Putting in a New Toilet

This how to install a toilet guide makes an attempt to cover all toilet pan styles, but we always recommend that you consult your toilet manufacturer's instructions before beginning to use our guide. This section of the 'how to' is solely intended to assist you in fitting a toilet pan to an existing location; if you are unsure of anything, please consult a plumber or an expert.

Step 1 Calculate and add the wax ring

Whether you're reinstalling an old toilet after removing it or building a new toilet from scratch, you'll need to measure and mark the drill holes to secure your loo. Remove the soil cover and replace the wax ring if your toilet has an outlet underneath rather than at the back of the toilet.

Step 2 Connect the toilet after removing the soil pipe cover.

Whether you're reinstalling an old toilet after removing it or building a new toilet from scratch, you'll need to measure and mark the drill holes to secure your loo. Remove the soil cover and replace the wax ring if your toilet has an outlet underneath rather than at the back of the toilet.

Step 3 Fixing the toilet to the ground

After connecting the toilet to the soil pipe, secure it to the floor by screwing in the bolts. Screw each bolt in half at first, then carefully tighten each one. It is critical not to overtighten these bolts as this can crack the toilet pan, so proceed with caution.

Some toilets have two or four screws that go into the floor, while others have l-shaped brackets that are fixed to the floor and hidden inside the toilet base. Screws are then inserted from the outside into these brackets. For additional assistance in securing your toilet to the floor, refer to the instructions for your specific toilet.

Simply follow these steps to install an L-shaped clamp on a toilet:

• Connect the toilet to the soil pipe and push it back against the wall• Use a pencil to mark the holes on the floor• Disconnect the toilet and turn it upside down• Loosely fit the screws through the toilet and into the L shape brackets and measure the distance between the two holes with a tape measure • Measure the distance between the two original floor markings and divide the result by 2, then mark the center of the two floor markings. • Start with your original measurement between the two L brackets and work your way outwards from the center mark to both original floor markings. • Mark these locations on the floor because this is where you will attach your L-shaped brackets.

• Using your new markings, secure your brackets to the floor.

*Note - We'll want to use silicone to create a seal around the base of the toilet pan, but first we'll install the cistern and only then will we seal the toilet to the floor.

Step 4 Putting in the cistern tank

This guide tries to cover every toilet cistern, but we can't walk you through the installation of a concealed cistern because it will require additional work; in this case, we strongly advise you to hire a professional.

The following are some of the cistern types that you may need to install:

• Close Coupled Toilet Cistern - This cistern is very close to the toilet. That is how this toilet got its name. • Low Level Toilet Cistern - A traditional style cistern for traditional toilets; low level cisterns are usually fixed just above the pan and have a gap between them and the pan.

• High Level Toilet Cistern - Another traditionally styled cistern for a traditional toilet; high level cisterns are installed high up on the wall above the pan and require access via a step or step ladder.

When you unpack your cistern, you will find all of the necessary connections, screws, bolts, and bits, as well as a seal. Most cisterns can be attached to the wall, so inspect your cistern and grab a tape measure.

Putting in a close-coupled cistern

A close coupled cistern is one of the simplest and most common cisterns to install. This cistern is typically secured by two bolts with square ends and sits on top of your close coupled toilet pan. Insert them into the fixings on either side of the seal on the underside of your cistern, or wherever your instructions direct. When you flush your toilet, water will pass from the cistern into the pan through a hole in the top of the pan (usually in the center). Place your seal over this hole. Now, carefully place your cistern over the pan, making sure all of the screws are lined up. Tighten the screws that hold the cistern to the pan with your nuts/wingnuts; this can be a fiddly process, so try to be patient. The cistern will need to be fixed to the wall; however, this is only to keep the cistern in place and will not require much work.

Putting in low-level or high-level cisterns

The procedure differs slightly for low and high level toilets and may necessitate the assistance of a professional. Because these cisterns differ from one another, always follow the instructions that came with your product. Mark your drill holes after measuring your cistern against the walls. Check the piping for alignment with your toilet and use a spirit level to ensure the cistern is level. Because your water supply pipe is usually located above the cistern, we recommend hiring a professional to assist you with this installation.

Step 5 Connect the cistern to the water pipe.

Connect the water pipe to the cistern and tighten with a wrench until it's snug. If your cistern is connected to the toilet, such as a close coupled toilet, you must connect it to the toilet using the nuts and washers provided. A small amount of sealant applied where the bolt meets the cistern will provide additional waterproofing.

Step 6 Check for leaks by turning on the water.

When everything is in place and secure, turn on the water and wait for the cistern to fill. Check for any cistern leaks before flushing the toilet. Check the seals for any leaks and keep some old towels on hand in case of a problem.

That's all there is to it; your toilet installation is finished.