At some point, we might need to install our toilet whether our old one is already broken or we simply want to update the look of our bathroom. Either way, most people think that installing a toilet is something that’s best left to the plumbers. 

While that is partially true, you can have it installed yourself by carefully following the right steps and maybe with the help of an assistant. If you decide to do it by yourself, this article will talk about the basics of toilet installation.

Equipment and Materials Needed for Installation

First of all, make sure that you have the necessary tools and materials before you begin the toilet installation process. Take note also that most toilets come with all the parts needed for installation, so you might have those handy.

Be sure that you have the following:

• Specific Tank Hardware (this comes with the toilet purchased)
• Washers
• Gaskets
• Bolts
• Wax Gaskets
• Screwdriver
• Adjustable wrench
• Flexible Supply Tubing
• Knife (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide of Installing a Toilet

Before we begin, let’s first take a brief look at the general parts of a toilet and their corresponding placement. This can help us better understand the process of installation:

Now that we have a better understanding of a toilet’s working and moving parts, let’s proceed with the installation:

1. Check the Compatibility of Your New Toilet with the Old One

This is a very important step and should not be taken for granted. Check the size of your old toilet so that you will have an idea of the compatible size for the new one. 

Measure the distance from the wall behind the toilet to the toilet’s floor bolts. The standard-size toilet measures 12 inches (30 cm) and if more than that, you may need a larger or custom toilet.

Show this measurement to the hardware store and ask for a toilet that will fit such space.

2. Turn off the Water Supply

This can be done by shutting off the water supply for the entire house or simply at the bathroom supply valve. After this, flush the old toilet to remove any remaining water and proceed with the next steps with less mess.

3. Remove the Old Toilet

For the next step, you may need a wrench to remove the nut that attaches the water line to the ball cock valve. This can be found on the left side bottom of the tank. 

After that, remove the two bolts that lock the toilet onto the floor and if the base of the toilet has caulking, carefully run a utility knife along it so you can detach it first. With the help of your friend or any assistant, you can now lift and remove the old toilet.

If you’re working by yourself without assistance from another person, you may remove the tank first by unscrewing the bolts from the inside of the tank. Then, you can lift the tank away so that you will only need to pull up the toilet base or toilet bowl later.

4. Prepare the Flange and Bolts

Once the old toilet has been removed, scrape away the nasty, old wax ring with something you can throw away like cardboard. Inspect the flange ring and its connecting bolts. 

Check the flange if it’s cracked or damaged, and use a repair kit which is available at hardwares and DIY centers if necessary. For severe damage, it is recommended to just replace the flange altogether.

If the bolts are already severely rusted, you can replace them with new bolts which often come packaged with new toilet units.

5. Position the Toilet Bolts

Put the toilet bolts or also called closet bolts on either side into the large opening on the flange with the head facing down.

Slide the bolt to the narrow end of the slot for a tight placement. 

6. Fit the Wax Ring around the Flange

Usually, newly bought toilets come with a wax ring. Put it in the center directly on the flange. If it has a sloped edge, you can place it upside down so that the narrow end of the wax ring will touch the flange.

7. Center the Toilet Base Over the Flange

With the help of another person, lift the toilet base and put it at the center over the flange, guiding the holes in its base onto the bolts. You may need to press down and rock the toilet in order to seal it to the wax ring.

8. Tighten the Bolts at the Toilet Base

With washers and nuts, tighten the bolts at the bottom holes of the toilet to secure it to the floor. You may use a wrench to do this, but remember to stop tightening as soon as the nut is snug as over tightening of the bolts may crack the toilet.

9. Attach the Tank to the Toilet Base

Place the rubber gasket onto the bottom opening of the tank. Then, attach the tank to the toilet base with the bolts extending out of the tank’s bottom and on the back of the toilet bowl.

Just like what you did on the floor bolts, tighten the connecting bolts but be careful to not overdo it. You may also alternate tightening the bolts so that you apply even pressure to them.

10. Connect the Water Supply Line

Connect the water supply line to the toilet tank. You may need a wrench to tighten one end of the supply line onto the bottom of the toilet tank and the other end onto the supply valve near the wall.

If both water connections are already snug, turn the water back on and see to it that the water is filling the toilet tank. Flush the toilet, and check around the toilet base and the water supply connections if there are leaks.

11. Caulk the Base

This step is optional as there are some arguments that caulking the entire base of the toilet can result in leaks going undetected, causing the subfloor under the toilet to rot out and fail. However, caulking the base can result in a more polished look in the bathroom. 

If you opt to caulk the base of the toilet, try using a silicone caulk for a faster cure time. You can also leave a small gap on the backside of the base in order to find leaks sooner.

Where to Buy Toilets and Parts in Brisbane

1. Bathroom Supplies

Bathroom Supplies offers expert advice and guaranteed quality of their products. It is a family-operated company that was established in 1974.

Website: https://bathroomsupplies.net.au/

Address: 1 Hudd St, Bowen Hills QLD 4006, Australia

Phone Number: +61 7 3252 2176

Email: [email protected]

Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 8AM-4PM

2. arthaus Bathroom & Kitchen

Founded in 2018, arthaus is considered as one of the leading suppliers of premium bathroom, kitchen and laundry products in Brisbane. They have a wide range of well-known European and Australian brands.

Website: https://arthausbk.com.au

Address: Level 1 | 22, Arthur St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006, Australia

Phone Number: +61 7 3252 6111

Email: [email protected]

Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9AM-5PM

3. Tile & Bathroom Super Stores

Aside from bathroom hardware, Tile & Bathroom Super Stores also offers consultation and installation. They have a vast selection of bathroom fittings as well as tiles.

Website: www.tileandbathroomsuperstores.com.au

Address: 3/270 Robinson Rd E, Geebung QLD 4034, Australia

Phone Number: +61 7 3265 4424

Email: [email protected]

Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 8AM-5PM; Saturday: 8AM-3PM

4. Bathroom & Kitchen Clearance Centre

Bathroom & Kitchen Clearance Centre is a go-to destination on Brisbane’s Northside for quality bathroom and kitchen products at clearance prices. You can visit their physical store or you can shop online, as they offer delivery Australia-wide.

Website: https://www.bathroomkitchencc.com.au/

Address: 29 Parker Ct, Pinkenba QLD 4008, Australia

Phone Number: +61 7 3633 9055

Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday: 8AM-4PM

5. Sink and Bathroom Shop

Whether you are renovating your bathroom or creating a new one, Sink and Bathroom Shop can assist you with whatever style and budget you want to work with. They have a wide range of bathroom fittings such as toilets, basins, and bathtubs.

Website: https://www.sinkandbathroomshop.com.au/

Address: 603 Logan Rd, Greenslopes QLD 4120, Australia

Phone Number: +61 7 3324 1966

Email: [email protected]

Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 9AM-4PM; Saturday: 9AM-1PM

How Much Does it Cost to Install a Toilet in Brisbane?

In Brisbane, the average hourly rate for toilet installation with minor plumbing work ranges from $88 to $92. However, this varies depending on your location and according to the plumber’s skill level.

While plumbers’ rates are based on per hour, some are able to give firm installation quotes. It may range between $150 and $250 for a relatively easy installation, but on average, the pay for toilet replacement can range from $300 to $400.

If you are replacing a more complex unit like a wall hung toilet, you may have to pay more. On the other hand, if you are installing a new toilet, the cost can go up to over $500. If there is major plumbing work, it will also determine the final installation cost.

One good tip is to get at least three quotes and compare the costs before hiring a professional service. Hiring such services typically covers all tasks that allow you to have a fully-functioning toilet such as the following: 

• Removing the old toilet
• Installing the new toilet
• Fitting a new toilet seat

Price Guide for Different Types of Toilets and Parts

Here’s a price guide for the different types of toilets and toilet parts in Brisbane. Take note that new toilet units typically come with other integral parts such as wax rings, flange, wax gaskets, bolts, and even washers.

Main Types of Toilets

There are different types of toilets available in the market right now and they come in various designs, shapes, sizes, and sanitation. They also vary in cost and so, it is better if you know about these different types to know which one best suits your home.

With the variations of the different types of toilets also come different installation processes. Here, we will explore the three main types of toilets:

Wall Hung

As the name suggests, wall hung toilets hang on the wall without the need for a pedestal. Its toilet bowl is directly mounted to the wall while the tank is installed inside the wall, allowing this type of toilet to take up less space.

While wall hung toilets are commonly seen in public bathrooms and corporate buildings, they are becoming popular in residential uses as well. In terms of appearance, it gives a modern look to any bathroom and can add visuals to enlarge the look of a room.

One of the advantages of this type is that you can decide the exact height the unit will set since it will be just mounted on the wall. Moreover, it uses a direct water supply and no more filling a tank, which means cost-saving since less water is being used.

Back to Wall

Back to wall toilets are almost the same as wall hung toilets, but instead, they are fixed to the floor and not suspended from a wall. It is also space-saving since its cistern and pipes are hidden behind the wall or a furniture unit. 

No wonder many people opt for back to wall toilet style as it produces an aesthetically-pleasing bathroom with its sleek design. Today, these are available in the market from contemporary and modern styles to suit individual tastes.

Close Coupled

Close coupled toilets are considered the most popular type of toilet and can be seen in almost any household today. It has a cistern which is located directly behind the toilet bowl, connecting it into one compact unit.

It can be flushed using a handle or push button which is located on the cistern and then, the water goes straight from the cistern into the bowl. These are manufactured in both modern and traditional designs, ensuring that this type of toilet can suit any bathroom.

Given the necessary tools, materials, and right knowledge, most homeowners can install their toilets all by themselves. It’s a great DIY project that could save you a few hundred dollars.

However, consider hiring a professional toilet installation service in Brisbane for the best techniques of toilet installation. With such services, you are ensured that the job is accomplished to perfection and some even offer a one-year labor warranty.