When and How to Replace Your Toilet

There are few emergencies more frustrating than a broken toilet. You can hire a plumbing contractor to fix your toilet if the damage is extensive, or you may even try to do it yourself. However, if the damage is too great, you may need to replace the toilet entirely. Although it is usually a better idea to get your local plumber to do this for you, if you fancy giving it a go yourself, here is quick guide to replacing a toilet.

Know When to Replace Your Toilet

When should you replace your toilet? You may just want to change it for design reasons to give your bathroom a makeover. However, there are other reasons why you may want to change it.

For example, you may want to reduce the amount of water you use. Some older toilets use a lot more water than they need to, so a new toilet can help you to cut your water bill and help the environment at the same time.

Your toilet may not be working properly. For example, it could be clogging up on a regular basis. This can be very frustrating and it is not pleasant to keep on unclogging it.

Alternatively, you may need to make extensive repairs on the toilet. If you need to replace the handle, the fill valve and lots of other things, it may just be easier to buy a new one. If it is old and constantly breaking, the hassle may be more frustrating than it's worth.

Cracks in the porcelain can also be a sign to replace it. Even small cracks in the bowl or tank could indicate a real problem, so it is often a good idea to replace it before the cracks become larger.

How to Replace Your Toilet

If you decide to replace your toilet, measure up for a new one while the old one is still in place. Simply measure from the wall to the center of the toilet base, and then take the measurement with you when you buy a new one.

Then you will need to remove the old toilet. Start by turning off the water supply, and then disconnect the toilet tank and empty the water from the toilet. The bowl and the tank can then be disconnected, so undo the bolts and simply remove them separately.

At the base there will be caulking, so cut it away and then remove the wax ring. If you have any difficulties, get your local plumbing contractor to come along and help you to avoid any further problems.

Once you have chosen your new toilet, make sure you buy all of the required components along with it. Then, follow the same steps as you did when you took out the old toilet. So, fix the closet bolts and wax ring, secure the bowl, install the tank and connect the water supply. And again, of course, if you encounter any issues with the installation call your plumbing contractor to help you out.

Replace Your Toilet Yourself

Replacing a toilet is quite a serious DIY job and it is not recommended for anyone who does not have at least some knowledge. However, if you want to avoid having to call out a plumbing contractor to sort out your new toilet for you, keep the above guide in mind and attack the challenge of fitting your new toilet yourself.

Sarah Saadoun works for HMS Plumbing, a family-owned business in Manassas, Northern Virginia. If you need a plumbing contractor, Herve and his dedicated employees at HMS are proud to be serving the plumbing needs of Northern Virginia residents and businesses. For reliable Fairfax plumbers HMS Plumbing is your first choice.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.