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How to Change a Toilet

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By SirDent


The Ultimate Hubber's Toilet


Tools needed will be as follows:

1. A flat screwdriver

2. An adjustable wrench

3. A utility knife

4. A pair of adjustable pliers (Channelocks)

5. Hacksaw

6. Rubber gloves

7. A piece of cardboard big enough for the commode to sit on.

8. A few old towels that can be discarded afterward.

9. A new commode complete with new seal and hardware.

First thing to do is to clean the inside of the bowl. Use bleach (or another cleaning agent which kills germs) and brush then flush it a few times. This is to kill all germs because your hands will be going inside the bowl later.

After thoroughly cleansing the bowl turn the water off going to the commode. Flush and hold the handle down untill all the water has run out. (note: There will still be a little water left in the tank). Take an old styrofoam or plastic cup and dip out as much water as possible from the tank. Use an old towel to soak the rest of the water up.

Now you're ready to empty the rest of the water from the bowl. (I know you're going to love putting your hands inside it aren't you). Take the cup and dip the water out as much as possible. Use the towel to sop the rest of the water out.

Place the towel under the cut off vale and remove line from commode tank. There will be a little water come out but the towel can handle it. Remove the bolt caps at bottom of bowl, one on each side, to expose the bolts. Using the adjustable wrench, remove the nuts holding commode to floor. Place the cardboard in the bottom of the tub to set commode on when removing it from its place. (note: This is just in case there may still be water on the bowl trap).

Where the commode was sitting you will see what is left of the wax seal. This must be removed completely. There is most likely a cone which likewise must be removed. Get the flange as clean as possible. Use the screwdriver if you must to remove the old wax. I prefer to use something I can throw away later.

Take an old towel and stuff it slightly inside the pipe to stop the odor from coming through. (note: Towel will be thrown away shortly). Be careful not to push it deep inside the pipes because it must be removed before installing the new toilet.

Remove towel from inside pipe and throw in garbage. Place new bolts in slots where old bolt were removed. Place new wax seal in the commode flange. Set commode bowl carefully watching to make sure both bolts come through bolt holes. Push commode gently down applying pressure as evenly as possible. Try not to rock it. Put washers on bolts according to the directions that came with your new commode.

Put nuts on bolts and tighten. Be careful to not tighten them too much. Over-tightening can break the bolts, the flange or even the commode. You want the commode to sit solid on the floor. This can be achieved without over-tightening the nuts.

After the bowl is set, place the tank to the back of it according to the directions. There are many different ways to connect tanks to bowls. There are many manufacturers and most are done different than others. It's basically the same. Do not over-tighten the fasteners. Commodes and tanks are porcelain which is strong but easily shattered.

Connect flush handle to flapper inside tank. Some may be connected from the manufacturer. Those that I am familiar with have chains that must be connected.

Connect your water line to the tank. Most of them need only be hand tightened. Some require tightening with pliers or a wrench. Turn water on and watch for leaks. Keep a check on the water level in the tank. There will be a line on the tank or the overflow tube showing the proper water level. Adjust according to manufacturer to get the desired level.

After finding no leaks and you are satisfied with your project use the hacksaw to cut off the bolts flush with the nuts. Place bolt caps over bolts and snap them into place. Replace commode seat using flat screwdriver.

Dispose of everything according the the laws and regulations of your state or community. Littering/dumping is a no-no in every state and is punishable by fines and/or imprisonment if caught.

I hope this gives you plenty of information and helps you to install a commode. If something comes up, you can mention it in comments and I will do my best to answer. I have worked a lot of my life in construction and have seen a lot of things, but I don't believe I've seen it all yet.

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Toilet in the News

  • Some Broward schools go without toilet paper and soap in bathroomsSun-Sentinel5 hours ago

    Teachers stock bathrooms at some schools From classroom walls to bathroom stalls, posters in Broward County schools urge good hygiene to stop the spread of germs. But when students and teachers try to practice what the posters preach, they sometimes find there's no toilet paper or soap.

  • 'Strategies for Success With Toilet Training' on ThursdaySummit Daily News4 hours ago

    The Family & Intercultural Resource Center (FIRC) Families United program presents a free parenting class for the community featuring guest speaker Katherine Orr discussing "Strategies for Success With Toilet Training" at the Summit County Community and Senior Center from 5:30-7 p.m. on Thursday. The class will be offered in English and Spanish. Free dinner and childcare will be provided ...

  • Prosecutor says boy was fatally beaten after toilet accidentThe Sacramento Bee7 hours ago

    A prosecutor said the man accused of beating to death a 3-year-old boy lost his temper when the boy had a toilet-training accident, a contention the defense lawyer called speculation.

  • Boost in bid to keep Southwold toilet block openEDP24 - Eastern Daily Press16 hours ago

    A seaside resort's bid to keep a public toilet block open has received a boost after it emerged the building was poised to handed back to the town council.

  • Town set to go down toilet over dutiesBrisbane Times27 hours ago

    Thousands of jobs be lost if the government doesn't revoke its decision to can anti-dumping duties on foreign toilet paper imports.

  • Jobs may go down the toilet: XenophonThe Independent Weekly26 hours ago

    A small South Australian town could go down the toilet and thousands of jobs be lost if the government doesn't revoke its decision to can anti-dumping duties on foreign toilet paper imports, Senator Nick Xenophon says.

  • Thieves targeting toilet hardwareUPI4 hours ago

    BERKELEY, Calif., Feb. 9 (UPI) -- Police at a California university said thieves have stolen necessary flushing hardware from more than three dozen campus toilets.

  • New toilet and roof for Tamu KedayanThe Star28 hours ago

    MIRI: Miri’s oldest tamu (local market) popularly known as Tamu Kedayan will have a public toilet and new roof soon to bring relief to its 140 hawkers.

Comments

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WeddingConsultant profile image

WeddingConsultant  says:
2 years ago

Now THAT is a killer toilet! If I order that now, when can I expect it to ship to me?

SirDent profile image

SirDent  says:
2 years ago

It will take a long time to get one to you. Orders are backed up and we are having trouble keeping up with the demand.

Sally's Trove profile image

Sally's Trove  says:
2 years ago

I'm with WeddingConsultant...I want one of those! Love the back and arm rests.

I actually read through your article three times, walking back and forth to the bathroom to look first-hand at the visible toilet parts you mention. Although I would never attempt to replace a toilet, because that would be unbearably YUCKY, I do believe I could use your well-written instructions to do it if it were a matter of life or death.

Neat hub!

SirDent profile image

SirDent  says:
2 years ago

Thanks for the comments. :D

Shirley Anderson profile image

Shirley Anderson  says:
2 years ago

This is hilarious! I'll take one, can you send it with my water creator order?

SirDent profile image

SirDent  says:
2 years ago

This is on back order. I am having trouble keeping up with demand. I can put you on a waiting list if you like.

ProCW profile image

ProCW  says:
2 years ago

That's just great!! haha

SweetiePie profile image

SweetiePie  says:
2 years ago

Well at least now I know how to do this, although I would prefer someone else does :).

SirDent profile image

SirDent  says:
2 years ago

Good to know you would be able to do it Sweetie if necessary.

JonnyH profile image

JonnyH  says:
18 months ago

Fabulous, very clear, easy to read, well done, great hub

SirDent profile image

SirDent  says:
16 months ago

Thanks for the comment Johnny. Sorry it took so long to reply.

Mr. Blobby profile image

Mr. Blobby  says:
15 months ago

Sometimes I dance on the toilet. Of course I close the lid first :P. Then I fill the tub with water, get on top of the toilet and dive on in. I make a big splash and cover all the walls with water. This is the life of Mr. Blobby, but maybe my life should be Mr. Slobby.

SirDent profile image

SirDent  says:
15 months ago

Sounds like fun. I may have to try that sometime.

ReuVera profile image

ReuVera  says:
15 months ago

Wow, these are great step by step instructions! If I just knew it before! It would have saved me some bucks:) I've had my son's bathroom toilet changed in summer by a plumber. Actually, my two sisters-in-law changed the commode by themselves not long ago. I'll ask if they were using your hub-help.

SirDent profile image

SirDent  says:
15 months ago

Thanks for the comment Ruevera. Yea if you had these beforehand you could have saved a lot of money.

LouiseKnittel profile image

LouiseKnittel  says:
15 months ago

I love the picture of the toilet that is hooked up to a computer! that cracked me up!

Be Blessed!

Debby Bruck profile image

Debby Bruck  says:
14 months ago

Reminds me of the dentist's chair. I'd much rather call someone to make the repair. Very informative instructions. be well. Debby

rickyracer profile image

rickyracer  says:
6 months ago

Definitely looks like a WV set up to me!! LOL Are you marketing any?? tee hee...

livelonger profile image

livelonger  says:
4 months ago

We're going to swap out our toilet soon so these directions are great!

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