Everything You Need To Know About Toilet Installation: Types and Process
Toilets are only meant to last 10 to 15 years, so your current toilet may need a replacement. Plus, cracks, leaks, and inaccessibility can require a premature replacement, which is no easy feat. A toilet installation costs somewhere between $400 and $800 and takes an average of four hours to complete. If you’re interested in getting a toilet installed soon, here’s everything you need to know about the process:
Types of Toilets
There are endless toilet designs and types available on the market, so it’s hard to know which one suits your bathroom best. Toilet types are typically categorized by their tank (or lack thereof), placement on the floor or wall, bowl depth, and flush style. Here are the four most common toilet types to consider:Low-level Toilets
Low-level toilets are wheelchair accessible and placed far away from the tank. The bowl is connected to the tank with the help of a long plastic pipe. In these systems, the tank typically features a lever handle or push button to flush.Close-Coupled toilet
Close-coupled toilets are the most common types of toilets you’ll see in homes. In this system, the toilet tank and bowl are one-unit and can be placed away from the wall. The tank typically features a handle or push button to flush. However, these toilets are typically not available in wheelchair-accessible versions.Tankless Toilet
Tankless toilets are a modern and minimalistic option that doesn’t include a visible tank. In this system, the tank is typically hidden behind the wall for a cleaner look. Since these toilets are quite modern, they include various flush mechanisms, including a sensor flush kit, lever flush, or push-button flush. Additionally, these flush options are accessed at the IPS panel or wall.Wall-Hung Toilet
Wall-hung toilets are another version of the tankless toilet. These toilets also conceal their tank behind the wall, but the bowl is not attached to the floor. Instead, it’s only attached to the wall, giving it a modern floating look. Metal brackets are typically put in place to stabilize these toilets.Toilet Installation Process
Here’s what you can expect from the toilet installation process if you hire a professional and experienced tradesman:- Measure the area around your old toilet to ensure the new toilet fits perfectly.
- Purchase a new toilet that fits the given measurements.
- Turn off the water supply using the shutoff valve behind the toilet.
- Unscrew the nuts below the water tank to separate the toilet bowl.
- Remove the tank after unbolting it from the floor.
- If the nuts are rusted, use a heavy-duty lubricant to get the job done.
- Remove the old caulk and wax around the toilet base with a utility knife.
- Stuff the toilet hole with a cloth to block smelly sewer gasses.
- Remove excess wax from the drain pipe with a putty knife and sponge.
- Install a new flange and re-apply wax before letting it set.
- Attach the new toilet bowl to the flange and firmly press it down.
- Ad washers, nuts, and cap bases, if necessary, to the closet bolts.
- Insert the toilet tank and reattach the water supply line.