How to Install a Toilet All by Yourself

A new toilet can completely transform your bathroom. Whether you are getting a new wall-mounted or floor-mounted toilet, learn how to install a toilet in our guide.

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Before You Begin
How to Install a Floor-Mounted Toilet
How to Install a Wall-Mounted Toilet

Before You Begin

Understand the different parts of a toilet to ensure you are removing and installing the right part. Please note that in some states you must be a licensed plumber to install new plumbing.

How to Install a Floor-Mounted Toilet

What You"ll Need

• Toilet gel (solidifies water)
• Bucket
• Old cloth
• Putty knife
• Regular screwdriver
• Adjustable wrench
• Sealant
• Tape measure
• New flange
• Wax ring
• Closet bolts
• Level
• Manufacturer instructions
• Silicone caulk
• +1 person to help lift the toilet

Step 1: Remove Existing Toilet

Turn off the water supply by turning the valve clockwise - it's placed right behind or next to the toilet. Flush the toilet and hold the flapper up until the water is drained from the toilet tank. Then, place the toilet gel into the bowl to keep water from leaking as you remove the toilet. Wait a few minutes for the water to turn into gel.

Take off the closet flanges' protective caps, then use a wrench to remove the nuts and bolts. Do this on both sides of the toilet. Remove the water supply lines that lead to the toilet tank from the shut off valve. Put a bucket under the lines to catch excess water.

With the help of your +1, lift and remove the toilet.

Step 2: Replace the Toilet Flange

Plug the drain hole with a large rag or other large object to keep sewer gases from entering the room. Use a putty knife to scrape the old wax from the mounting flange on the floor. If your current flange is in good shape, you can simply put on a new wax ring. If it's broken, has chips or is cracked, you’ll need to learn how to replace the toilet flange with a new one. First, use a screwdriver to remove the old flange. Make sure you buy the right size flange to replace it by measuring the interior diameter of the exposed outflow pipe.

When installing a toilet flange, it must sit above the floor and not even with the floor or below it – as that will eventually cause a leak. If your current flange is not above the floor, use a closet flange spacer to raise it.

Once you have your new flange, put it into place and thread the bolts into the channels on the lip. They should be directly across from each other and the head of the bolt should be down inside the channel. With a screwdriver, screw the flange into place. Remove the rag from the pipe. Push the wax ring onto the bottom of the toilet and set the toilet in place.

Step 3: Secure Toilet

Place the washers and nuts onto the exposed closet bolts and tighten. However, be sure not to over-tighten the screws, as this could actually crack the toilet. Then, pop the closet bolt covers back into place.

Step 4: Assemble Tank or Toilet Seat

Depending on the design of your toilet, mount the tank to the bowl and mount the toilet seat – if they are not connected already.

Step 5: Connect the Water Supply Line

Attach and secure the supply line from the wall to the new tank. Make sure there are no crimps in the line – this will cause obstruction in the water flow.

Step 6: Check for Leaks

Turn on the water supply by turning the valve counterclockwise. The tank will begin to fill. While it is filling, check for leaks in the supply lines and connections. Then, flush the toilet and check for leaks again. Once you’re sure it is leak-free, apply a bead of silicone caulk around the base of the toilet.

How to Install a Wall-Mounted Toilet

If you're changing your toilet from floor- to wall-mounted toilet, we recommend having a professional install it as you'll have to remove and change plumbing lines. However, if you're starting from scratch, follow the directions below.

What You'll Need

• Pencil
• Level
• Screwdriver
• Drill
• Wrench
• In-wall toilet tank and frame system
• In-wall toilet dual-flush actuator cover kit
• Wall mounted toilet bowl
• Toilet seat

Step 1: Find the Location

Before installing the toilet, plan the location of where you want to place your toilet. Make sure you have enough space for the plumbing (water supply line and waste line). Find where the supply and waste plumbing will be fed through the wall. While you are picking a location, we recommend planning for at least 60cm of space in front of a toilet. There should also be at least 75cm of space around your toilet no matter where it is being placed in your bathroom.

Step 2: Assemble the Frame and Tank

Most toilets come with a frame that is installed in your wall. The toilet bowl and tank is then mounted to it. Assemble the frame, tank, and waste pipe elbow by following the manufacturer's instructions. Use a level to ensure the frame is straight on all sides.

Step 3: Position Frame

Place the frame in between the two wooden support beams, marking the mounting holes so you know where to drill the support bolts. Connect the frame and bolts.

Remember that standard bowls sit 38 – 43cm off the ground. Chair height toilets sit at 43 – 48cm off the ground.

Step 4: Connect Plumbing and Supply Lines

Run the supply lines, water, and waste plumbing up to the tank.

Step 5: Install the Flushing Actuator

Install and attach the flushing actuator into the top of the tank. Follow manufacturer's instructions to ensure you install the actuator correctly. When covering the wall in Step 8, make sure the flushing actuator still remains exposed.

Step 6: Finish the Wall

With the material of your choice, cover the tank inside the wall. Mount the toilet bowl to the wall and line up the toilet rough-in. Attach closet bolts to connect the toilet bowl to the wall. Apply caulk or another sealant to secure the bowl to the wall and minimize leakage.