Modern toilets consist of two parts; the bowl and the water tank. The toilet bowl is installed first and is set on a drain pipe with a collar flange attachment. A wax ring is used to create a water tight seal between the bottom of the toilet bowl and the pipe. When you are replacing an old toilet or ready to install one in a new bathroom, the toilet bowl is set after the drain pipe has been installed and the collar flange is in place.
Prepare the floor drain for the toilet bowl installation by laying the flange collar around the top of the floor drain pipe opening. Attach the flange collar to the floor with screws. If you are replacing an old toilet, remove the wax ring residue from the flange collar with a putty knife. Tighten the screws on the flange collar if they have come loose.
Hold one of the provided long brass closet bolts upside down. Slide the head of the bolt into the slot on the flange collar and slide it over to the end of the slot. When done correctly, the bolt will be centered on the side of the collar and will stand up on its own in the flange. Slide the second long brass bolt into the other slot on the flange collar. Place one brass washer on each long brass bolt.
Place the toilet bowl wax ring, flat side down over the flange, positioned so that it covers the outer edge of the drain pipe and rests on the flange. Press the wax ring down to affix it to the flange. Alternatively, place the toilet bowl upside down on the floor and set the wax ring over the toilet outlet and press it down to affix it to the bottom of the bowl.
Lift up the toilet bowl and have a helper assist you with aligning the bolt holes on the bottom or foot of the toilet bowl with the long brass bolts on the collar flange. Lower the bowl straight down onto the bolts and the wax ring. Do not twist or rock the bowl as you set it down or you will dislodge the wax ring.
Place a carpenter's level on the toilet bowl and check to see if it is even. Insert wooden shims under the toilet bowl foot to adjust the toilet bowl position on the floor and make it level. This prevents the toilet bowl from rocking during use.
Place a nylon washer on each long brass bolt. Screw a provided nut onto each long brass bolt until it is hand tight. Finish tightening the nuts with a wrench. Alternate between turning each nut one quarter turn with a wrench until the nuts are firmly on the bolts and will not turn any further without serious effort.
Put on safety glasses and count two threads up from the top of the nut on the first long bolt. Place a hacksaw at this point on the bolt and cut the top of the bolt off with the saw. Cut off the top of the other long bolt the same way.
Set the plastic bolt covers over the bolts and press down on them to snap them in place. If your plastic bolt covers are not the snap-on type, fill the cavity of the bolt cover with plumber's putty and then press the cover onto the bolt. You are now ready to install the tank of the toilet bowl and attach it to the water supply line.
Things You Will Need
- Putty knife
- 2 long brass bolts
- 2 brass washers
- Toilet bowl wax ring
- A helper
- Carpenter's level
- Safety glasses
- Plumber's putty
- When replacing a toilet, you can usually reuse the existing drain pipe and collar flange.
- Do not over-tighten the nuts or the toilet bowl will crack due to stress.
- Wear safety glasses when sawing metal to prevent eye injury from metal shavings.
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