Helpful Hints About Toilet Replacement

12/12/2020 (Permalink)

Toilet Repaired in Northern Virginia

A toilet is expected to be reliable, and they can last for 30 years or more. But sometimes the porcelain material they are cast in can develop a crack or the tank may break. When that occurs and water begins to escape, it is time to replace the leaking toilet. Here are a few tips to help you master the plumbing repair.

Preparation

After discovering the leak, there are a few steps to take before you can replace the toilet.

• Before beginning the project, purchase a wax ring gasket, water-supply tube, and toilet.

• There are different types of water a broken toilet can leak. If the toilet bowl itself is leaking, consider calling a professional cleanup crew to make sure the water is not contaminated and hasn’t seeped into your walls and flooring.

• Once the water is removed, allow the area to dry thoroughly.

• Remove all standing water from the toilet tank and toilet bowl.

Removal

Once the area is dry and disinfected, you are ready to remove the old toilet.

• Disconnect the water supply line from the toilet.

• Remove the bolts securing the toilet to the floor.

• Lift the cracked toilet away.

• Scrape the wax ring and check flange for cracks.

Replacement

Time to replace that leaking toilet with a new one.

• Center new wax gasket over the flange.

• Connect the water supply to the toilet base.

• Set the toilet in place over the wax gasket and press softly until the toilet meets the floor.

• Tighten bolts or hex nuts at toilet base.

• Connect water supply to wall shut-off valve.

• Sit on the toilet to compress further and re-tighten bolts.

Once the water is restored to the toilet, flush the unit several times. If water leaks between the toilet and floor, it probably means the wax ring was not properly seated or didn’t seal correctly. To correct the issue, consider installing a new ring to finish the toilet repair.