How to Install a Low Flush Toilet (Part 2 of 2)

In Part 1 of this series, you chose your low flush toilet and gathered your tools. In Part 2, it is time to get down to the actual installation. This process is not especially complicated, but it will take some hard work on your part. Follow the steps below to complete this project.

Step 1 - Remove the Old Toilet

The first thing that you need to do is remove your old toilet. To do this, first shut off the water valve to the toilet, and then use your wrench to disconnect the water line on the back of the unit. Use your screwdriver to remove the protective caps over the bolts that hold the toilet on the floor. Then use your wrench to remove the nuts on the top of the bolts.

At this point, you should be able to lift up on the toilet and remove it from the floor. If you find that there is some wax stuck to the floor from the old wax ring, scrape it up with a knife or scraper. Make sure that the floor is clean before proceeding.

Step 2 - Install Wax Ring

Install the wax ring on the bottom of the toilet by pressing it onto the bottom of the bowl. Twist it into place so that it adheres to the bottom.

Step 3 - Set the Toilet

After you have the wax ring in place, you need to set the toilet onto the flange. Tilting the toilet, gently lower it down into place on top of the flange. The wax ring should go directly on top of it and seal it up. Then sit on the toilet so that it presses the wax ring down into place. You have to make sure that the bolts from the flange are lined up with the holes in the bottom of the toilet. 

Step 4 - Attach the Toilet

After you have the toilet sitting on a flange with the bolts sticking up through the bottom of the base, you are ready to attach it. Put the nuts on the bolts and tighten them. It is important that you do not tighten them too much. If the bolts are too tight, you can easily crack the toilet. 

Step 5 - Hook Up Water

At this point, you need to hook up the water supply line to the toilet tank by screwing it together. Then you can turn on the water valve to see if there are any leaks present.

Step 6 - Caulk

After you are done hooking up the waterline, you can then finish up the job. The last thing that you will need to do is caulk around the bottom of the toilet. This will ensure that no water escapes out from around the edge if it gets past the wax ring.