Installing a No-Clog Toilet

We have enough going on in our daily lives without having to stop to deal with a stopped-up toilet. Clogs in the bathroom are no fun.

Fortunately, wise innovators have developed toilets that are much less likely to clog, saving you time and hassles of snaking the toilet or endlessly pumping the plunger to tackle the unpleasant task.

Step 1 - Pick a Loo

No-clog toilets are available in a range of sizes and shapes to fit your needs.

Choose whether you prefer oval or round, tall or standard, and almond or white. You’ll also need to decide between one or two-piece designs, each of which have their pros and cons.

If you have plans to install a seat riser or toilet riser, this is the perfect time to do that too.

Consider whether the toilet you’re considering will fit the available space.

Believe it or not, toilets actually have features to choose from.

Obviously, you’re selecting the no-clog feature, but you can also get toilets with cleaning features, or more accurately cleaning-avoidance features.

You might also want to look at water consumption and select a model that’s water-efficient for the benefit of your pocketbook as well as the environment.

Another consideration is whether the toilet uses a siphonic system, which pushes waste down the bowl, or a wash down mechanism, which evacuates the contents of the bowl.

They both do the same job, just in different ways.

Review the manufacturer’s warranty and installation requirements before making your final decision.

Step 2 - Clear Out the Old

Start by turning off the water and disconnecting any plumbing hoses.

To remove the old toilet, remove the screws that mount it to the ground. They may be corroded and take a bit of convincing.

Some toilets are mounted to the wall instead, but the removal process is much the same.

Just use caution since the toilet can easily chip or break if accidentally hit with a hammer, wrench, or other hard object.

Once all hardware is removed, wiggle the toilet until it breaks free, and take it out of the space.

Step 3 - Clean up

You’ll want a clean and level surface for your new no-clog toilet.

If you plan to install new flooring, do it before installing the toilet. For a direct toilet swap, simply clear away any debris and clean the surface of the floor.

The goop below your toilet is probably wax from the toilet ring that helps the toilet set in place. It is not difficult to remove, but may need a bit of scraping to lift it off the floor.

Step 4 - Set the New Ring

Previously, wax rings were the standard option, and they are still a viable one. They’re malleable and have done the job for generations of plumbers and DIY toilet replacers.

But there are newer options on the market including stainless steel and plastic solutions.

Pick whatever appeals to you and put it in place, following the directions on the package.

Step 5 - Place the No-Clog Toilet

Using caution, put your new no-clog toilet in place, lining up the bolt holes on the base or back of the toilet.

Firmly press the toilet into the base ring. There should be no wiggle room when it is set correctly.

Then set the bolts in place, being sure not to overtighten. You can crack or break the toilet if you tighten the bolts too much.

Step 6 - Attach Plumbing Hardware

At this point, reattach the plumbing hoses, ensuring a good seal, and slowly turn the water back on while watching for leaks.

Step 7 - Enjoy Low Maintenance

While you’ll still need to clean your toilet (we can’t solve all your problems), installing a no-clog toilet removes some of the hassle from your life.

A note here. Although it has the phrase “no-clog” in the name, it is possible for these designs to still get backed up occasionally.

So go ahead and put the plunger into deep storage, but don’t toss it out altogether.