Help me find a new toilet?

Question

I want to install a new toilet myself. I see on lowes and home depot websites that they range in price. What considerations do I need to know, and or make about buying one. Is this something (having never done it before) that I should buy and attempt myself?

Answer 1

It you're at all handy, you can do it yourself. It's not that difficult and there are good instructions on line. This is assuming you're just replacing one, using the same plumbing.

Before buying the new toilet, measure the distance from the rearmost bowl hold-down bolts to the wall behind the toilet. This is called the toilet's rough-in. Most toilets are designed with a 12" rough-in, but some are 10 inches.

You'd have to remove the old one, just turn off the water and disconnect it. Then unscrew it from the floor and take the old one outta there. Stuff a rag or an old towel in the hole so the sewer gas doesn't get to you.

When you install a new one, one thing they don't mention is that when you attach it to the floor (to the flange), don't tighten the screws very tight, just snug them up. There is usually a bit of a gap from the floor to the toilet and if you tighten it too much you'll either break the flange or the toilet.

Yeah, be careful not to break the toilet! They're made of virtuous china. The same kind of ceramic dinnerware is made from.

Take a look at the sites below. They'll be a big help.

Also contact your local water utility. Many places have rebates for installing new low flush toilets. Where I live they gave me $100 towards a new one (which only cost me about $80).

Good luck.

Answer 2

Stan S good post. Especially on the rebate!

Answer 3

You can buy and attempt installing it yourself, get rid of the present toilet, get the proper water connection and ring to prevent odor seeping into the bathroom. and save a few bucks. Lowe's and Home Depot both have a variety as well as your local plumbing supply house. Scan the House Beautiful magazine along with other home journals to determine the trend. You may also want to change your wash basin. Good luck in the changeover.