{"id":30242,"date":"2013-02-06T10:15:43","date_gmt":"2013-02-06T16:15:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/artofmanliness.com\/?p=30242"},"modified":"2021-09-25T13:46:27","modified_gmt":"2021-09-25T18:46:27","slug":"how-to-install-a-toilet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/beta.artofmanliness.com\/featured\/how-to-install-a-toilet\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Install a Toilet"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30288 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/content.artofmanliness.com\/uploads\/\/2013\/02\/stunning.jpg\" alt=\"Vintage poster advertisement for toilet improvement ladies looking in bathroom. \" width=\"393\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/content.artofmanliness.com\/uploads\/2013\/02\/stunning.jpg 393w, https:\/\/content.artofmanliness.com\/uploads\/2013\/02\/stunning-320x391.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 393px) 100vw, 393px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><em>Editor\u2019s note: This is a guest post from Ethan Hagan of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.oneprojectcloser.com\/\">One Project Closer<\/a>. Check out some of his other manly contributions like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.artofmanliness.com\/skills\/how-to\/how-to-make-a-cribbage-board\/\">Making Your Own Cribbage Board<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Is your toilet cracked or damaged? Did your kid flush something that&#8217;s blocking the line? Are you looking to upgrade your commode? There are plenty of reasons for installing a toilet, and many homeowners call in a plumber to get it done. However, if you&#8217;re reasonably handy, consider trying this one yourself and saving a few bucks. Installing a toilet is a great DIY project, and just imagine the sense of accomplishment (and relief) when you finish. This tutorial will walk you through it step-by-step.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.artofmanliness.com\/articles\/how-to-install-a-toilet\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-30244\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30244 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/content.artofmanliness.com\/uploads\/2013\/02\/image1.jpg\" alt=\"New toilet installed in bathroom. \" width=\"373\" height=\"500\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Tools &amp; Materials<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Installing a toilet doesn&#8217;t require much in the way of tools, and in fact, you can accomplish the task without <em>any<\/em> power tools. Here&#8217;s what you&#8217;ll need before getting started:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Toilet<\/strong>&nbsp;&#8211; plumbers I&#8217;ve spoken with say <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gerber-us.com\/\">Gerber<\/a> makes the best toilets, and they don&#8217;t recommend anything less than 1.6 gallons per flush.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.artofmanliness.com\/articles\/how-to-install-a-toilet\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-30245\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/content.artofmanliness.com\/uploads\/\/2013\/02\/image2.jpg\" alt=\"Gasket box of johni-ring plug rings. \" width=\"500\" height=\"332\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Wax ring&nbsp;<\/strong>&#8211; if the flange sits even with or slightly below the floor, get an extended-height wax ring.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.artofmanliness.com\/articles\/how-to-install-a-toilet\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-30246\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/content.artofmanliness.com\/uploads\/\/2013\/02\/image3.jpg\" alt=\"Packet closet bolts for installing new toilet. \" width=\"500\" height=\"332\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Closet bolts <\/strong>&#8211; self-adjusting closet bolts mean you won&#8217;t need to cut or snap the excess bolt length. Unfortunately, the local DIY center may not carry these, so check a plumbing supply shop.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.artofmanliness.com\/articles\/how-to-install-a-toilet\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-30247\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/content.artofmanliness.com\/uploads\/\/2013\/02\/image4.jpg\" alt=\"Toilet connector for installing new toilet in bathroom. \" width=\"500\" height=\"332\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Toilet connector&nbsp;<\/strong>&#8211; flexible, braided steel connectors eliminate using&nbsp;a tubing bender to fit the supply line between the stop-valve and the tank fitting.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pennies or stainless steel washers&nbsp;<\/strong>&#8211; for shimming the toilet.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Torpedo level<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Adjustable wrench<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Screwdriver<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Assembly<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>I like to assemble the toilet before installing. The tank adds a little more weight but it&#8217;s much more convenient in my opinion. If you prefer, you can attach the tank afterwards.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.artofmanliness.com\/articles\/how-to-install-a-toilet\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-30248\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30248 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/content.artofmanliness.com\/uploads\/2013\/02\/image5.jpg\" alt=\"Assembling toilet bowl without tank. \" width=\"500\" height=\"332\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Most manufacturers include all the necessary hardware and often install the fill-kit too. Double-check everything to make sure it&#8217;s right, and be&nbsp;careful not to over-tighten the nuts, which will crack the porcelain.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.artofmanliness.com\/articles\/how-to-install-a-toilet\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-30249\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30249 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/content.artofmanliness.com\/uploads\/2013\/02\/image6.jpg\" alt=\"Assembling tank to toilet bowl. \" width=\"500\" height=\"332\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Step 1: Prepare the Flange<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>After you remove the old toilet, scrape away the nasty, old wax ring with some cardboard or something you can throw away. Inspect the flange, and if it&#8217;s cracked or damaged, repair kits are available at your local DIY center. For those up to the task, you can replace your flange without too much difficulty, but that&#8217;s outside the scope of this tutorial.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.artofmanliness.com\/articles\/how-to-install-a-toilet\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-30250\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30250 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/content.artofmanliness.com\/uploads\/2013\/02\/image7.jpg\" alt=\"Install a new toilet preparing flange in floor. \" width=\"500\" height=\"332\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Step 2: Position Closet Bolts<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Using self-adjusting closet bolts is the way to go because they eliminate the need to snap or cut excess bolt length. These bolts feature a white threadlocker that,&nbsp;when the hex nut reaches it, drives the stud further into the anchor nut.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.artofmanliness.com\/articles\/how-to-install-a-toilet\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-30251\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30251 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/content.artofmanliness.com\/uploads\/2013\/02\/image8.jpg\" alt=\"How to install a new toilet preparing closet bolts. \" width=\"500\" height=\"332\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Slip the closet bolts on either side and move the lock washers down snug against the flange.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.artofmanliness.com\/articles\/how-to-install-a-toilet\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-30252\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30252 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/content.artofmanliness.com\/uploads\/2013\/02\/image9.jpg\" alt=\"How to install a new toilet positioning closet bolts. \" width=\"500\" height=\"332\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Step 3: Place Wax Ring<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>You can put the wax ring directly on the flange <em>or<\/em> on the underside of the toilet. I opt for putting it on the flange because there&#8217;s no chance it&#8217;ll fall off when I&#8217;m lugging the toilet around.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.artofmanliness.com\/articles\/how-to-install-a-toilet\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-30253\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30253 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/content.artofmanliness.com\/uploads\/2013\/02\/image10.jpg\" alt=\"Man installing a new toilet placing wax ring. \" width=\"500\" height=\"332\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>If your flange is sitting a little low, use an extended-height wax ring.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.artofmanliness.com\/articles\/how-to-install-a-toilet\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-30254\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30254 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/content.artofmanliness.com\/uploads\/2013\/02\/image11.jpg\" alt=\" New toilet wax ring on flange installed. \" width=\"500\" height=\"332\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Step 4: Set Toilet<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Move the toilet over the flange and line up the holes with the closet bolts.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.artofmanliness.com\/articles\/how-to-install-a-toilet\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-30255\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30255 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/content.artofmanliness.com\/uploads\/2013\/02\/image12.jpg\" alt=\"A new toilet setting toilet seat onto closet bolts and wax ring.\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>When it&#8217;s in position, firmly press the toilet against the floor.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.artofmanliness.com\/articles\/how-to-install-a-toilet\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-30256\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30256 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/content.artofmanliness.com\/uploads\/2013\/02\/image13.jpg\" alt=\"Man installed a new toilet seat firmly pressing toilet onto floor. \" width=\"500\" height=\"332\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Step 5: Add Washers and Nuts<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Put the nylon washers and regular washers over the bolts and hand-tighten the nuts on both sides.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.artofmanliness.com\/articles\/how-to-install-a-toilet\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-30257\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30257 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/content.artofmanliness.com\/uploads\/2013\/02\/image14.jpg\" alt=\"Installation of a new toilet adding washers nuts to closet bolt. \" width=\"500\" height=\"332\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Step 6: Level the Toilet<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Check the toilet for level front-to-back and side-to-side.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.artofmanliness.com\/articles\/how-to-install-a-toilet\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-30258\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30258 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/content.artofmanliness.com\/uploads\/2013\/02\/image15.jpg\" alt=\"A new toilet seat leveling with level. \" width=\"500\" height=\"332\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>If it&#8217;s out of level or rocks back and forth, shim the toilet with pennies or stainless steel washers. You can buy plastic toilet shims; however, I&#8217;d advise against them because they often crack when I attempt to cut them to size.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.artofmanliness.com\/articles\/how-to-install-a-toilet\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-30259\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30259 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/content.artofmanliness.com\/uploads\/2013\/02\/image16.jpg\" alt=\"A new toilet seat leveling using pennies to level.\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>When you&#8217;re satisfied that the toilet is level, tuck the pennies underneath the edge and out of sight. Next, tighten the nuts on the closet bolts, but not too tight. Attach the bolt caps to conceal the closet bolts.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.artofmanliness.com\/articles\/how-to-install-a-toilet\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-30260\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30260 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/content.artofmanliness.com\/uploads\/2013\/02\/image17.jpg\" alt=\"Toilet seat leveling using pennies and crescent wrench.\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Step 7: Attach Supply Line<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Most toilets take a 3\/8&#8243; connector, and the connector I show here includes rubber gaskets that eliminate the need for wrapping threads with teflon tape.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.artofmanliness.com\/articles\/how-to-install-a-toilet\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-30261\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30261 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/content.artofmanliness.com\/uploads\/2013\/02\/image18.jpg\" alt=\"Attachment of a new toilet seat supply line using crescent wrench. \" width=\"500\" height=\"332\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Step 8: Verify Fill Level<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>When everything is connected, open the supply valve and let the tank fill up. Check for leaks and adjust the fill valve so that the water meets the fill line.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.artofmanliness.com\/articles\/how-to-install-a-toilet\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-30262\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30262 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/content.artofmanliness.com\/uploads\/2013\/02\/image19.jpg\" alt=\"Adjusting a new toilet seat water tank fill level. \" width=\"500\" height=\"332\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Step 9: Caulk the Base (Optional)<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>People are divided on whether or not to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.artofmanliness.com\/lifestyle\/homeownership\/how-to-caulk-like-a-pro\/\">caulk<\/a> the base of the toilet. The argument goes that caulking the entire base can result in leaks going undetected for some time. On the other hand, caulking the base can make for a more polished look. If you decide to caulk the base of the toilet, leave a gap or &#8220;weep hole&#8221; on the backside so you&#8217;ll find leaks sooner.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.artofmanliness.com\/articles\/how-to-install-a-toilet\/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-30244\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30244 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/content.artofmanliness.com\/uploads\/\/2013\/02\/image1.jpg\" alt=\"New toilet seat installed\" width=\"373\" height=\"500\"\/><\/a><em><br \/>\n__________________________<br \/>\n<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Ethan Hagan owns and operates a home improvement website called&nbsp;<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.oneprojectcloser.com\/\"><em>One Project Closer<\/em><\/a><em>. On One Project Closer you\u2019ll learn how to tackle projects with expert knowledge from professional contractors. OPC also provides coupons to home improvement centers, like this&nbsp;<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.oneprojectcloser.com\/aj-madison-coupons-coupon-codes-10-off\/\"><em>AJ Madison Coupons&nbsp;page<\/em><\/a><em>. Check out OPC for full details, and&nbsp;<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/OneProjectCloser\"><em>follow them on Facebook<\/em><\/a><em>.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Editor\u2019s note: This is a guest post from Ethan Hagan of One Project Closer. Check out some of his other manly contributions like Making Your Own Cribbage Board. Is your toilet cracked or damaged? Did your kid flush something that&#8217;s blocking the line? Are you looking to upgrade your commode? There are plenty of reasons [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":30288,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6,42259],"tags":[],"yst_prominent_words":[],"class_list":["post-30242","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured","category-skills"],"featured_image_urls":{"large":"https:\/\/content.artofmanliness.com\/uploads\/2013\/02\/stunning-393x280.jpg","aom":"https:\/\/content.artofmanliness.com\/uploads\/2013\/02\/stunning-372x230.jpg","reactor-320":"https:\/\/content.artofmanliness.com\/uploads\/2013\/02\/stunning-320x391.jpg"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/beta.artofmanliness.com\/app-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30242","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/beta.artofmanliness.com\/app-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/beta.artofmanliness.com\/app-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beta.artofmanliness.com\/app-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beta.artofmanliness.com\/app-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30242"}],"version-history":[{"count":45,"href":"https:\/\/beta.artofmanliness.com\/app-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30242\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":171154,"href":"https:\/\/beta.artofmanliness.com\/app-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30242\/revisions\/171154"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beta.artofmanliness.com\/app-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/30288"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/beta.artofmanliness.com\/app-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30242"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beta.artofmanliness.com\/app-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30242"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beta.artofmanliness.com\/app-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30242"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beta.artofmanliness.com\/app-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=30242"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}