How to install a toilet
Installing a toilet is an interesting job because it can be quite easy if you know what
you’re doing and you’re simply putting in a new toilet where an old one once stood.
But if you’ve never done it before, there are several steps that can seem confusing.
It’s also a lot harder to install a toilet in a completely new spot.
As an overview, installing a toilet involves:
- measuring the site, making sure there are drill holes to fit the new toilet
- removing the soil cover from the soil pipe outlet and adding a new wax ring
- connecting the toilet to the soil pipe, securing it to the floor, screwing in the bolts
- lining up the cistern so that it sits on top of or above the toilet bowl with all screws lined up
- connecting the water pipe to the cistern or the toilet, depending on the style of toilet adding sealant to waterproof the
- toilet turning the water on, filling the cistern, doing a test flush, looking for leaks
What is the difference between close coupled and back to wall toilets?
A close couple toilet has the cistern and the pan/toilet bowl very close to each other when the toilet is in place. The cistern sits on top of the pan, so they are attached when the toilet is installed.
A close coupled toilet is very straightforward to install, and it is a style that doesn’t
take up a lot of space in the bathroom.
How to run plumbing for a toilet
The plumbing necessary for a toilet consists of three lines:
1. The water supply to the toilet – for the cistern water water supply that terminates at a shut-off valve
2. The waste line – this is a PVC pipe connected to the toilet with a closet flange
and running to the sewage lines
3. The waste line must be vented by a 2-inch pipe that terminates outside.
The configuration depends on the style of toilet you choose and the existing
plumbing in the bathroom.
We recommend you get in touch with us at Sumich Plumbing & Drainage and we can do this for you.
Do I need a plumber to install my toilet?
There are several benefits to having a plumber install your toilet. By doing it yourself, you’re probably trying to save money. In the long run, though, it will probably cost you more in terms of time spent and tools required.
Why is it better to hire a licensed plumber to install my toilet?
Having a professional plumber install your toilet will make the job a lot quicker. We do this regularly and have worked on every style of toilet imaginable – so we’re likely to be able to do it in a fraction of the time it would take a DIYer.
If you need to remove an old toilet, you need to be careful when disconnecting it, draining it, removing it from the wall and floor, and ensuring the job is done as
cleanly as possible. A licensed plumber will know how to do all of this for you.
A professional plumber is also able to determine whether your existing plumbing is suitable for the new toilet you’re installing. We can make the most of the pipes and fixtures you already have or advise you on a more efficient set-up.
Having a plumber install your toilet may also mean they’re able to source a new toilet for you at prices available to tradespeople. These are often cheaper than retail prices, so talk to us first if you are thinking about installing a new toilet.
How much does it cost to install a new toilet?
The budget required for a new toilet installation depends on a few factors:
- What style of toilet are you installing?
- Does it require any building work done to the wall, such as plastering, painting or tiling?
- Will you put the new toilet in the same space where an old toilet is being removed?
- Can the same pipes and other plumbing fixtures be used?
If cost is an important factor to you, we suggest getting in touch with the team at
Sumich Plumbing & Drainage before your new toilet installation. We can have a look at your bathroom and advise you on what will work best within your budget.
We can look for ways to save money and suggest different styles that might fit your
budget best.