Toilets come in two types: gravity flush and pressure assisted. The advantages of gravity-flush toilets are that they cost less and are not difficult or expensive to repair. Pressure-assisted toilets produce compressed air for a powerful water flow.

New toilet bowls are available at most neighborhood home-improvement centers, such as City Mill. The only measurement you need is the distance from the wall to the hold-down bolts. Purchase new bolts, a wax ring, caulking and a new toilet seat. The tools needed are an adjustable wrench, a screwdriver and a hacksaw blade.

Follow these steps:

• Remove the old toilet. Shut off the water at the tank supply valve or the main valve to the house. Flush the toilet to empty the tank. Absorb the extra water with a sponge.
• Remove the nuts and bolts. If they are corroded, cut them off with a hacksaw blade. With a helper, remove the old toilet. If you remove it by yourself, remove the tank first so that it will be easier to carry.
• Turn your new bowl upside down and firmly press the new wax ring over the opening at the bottom of the bowl.
• Replace the bolts and gently lower the bowl onto them.
• Replace the nuts and washers. Turn them gently but firmly, so the toilet is flush with the floor.
• Place the spud gasket, which seals the bowl to the tank, onto the bottom of the tank. Position the tank over the bowl and line up the bolt holes between the two pieces. Connect the tank to the bowl using the bolts and nuts.
• Connect the water supply line to the tank shut-off valve. Turn on the water supply and check for leaks. Run a bead of caulk along the bottom of the bowl where it contacts the floor.
• Finally, install the new toilet seat.

For Hawaii Home + Remodeling magazine, this is Frank Suster saying, “You can do it yourself.”