Introduction

If your trusty toilet has developed cracks or leaks, uses far too much water per flush, or is simply a shade of baby blue not seen in 20 years, it may be time to replace it. You might consider this a good time to put in a call to the plumber, but it can be all in a day's work for a reasonably handy do-it-yourselfer. It's not for the weak, since toilets are heavy and unwieldy, but if you have a strong back (or a sturdy assistant) you can save yourself the cost of a house call by installing it yourself.

Here, we asked This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey to show how to install a new toilet. The time required varies, but give yourself half a day if you’ve got a lot of experience with plumbing jobs, and a full day if you’re a novice.

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    Tools List

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    • propane torch
      Propane torch
    • striker
      Striker,
      to light torch
    • tubing cutter
      Tubing cutters
    • tube bender
      Tubing benders
    • adjustable wrench
      Adjustable wrench or open-end wrenches
    • drill
      Drill/driver
    • hack saw
      Hacksaw
    • jigsaw
      Jigsaw
    • hand saw
      Handsaw,
      or inside pipe cutter
    • two-foot level
      Level
    • ratcheting screwdriver
      Screwdriver
    • 16-foot tape measure
      Tape measure
    • utility knife
      Utility knife

    Shopping List

    Close
    1. TOILET BOWL AND TANK

    2. WAX RING

    3. WIRE-BRUSH PIPE CLEANER

    4. TEFLON PASTE pipe dope

    5. PVC PRIMER

    6. PVC CEMENT

    7. FLUX

    8. WAX RINGS with and without integrated rubber gasket

    9. CHROMED BRASS SUPPLY LINE

    10. CLOSET BOLTS, WASHERS, AND NUTS

    11. STOP VALVE

    12. LEAD-FREE SOLDER

    13. CLOSET BOLT CAPS

    14. NO. 10 1 ⅝-INCH STAINLESS STEEL SCREWS

    15. STAINLESS STEEL WASHERS for shimming

    16. TANK BOLTS WITH WASHERS AND NUTS

    17. SEAT ASSEMBLY

    18. SMALL BUCKET

    19. RAGS