Installing a New Toilet – Things to Consider

All toilets eventually need replacing. Although installing a new toilet may seem relatively straightforward, it can be challenging if you lack experience and expertise. As trusted plumbers in Irving, TX, our experts at Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating explain what you should know before tackling this project.

Is It Time To Install a New Toilet at Your Irving Property?

Before replacing your commode, you should know whether the project is necessary. Consider these common reasons for toilet replacements in Irving homes to determine if your residence needs this plumbing project:

• Outdated Fixture Design. Even if a toilet isn’t broken, it might not match your bathroom’s aesthetics or layout. 
• Constant Clogs. If you must use a plunger to unclog your toilet multiple times a month, it might be time to invest in a new fixture. 
• Cracks and Leaks. Damage to the tank or bowl could lead to water damage and costly repairs. The best solution is to replace the toilet. 

How To Pick a New Toilet

If installing a new toilet is necessary for your home, what kind of fixture should you purchase? Understanding these factors will help you make an informed decision regarding your new bathroom feature:

• Flush Options. For familiarity, you might consider single-flush toilets. However, water-saving toilets may have dual flushes for solid and liquid waste. 
• Water Efficiency. If you want to conserve water, look for the WaterSense label on toilets. Those models accommodate the EPA’s water efficiency regulations. 
• Size and Height. Whatever unit you pick should fit inside your bathroom while meeting the minimum spacing requirements. Most commodes have heights between 14 and 16 inches.
• Bowl Shape. You could choose from rounded or elongated bowls depending on your aesthetic and personal preferences.

Tips for Installing Toilets

Installing a new toilet takes experience and plumbing knowledge, so it may be best to contact a qualified Irving plumber for help. Still, you can learn the process by reviewing these must-know tips. 

Ensure Proper Bowl Positioning

According to plumbing codes, toilets must fit inside bathrooms and be sufficiently far apart from other structures, such as walls, showers, and vanities. The minimum spacing recommendation for the sides of toilets is 18 inches and 30 inches of floor space from the front of the bowl. 

Shut Off the Water Supply and Replace the Line

The water supply valve is under the commode near the wall. Turn it clockwise to shut off the water supply, then flush the commode to empty its bowl. 

Upgrading your toilet is the perfect time to replace the water supply line that connects the fixture to the plumbing in the wall. Typically, this component lasts six to eight years, so if your toilet is older, it might be time for a new line. 

Remove the Old Toilet

After disconnecting the water supply line, move to the fixture’s base and remove the caps covering the bolts that attach it to the flooring. Unscrew them to carefully lift the toilet from its old flange. 

Replace the Flange

The flange is the plastic or wax ring that secures the toilet to the floor. Remove the old component and install a new one. Wax has better seal integrity than plastic, so that’s the top recommendation for Irving properties. 

Install the New Fixture

Once the new flange is in place, lower the new commode over the wax ring and press down on the bowl to secure it to the wax. Conduct a flange inspection to ensure the wax creates an airtight seal around the toilet’s base.

Ensure the toilet is directly over the flange with its bolt holes perfectly aligning with the holes in the ground. Attach all washers and nuts, and use a wrench to ensure a snug fit. With the new fixture in position, you can attach the new water supply line. 

Caulk the Base and Check for Leaks

Caulking the commode base will seal it firmly to the ground. After applying an even line of caulk and smoothing it with a moistened finger, turn the water supply back on. Leak testing is essential, so inspect the water supply line, base, and tank for leakage after flushing your upgraded toilet.