How to Install a Toilet

By: Scott Gibson, This Old House magazine

Shopping List

Supplies You Will Need

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 5/8-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

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Tools List
Tools You Will Need
- Propane torch
- Striker,
  to light torch
- Tubing cutters
- Tubing benders
- Adjustable wrench or open-end wrenches
- Drill/driver
- Hacksaw
- Jigsaw
- Handsaw,
  or inside pipe cutter
- Level
- Screwdriver
- Tape measure
- Utility knife
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Photo: David Carmack

7. Finishing Touches

Position the seat assembly over the bowl, then insert the plastic bolts through the seat back and the bowl's seat holes; tighten the nuts by hand.

Turn on the main supply line, open the stop valve, and allow the tank to fill. Flush six times. Check for leaks.