How to Install a New Toilet

Gravity is the primary mechanic of any toilet, but the seal between the porcelain base and your drain pipe is the only thing standing between you and a leaking mess. Installing a new toilet is less about technical plumbing skill and more about ensuring that the wax ring creates a perfect, airtight compression seal against the closet flange. When done well, the toilet sits perfectly level on the floor, rocks not at all, and flushes with a clean, powerful vortex. Take your time with the base. Most homeowners rush through the seating process, only to find the bowl wobbly or leaking hours later. If you ensure your floor is solid, the flange is properly seated, and your bolts are aligned before you press down, you will only have to do this job once. Precision here saves you from needing to pull the unit back up to reset a crushed wax ring.

  1. Stop Water, Start Dry. Close the supply valve behind the toilet and flush to empty the tank. Use a sponge to soak up any remaining water left in the bowl and tank so it does not spill during removal.
  2. Disconnect and Lift. Disconnect the water supply line and remove the bolt caps at the base of the toilet. Unscrew the nuts from the flange bolts, gently rock the toilet to break the wax seal, and lift it straight up.
  3. Scrape Clean, Inspect Hard. Scrape away the old wax from the closet flange using a putty knife until the surface is clean and smooth. Check the flange for cracks or rot in the surrounding subfloor.
  4. Position the Seal. Place the new wax ring onto the horn of the toilet outlet or directly onto the flange. Ensure the flange bolts are standing upright in the slots provided on the base plate.
  5. Lower and Press Hard. Lower the toilet straight down onto the flange bolts, using the bolts as guides to center the unit. Once the base touches the floor, apply firm, even pressure with your body weight to compress the wax ring.
  6. Secure and Test Flow. Install the washers and nuts onto the flange bolts, tightening them slowly in an alternating pattern until snug. Connect the water supply line and open the valve to check for leaks.