By Whether you’re replacing a toilet for cosmetic reasons, because it’s broken, or because it’s an old dinosaur that simply isn’t worth keeping around, you’ll need to do some measuring and planning. That’s because it’s important to make sure that your replacement cistern or tank fits in the space you’re working with and that your new water line will have the right distance from the waste pipe to the finished wall. Once you’ve done the measuring, you can proceed with installing your new toilet.
The first step is to turn off the water supply tube that connects to your toilet’s fill valve, and empty the existing cistern. Flush your toilet a few times to make sure the entire system is dry. Next, open the shutoff valve and remove the toilet’s tank bolts. It’s helpful to have a friend or family member help with this step. Trying to lift a full, heavy toilet by yourself could cause it to fall and break on your flooring, which can be costly to replace.
You may also want to lay a towel down, or even stacks of newspapers, to protect your flooring from drips and staining. Once the old cistern and tank are removed, you’ll need to remove the closet bolts that hold the floor to the toilet flange (the hole in the floor where the waste pipe connects). Start by prying off the porcelain caps that cover them, which can usually be removed with a flathead screwdriver. If they’re stuck, try using some oil to loosen them or cut them off with a hacksaw.
When you’re ready to install your new cistern or tank, it’s wise to have someone on hand to help you set it on the closet flange and push it down evenly. If you don’t do this correctly, the toilet will rock back and forth, which can break the wax seal around the drain opening and lead to a host of nasty floor leaks.
Once the cistern or tank is in place, it’s time to add some of the final touches. Most new cisterns come with a rubber gasket that you can slip over the bolt holes in the bowl to form an insulating layer. You’ll also need to add a series of washers and nuts to each of the bolts within the tank, and tighten them firmly. Be careful not to over-tighten them, as this can crack the porcelain.
If your new tank has a separate flush valve, you’ll need to install it on the bowl. Again, most manufacturers include instructions that should be followed closely. When you’re finished, you can put the tank lid on and do a little victory dance. Just be sure to double-check for any water drips on the floor or in the cistern, and retighten any bolts that need it. It’s a good idea to caulk the area around the base of your new toilet, as well, to avoid a future problem with a cracked or chipped floor.
