Summary: This section presents a series of steps involved in the installation of the toilet that shows a leak free performance. These steps are very handy and actually require very little effort.

A Creampuff

The process of toilet installation instruction seems to be frightening. It is indeed a long process and looks confusing with the bends and twists, the bolts and fixtures underneath the floor etc. But it is not as intimidating as it actually looks. Frankly speaking you have the basic tools to install a toilet and you are almost done with it, only a little amount of effort it takes.

Connection Components

The drain line of residential drains measure up to three inches and the approximate size of the toilet are about 12 inches. The basic part that supports the toilet to the floor and covers the drains to be free from foul smell is the toilet flange. The flair fitting holds the toilet to the floor. The holes provided for the nuts and bolts help in exactly fixing the toilet so there is no leakage of drains. Some amount of space is left between the wall and the flange, so the toilet is fixed exactly. In case you are using a floor joist then the toilet size needs to be either 10 inches or 14 inches. If you are highly economic, you must prefer what is called a 12 inches offset flange.

A Dry Run

Toilet bowls should be installed so that they are level side to side and front to back. The trouble is most bathroom floors are not level. Once your flange extender is in place I want you to set the toilet on top of the flange without the wax ring in place. Use wood shims and a two foot long level to get the toilet so that it is indeed level. Gently lift the toilet off the flange without disturbing the wood shims. Place the wax ring onto the flange with the horn pointing down into the drain pipe. Be sure the toilet bolts are sticking up through the special slots in the flange.

The Wax Gasket and Bolts

Once your new flange is in place, you must make the connection between the toilet and the flange water and gas proof. This is accomplished by installing a wax ring on top of the flange. Wax rings come with or without a horn. A horn is a plastic diverter that directs water into the drain pipe. I prefer wax rings that have this horn. The wax is very sticky and works very well as long as the toilet does not move once the bowl is in place. This is where many rookie plumbers and homeowners make a critical mistake. They move the toilet to some degree after it is in position.

Place the wax ring onto the flange with the horn pointing down into the drain pipe. Be sure the toilet bolts are sticking up through the special slots in the flange. The wax ring often will hold these bolts in place. Slowly and carefully position the toilet onto the wax ring. A helper is handy at this stage and will make sure the bolts make it through the holes in the base of the bowl. Lower the toilet slowly until it contacts the wood shims. Tighten the toilet bolts and grout the space between the floor and the base of the toilet. When the grout sets carefully remove the wood shims and fill these holes with the same grout.
The Tank

This part is as easy as a kid’s play. It consists of the nuts and bolts and rubber washer and brass nuts. The foam washer beneath the bowl serves as an adhesive and seat for the bowl. Only one thing is important and that is to see if tightening is done in level. Indeed simple it is.

Supply Tubes

If easy and flexible tubing is in your wish list, its better to say good bye to the chrome tubes and welcome the PVC pipes. These pipes are famous for their flexibility and are very common. While connecting the tube, check if it is at right angles to the valve. Otherwise, when the compression nut is tightened around the O ring, you can expect a leak for sure. To keep track of the leaks and damages, place a paper towel underneath.

Grout

If you finish this part, you can proudly say you have installed a toilet in not more than two hours, that too all yourself. The paste is applied between the tile and the floor. Once it dries, shims are to be removed. Check if all holes are pasted properly.

Local Codes

Not all individuals can install toilet, unless it is legally permitted and this depends area wise. Some counties, cities, states and localities have strict codes which apply in regards to the home plumbing. It is always better to be on the safer side, so check with your local plumbing department for any such restrictions and move further in your venture. Public sanitation is important, so be sure to ensure with your local code officials. Also, it is important to ensure that the plumber you are hiring is authorized for the work and has the permit for the plumbing fittings. E.g., It is considered to be a criminal offense in Massachusetts if the work is not supervised and inspected by the homeowner, whereas in Cincinnati, there is no such rule. So, it is important to perform the plumbing jobs as per the state codes. All the best!!

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