Touches and Checks
Once your new toilet installation is complete, you’ll want to perform a few additional checks. This ensures everything is functioning properly.
Begin by examining the base of the toilet. Make sure it’s level. If there’s any unevenness, adjust the toilet until it sits perfectly flat.
Double-check that the supply line connects the tank to your home’s water system correctly. There shouldn’t be any leaks or seepage from these connections.
“Your utmost satisfaction relies on proper execution”
You should also examine the flushing mechanism of your new fixture. The fill valve should stop running once the tank is filled.
If there is a persistent hissing sound after flushing, this could indicate a leak. In such cases, you may need to adjust or replace internal components.
Intricate checks need time. Don’t rush the process. Missing tiny details might cost your money and efforts you’ve put into changing the toilet yourself.
Your New Throne
You’ve successfully accomplished a taxing job without hiring a professional. You disassembled, prepared the area, installed, and reconnected your toilet all by yourself. It’s time to appreciate your work and enjoy your new throne. Remember to always double-check for leaks to avoid any issues.
