How to fit a toilet - Even if you’re a competent DIY enthusiast, and keen to take on minor repairs around the house, many of us still draw the line at anything involving plumbing or electrics.
One of the more common plumbing tasks is replacing a toilet or fitting a new one, but with a bit of planning and the right tools, it’s a job which most people can take on themselves.
Read on to discover how to fit a toilet with our easy step by step plumbing guide and you’ll be on the right track in no time at all.
How To Fit A Toilet - Step By Step Guide
Fitting A Toilet - What Will I Need?
Before starting to clear the bathroom, take a few minutes to make sure you have what you need for the job.
Check that the toilet which you have bought has all the fixings and other items you will need.
Most packs will contain the pan and the cistern, along with the flushing mechanism and the seat.
Make sure you have the long bolts you will need to fix the toilet to the floor and wall.
You’ll also need spanners of varying sizes, an electric drill and a set of screwdrivers.
Once you’ve assembled everything you need you can then locate the stopcock, switch off the mains water and get ready to remove the old toilet.
Flush the toilet to clear any water, and then remove all bolts and plumbing connections before taking it off the wall.
You may need rags or old towels to mop up and spills.
Read our step by step guide to find out the essentials of how to fit a toilet. DIY plumbing projects need not be as difficult as you think. Read this guide
Put the Cistern and Toilet Together
The first job is putting the cistern together.
There will be instructions supplied about how to do this.
Always read the instructions and follow them to the letter as the method can vary between manufacturers.
Tighten up all parts by hand, only using your spanner lightly to avoid overtightening.
Once you have assembled the cistern, attach it to the toilet pan using the fixings provided, using washers where needed.
Leave the toilet seat for now; it’s more important to get the toilet connected to the wall and leave fitting the seat for later.
Connecting to the Waste Pipe When Fitting a Toilet
If you are simply replacing one toilet with another one in the same position, then the waste pipe in the wall and the outlet on the toilet should line up perfectly.
If they don’t, you might have to get a plumber in to either move the waste pipe, or a builder in to make adjustments to the floor.
Flexible pipes or an offset pan connector may be another alternative, but remember that it’s impossible for waste to flow uphill, even when flushed away.
Use a connector collar to make sure that your new toilet is fitted perfectly into the waste outlet.
With your spirit level, make sure that your toilet pan and cistern is perfectly level before ensuring everything has been tightened up.
Switch the water back on and flush the toilet to fill, making sure that there are no leaks and that everything is working as it should be.
Seal around the base of the toilet where it meets the floor with silicone sealant, and leave it to dry.
Finally, fit the seat to your new toilet following the manufacturer instructions.
Now you know how to fit a toilet, you might decide that you don’t want to DIY after all or you might simply not have the time. You can always post a project for a plumber or bathroom fitter with Top Tradespeople.
