| The installation of a toilet is a | | | | Next remove the bowl, and insert the |
| relatively easy job for a homeowner. | | | | closet bolts (approximately 2" long |
| With a couple of wrenches, a screwdriver | | | | bolts) into the slots on the closet |
| and a few shims a new toilet can be | | | | flange. |
| installed in about one hour. | | | | Then turn the bowl over and install a |
| Toilets can be purchased at any home | | | | wax ring gasket over the outlet of the |
| improvement store or plumbing supply | | | | bowl. This outlet is also know as the |
| center. Typically a gravity flush toilet | | | | "horn". |
| costs between $150 and $300, however the | | | | Place the bowl onto the closet flange. |
| price can double or triple for more | | | | Make sure the bowl is well seated by |
| elaborate units, such as pressure flush | | | | rocking the bowl down. Once the bowl has |
| systems. Today's toilets are mandated to | | | | been seated, place a level on it and use |
| use no more than 1.6 gallons per flush, | | | | the shims as necessary. Next, using nuts |
| where as older units used as much as 5 | | | | and washers tighten up the bolts. Note: |
| gallons. The initial 1.6 gallon toilets | | | | be careful not to over-tighten these |
| were notorious for frequently clogging, | | | | bolts as it could crack the bowl. |
| however over the past several years | | | | Next attach the tank to the bowl using |
| suppliers have improved the performance | | | | the tank bolts, nuts and washers. Again, |
| of these low water-use systems. | | | | do not over tighten. |
| Setting the Toilet | | | | Installing the Float Supply Unit |
| A toilet usually consists of two main | | | | Install the float supply unit into the |
| parts: a bowl and a tank. It is best to | | | | tank and hook up the water line to the |
| first install the bowl. Prior to seating | | | | tank inlet. Again, do not over tighten |
| the bowl, check if the closet flange has | | | | and make sure to use the washers |
| been temporarily plugged with insulation | | | | supplied. |
| or a rag to prevent sewer gases from | | | | Next, turn the supply line on and adjust |
| escaping. Remove this. Next set the bowl | | | | the float as necessary. |
| on top of the closet flange to determine | | | | Finally, caulk around the base of the |
| if it sits level. If it does not, | | | | unit and you are done. |
| prepare some shims to use later. | | | | |