How to Install a Toilet

1. 1

   Shut off water and drain

   Close the supply valve, flush, sponge out the tank and bowl until dry.

2. 2

   Disconnect and remove

   Unscrew supply line, remove nuts from floor bolts, rock and lift the old toilet off. Cap the drain with a rag to block sewer gas.

3. 3

   Prep the flange

   Scrape old wax off. Check the flange is level with or ¼" above the finished floor — use a flange extender if it's recessed.

4. 4

   Set the wax ring and bowl

   Press a new wax ring on the flange. Lower the bowl straight down onto the bolts, don't rock (breaks the seal). Press firmly to compress.

5. 5

   Tighten bolts alternately

   Snug the bolts a quarter turn at a time, alternating sides. Stop when the bowl doesn't move — over-tightening cracks porcelain.

6. 6

   Mount the tank, connect supply, test

   Bolt the tank to the bowl per instructions. Attach the supply line, open the valve, and flush 3 times watching for leaks at the base and supply.

Safety note: this guide is educational. Always follow local building codes, pull required permits, and hire a licensed pro for structural, electrical, gas or plumbing work when in doubt.