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Replacing
an old toilet is a project that most do-it-yourselfers can easily
accomplish. All toilets sold today save water by using only one and a
half gallons per flush.
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.” | 
