How to Install a Water-Saving Toilet: A Step-by-Step Guide

Installing a new toilet might seem daunting, but with the right tools and a bit of patience, it’s a surprisingly manageable DIY project. Upgrading to a water-saving toilet is not only good for the environment, reducing your water consumption with every flush, but it can also significantly lower your water bill. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step of the installation process, ensuring a successful and leak-free result. Get ready to transform your bathroom into a more eco-friendly and cost-effective space!

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Before you start, gather all the necessary tools and materials. This will save you time and prevent frustrating interruptions during the installation process. Here’s a comprehensive list:

• New water-saving toilet (complete with tank and bowl)
• New wax ring (with or without horn – choose based on your preference and toilet design)
• New toilet bolts and caps (usually included with the toilet)
• Adjustable wrench
• Pliers
• Screwdrivers (Phillips head and flathead)
• Putty knife or scraper
• Small bucket or sponge
• Gloves
• Safety glasses
• Toilet shims (if needed to level the toilet)
• Measuring tape
• Hacksaw (if you need to shorten existing bolts)
• Level
• Old towels or rags
• Optional: Plumber’s putty (for sealing the base of the toilet)
• Optional: New flexible water supply line (if your old one is worn or corroded)

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Step 1: Preparing for the Installation and Removing the Old Toilet

This is arguably the most important step, as a proper preparation ensures a smoother and safer installation. First, put on your gloves and safety glasses. Nobody wants to deal with toilet water without protection!

Shut Off the Water Supply: Locate the water shut-off valve behind the toilet, usually near the floor. Turn it clockwise until it’s completely closed. Flush the toilet to empty the tank as much as possible. Use a sponge or small bucket to remove any remaining water from the tank and bowl.

Disconnect the Water Supply Line: Using an adjustable wrench, carefully disconnect the water supply line from the toilet tank. Have a bucket and some old towels ready to catch any residual water. If the supply line is old or corroded, consider replacing it with a new flexible one. This is a cheap and easy way to prevent future leaks. A new flexible supply line can be found at any home improvement store, such as The Home Depot or Lowe’s.

Remove the Toilet Bolt Caps: Pry off the bolt caps at the base of the toilet using a flathead screwdriver. These caps are usually decorative and cover the bolts that secure the toilet to the floor.

Remove the Toilet Bolts: Using an adjustable wrench or pliers, loosen and remove the bolts that secure the toilet to the floor flange. These bolts may be corroded, so be prepared to use some force. If the bolts are too rusted to loosen, you may need to use a hacksaw to cut them off. Be careful not to damage the flange itself.

Remove the Old Toilet: Carefully rock the toilet back and forth to break the wax seal. Once the seal is broken, lift the toilet straight up and away from the flange. This can be a two-person job, as toilets can be quite heavy. Place the old toilet on some old towels or cardboard to protect your floor. Consider having a disposal plan for the old toilet; many municipalities have specific guidelines for disposing of large plumbing fixtures.

Step 2: Cleaning and Inspecting the Flange

With the old toilet removed, it’s time to clean the area and inspect the flange for any damage.

Scrape Away the Old Wax Ring: Use a putty knife or scraper to remove the old wax ring from the flange and the bottom of the old toilet. This can be a messy job, so wear gloves and have a trash bag handy. Ensure you remove every trace of the old wax, as this can interfere with the seal of the new wax ring.

Clean the Flange Area: Use a damp cloth or sponge to clean the flange and the surrounding floor area. Remove any debris, dirt, or grime. A clean surface will ensure a good seal with the new wax ring.

Inspect the Flange: Carefully inspect the flange for any cracks, breaks, or corrosion. The flange is the metal or plastic ring that is attached to the floor and connects the toilet to the drainpipe. If the flange is damaged, it will need to be repaired or replaced before you can install the new toilet. Minor damage can sometimes be repaired with a flange repair kit, which can be found at most hardware stores. If the damage is significant, you may need to call a plumber to replace the entire flange.

Step 3: Installing the Wax Ring

The wax ring is crucial for creating a watertight seal between the toilet and the drainpipe. A properly installed wax ring will prevent leaks and unpleasant odors.

Choose the Right Wax Ring: Wax rings come in different sizes and styles. Some have a plastic horn that extends into the drainpipe, while others are plain wax rings. The choice depends on your toilet and the depth of the flange. If your flange is flush with the floor or slightly below, a wax ring with a horn may be necessary. If your flange is above the floor, a plain wax ring should suffice. Consult the toilet manufacturer’s instructions for guidance.

Position the Wax Ring: Place the new wax ring on the flange, centering it over the drain opening. Ensure the wax ring is firmly seated on the flange. Alternatively, some people prefer to attach the wax ring to the bottom of the toilet bowl. If you choose this method, carefully invert the toilet bowl and center the wax ring around the outlet opening.

Important Note: Once the wax ring is installed, avoid moving or repositioning the toilet excessively, as this can compromise the seal. If you do need to reposition the toilet, it’s best to replace the wax ring with a new one.

Step 4: Setting the New Toilet

This step requires precision and care to ensure the toilet is properly aligned and seated on the wax ring.

Position the Toilet: Carefully lift the new toilet bowl and position it over the flange, aligning the bolt holes in the base of the toilet with the bolt slots in the flange. This is where having a helper can be extremely useful.

Lower the Toilet: Gently lower the toilet straight down onto the flange, pressing firmly but evenly on the bowl to compress the wax ring and create a seal. Avoid rocking the toilet back and forth, as this can distort the wax ring and create leaks.

Check for Level: Use a level to check if the toilet is level. If it’s not, use toilet shims to level it. Insert the shims between the base of the toilet and the floor until the toilet is perfectly level. Once the toilet is level, you can trim the excess shim material with a utility knife.

Step 5: Securing the Toilet

Once the toilet is properly positioned and leveled, it’s time to secure it to the flange using the new toilet bolts.

Insert the Toilet Bolts: Insert the new toilet bolts through the bolt holes in the base of the toilet and into the bolt slots in the flange. Make sure the washers are in the correct order, usually with a rubber washer against the toilet base and a metal washer on top of the rubber washer.

Tighten the Bolts: Using an adjustable wrench, carefully tighten the bolts, alternating between each bolt to ensure even pressure. Do not overtighten the bolts, as this can crack the porcelain base of the toilet. Tighten them just enough to secure the toilet firmly to the floor. A good rule of thumb is to tighten until you feel resistance and then give each bolt another quarter turn.

Install Bolt Caps: Once the bolts are tightened, snap the bolt caps over the bolts to conceal them. These caps are usually decorative and protect the bolts from corrosion.

Step 6: Connecting the Water Supply

With the toilet secured to the floor, it’s time to connect the water supply line and prepare the tank for filling.

Attach the Water Supply Line: Connect the water supply line to the fill valve located inside the toilet tank. Tighten the connection with an adjustable wrench, but be careful not to overtighten. Ensure the connection is snug and leak-free.

Turn on the Water Supply: Slowly turn the water shut-off valve counterclockwise to turn on the water supply. Watch carefully for any leaks at the connection between the water supply line and the fill valve.

Check for Leaks: Allow the tank to fill completely. As the tank is filling, inspect all connections for leaks, including the base of the toilet, the water supply line connection, and the connection between the tank and the bowl. If you see any leaks, immediately turn off the water supply and tighten the connections. If the leaks persist, you may need to replace the water supply line or the fill valve.

Step 7: Installing the Toilet Seat and Testing

The final step is to install the toilet seat and test the flush to ensure everything is working properly.

Install the Toilet Seat: Most toilet seats come with simple instructions for installation. Typically, you’ll need to insert bolts through the seat hinges and into the corresponding holes in the toilet bowl. Tighten the bolts to secure the seat in place.

Test the Flush: Flush the toilet several times to ensure it’s flushing properly and that there are no leaks. Observe the water level in the bowl and the tank to ensure they are filling correctly. If the toilet is not flushing properly, check the flapper valve inside the tank. The flapper valve is responsible for releasing water from the tank into the bowl. Make sure the flapper valve is sealing properly and that there are no obstructions.

Final Inspection: Give the entire installation a final inspection. Check for any leaks, loose connections, or other issues. Make sure the toilet is stable and level. Clean up any mess and dispose of the old materials properly.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with careful planning and execution, you might encounter some common issues during the toilet installation process. Here are some tips for troubleshooting:

• Leaks at the Base of the Toilet: This usually indicates a problem with the wax ring seal. You may need to remove the toilet and install a new wax ring, ensuring it’s properly seated and compressed.
• Leaks at the Water Supply Line Connection: This is often due to a loose connection. Try tightening the connection with an adjustable wrench. If the leak persists, you may need to replace the water supply line or the fill valve.
• Toilet Not Flushing Properly: This could be due to a clogged toilet or a problem with the flapper valve. Try plunging the toilet to clear any clogs. If the problem persists, check the flapper valve to make sure it’s sealing properly and that there are no obstructions.
• Toilet Rocking or Wobbling: This indicates that the toilet is not level. Use toilet shims to level the toilet and prevent rocking or wobbling.

Choosing the Right Water-Saving Toilet

With so many models available, selecting the best water-saving toilet can be overwhelming. Here are some factors to consider:

• Flush Performance: Look for toilets with high MaP scores (Maximum Performance). This score indicates how well the toilet can remove solid waste in a single flush.
• Water Consumption: Opt for toilets with a WaterSense label. These toilets use 1.28 gallons per flush (GPF) or less, saving you water and money.
• Toilet Height: Consider your personal preferences and any mobility issues. Comfort height toilets are taller than standard toilets and may be more comfortable for some people.
• Toilet Style: Choose a style that complements your bathroom decor. Toilets come in various styles, including two-piece, one-piece, and wall-hung models.
• Budget: Water-saving toilets range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Set a budget and choose a toilet that meets your needs and budget.

Enjoy Your New Water-Saving Toilet

By following these steps, you’ve successfully installed a new water-saving toilet, contributing to water conservation and reducing your utility bills. Enjoy the benefits of a more efficient and eco-friendly bathroom!