DIY Network

Toilet Installation Even DIY newbies can install a toilet like a pro. From "Bathroom Renovations" episode DBTR-510

With six people under one roof, Matt and Michelle have really missed having a second toilet in the house. Amy Matthews shows Matt how to put the powder room on-line by installing a toilet.

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Amy says toilet installation is one of the easiest DIY plumbing jobs.

Materials:

toilet
hammer
locking pliers
wax ring
closet bolts
lock nuts
nylon and metal washers

Toilet Installation

Note: This toilet was completely assembled before installation. If installing a toilet that isn't completely assembled, follow the manufacturer's instructions for assembly.

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

• The plumber who roughed in the toilet connection installed a knock-out flange to seal off the waste drain. This keeps sewer gases from entering the home, and prevents debris from falling down the drain. To remove a knock-out flange, tap the center a few times with a hammer, then use locking pliers to remove the center piece (figure A).

• Unwrap the wax ring and center it on the flange (figure B). This ring compresses under the weight of the toilet, creating an airtight, watertight seal around the toilet drain.

• Place closet bolts in the flange, then slip nylon washers down over the bolts (figure C). Toilet manufacturers typically supply the needed hardware with the toilet.

• Carefully position the toilet on the flange so that the closet bolts extend up through the holes in the toilet base.

  Note: Positioning the toilet is much easier with help. Not only are toilets heavy, it can be difficult to see the bolts from above. Try to have someone on hand to either to guide the toilet down over the bolts or do the heavy lifting.

• With the toilet in position, place a nylon washer over each closet bolt. Follow these up with metal washers.

• Gently tighten lock nuts down over the closet bolts. Be extremely careful not to over-tighten the nuts; this can crack the toilet base.

• Cover the bolts with snap-on bolt caps (supplied with the toilet).

• Hook up the water supply, open the shut-off and let the toilet fill.

RESOURCES :
Faucets, Toilet
Kohler
Website: www.kohler.com