If the distance is over 12 inches (30 cm), you may need a larger, longer, or custom toilet. Take your measurements to the hardware store to look for a toilet that will fit your space.
Turning off the supply valve cuts the water to the toilet, so you can replace it with less mess.
You won’t be able to flush all of the water out of the tank, but we’ll walk you through what to do.
If you’ve got quite a bit of water left in the bowl or tank, you can use a cup to scoop it out before you switch to a sponge. Discard the water and thoroughly wash the bowl out.
Most plumbers recommend replacing your braided water supply line every 3 to 5 years.
Sometimes, nuts and washers can become so rusty that you can simply remove them by hand. If you see caulking along the base of the toilet, carefully run a utility knife along it, so you can pull the toilet up.
If you’re setting the toilet down in your home instead of outside or in a garage, place it on an old towel or tarp until you can throw it away. If you’re working by yourself and want to make the toilet lighter before you remove it, unscrew the bolts from the inside of the tank. Then, lift the tank away so you’re only pulling up the toilet base.
If there’s still a lot of sticky wax on the flange, wipe it off using a damp cloth. If the flange is cracked or damaged, replace it before you continue installing the toilet.
Toilet bolts are also called closet bolts.
Wax rings last 20 to 30 years and there’s maintenance involved. If your toilet starts leaking near the base, you’ll know it’s time to replace the wax ring.
It can help to have another person lifting the toilet or guiding it onto the bolts. Once you’ve pressed the toilet to the wax ring, don’t remove the toilet again or you’ll break the seal.
The toilet bolts will stick way up even after you’ve installed the washers and nuts. This is completely fine, since you’ll saw them down.
Brush away the metal filings with a clean cloth or suck them up with a vacuum.
Sometimes, tanks come pre-assembled, so you may not need to do this step.
Alternate tightening the screws so you apply even pressure.
You can buy braided water supply lines from hardware stores or online. They sell a variety of lengths, so you’re sure to find one that will fit your toilet.
Check around the toilet base and near the water supply line for leaks. You may have to tighten the bolts if you see them leaking.
Most caulking products require about a day to cure, so avoid mopping the floor around the toilet. Use 100% silicone caulk or one designed for kitchen and bath for a faster cure time and mildewcide properties.
