article

Replacing Your Toilet

By Bluehammer Admin

The work horse of the bathroom, the toilet is the most used appliance. The following are some helpful tips when it comes time to replace your toilet.

When is it Time to Replace my Toilet?

Unlike electric appliances, toilets do not have many moving parts to break and most are made out of porcelain, a durable material. Many people choose to replace their toilets for other reasons such as looks or to switch to a water saving model.

Cost Factors of Replacing Your Toilet

The biggest factor in the project cost of replacing your toilet is the cost of the appliance itself. Toilets come in many quality options from economy to designer. Below are the main cost factors in the project of replacing your toilet.

  • Removal of the old toilet
  • Purchase, delivery and installation of the new toilet
  • Replacing the assembly and toilet seat
  • Replacing water supply lines and angle stop (if necessary)

Should I Replace My Toilet or Try to Repair it?

Unless you have visible cracks, toilet issues are usually fixable depending on how willing you are to troubleshoot. Most toilet types are gravity-fed and you can replace the entire refill-valve (ball-cock assembly) in under 30 minutes. If you have a pressure assisted toilet it is a longer process and you might want to look into hiring a plumber if you are unsure about doing it yourself.

Replacing Your Gravity-Fed Toilet

Follow the steps below to replace your toilet

  • Turn off the waterYou don't need to turn your water off at the main source when replacing your toilet. You can simply turn off the water at the angle stop from the wall behind your toilet.
  • Remove the refill tube from the overflow pipe in the tank. Remove the lid from the tank to get to the refill tube. Once removed, drain the water from the tank (a shop vac can help here if you have one). It is good to have some towels on hand when draining the water.
  • Disconnect the water supply line and flapper chainThis will disconnect everything from your tank
  • Remove the toilet from the floor.Your toilet is bolted to the floor, remove the caps over the bolts and unscrew the nuts with a wrench. Remove the toilet carefully as to not scrape your floor. When finished, remove the wax ring and clean the area.
  • Install the wax ring on the new toilet and re-assemble the new components.Follow the steps in reverse to install your new toilet. Make sure it is level before you screw it to the ground.
  • Re-attach your water lines, turn on the water and testMake sure there is no water leaking and test the appliance for operation.

Want to estimate your home improvement costs before talking with a contractor? Claim your home for free with bluehammer to estimate costs, secure your home inventory and learn more about your home.

* THIS REPORT IS AN OPINION THAT MAY BE INACCURATE AND IS PROVIDED SOLELY AS AN INFORMATIONAL TOOL NOT DESIGNED TO PROVIDE DEFINITIVE ANSWERS. ALL ELEMENTS ARE OFFERED "AS IS" AND BLUEBOOK EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES, REPRESENTATIONS, AND GUARANTEES OF ANY NATURE, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABLITILY, NONINFRINGEMENT, TITLE, QUIET ENJOYMENT, ACCURACY, OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL BLUEBOOK (OR THEIR SUPPLIERS) BE LIABLE FOR ANY GENERAL, DIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, OR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, THOSE RESULTING FROM USE OF THE PRODUCT, INCLUDING : (1) RELIANCE ON THE MATERIALS PRESENTED, (2) COSTS OF REPLACEMENT GOODS, (3) LOSS OF USE, DATA OR PROFITS, (4) DELAYS OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTIONS, (5) AND ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OR PERFORMANCE OF INFORMATION) WHETHER OR NOT BLUEBOOK HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

Know what you should pay for your home improvement projects with bluehammer.Claim your home. It's free!

Popular


Is Your Furnace Affecting Your Indoor Air Quality?

The push to make our houses as energy-efficient as possible has, in some cases, led to unintended consequences. Because modern houses are less drafty due to tighter-fitting windows, doors and weather stripping, pollutants that were vented in the past are trapped inside. Most of the pollutants are relatively harmless, but some can be dangerous, and they all contribute to what some people call "sick house syndrome."

Five Easy Ways To Remake Your Fireplace

It's chilly out there! You've probably got your heat cranked up and the fireplace on. And, chances are you're staring at that fireplace and thinking of all the things you'd like to change.

Trend Alert: Convert a Dresser or Vintage Desk Into a Unique Bathroom Vanity

It's one of Houzz's deign trends for 2017, and it gives you a chance to express your style, add a character piece to your home, and maybe even save some money at the same time. It's the bathroom vanity conversion, and it just might inspire you to make a change for the better.

Condo Renovations: Making The Most Of Your Space

In real estate, nothing ever stays the same. In Toronto, the types of condo buyers are constantly changing, says real estate agent Cynthia Goodchild of Royal LePage Real Estate Services, Johnston and Daniel Division.

Maintaining Your Hot Water Heater

Water heaters generally have a lifespan of 8-12 years, but as with anything, the better care you take of it, the longer it will last. There are several easy "set it and forget it" tips that you can use with your water heater, like keeping the thermostat at 120 degrees, and always maintain two feet of clearance around the appliance. You can also conserve money on your gas bill by setting your heater to its "vacation" setting when leaving town. This will keep the pilot light going without heating the water.

Inspired Ways To Create A Guest Space When You Don't Have A Guest Room

Not all of us are blessed with enough bedrooms to accommodate every member of the family plus a home office and a man cave and a theater room and a guest space. And, it's that last one that often ends up as a challenge when friends and family come to visit and you either have to break out the blow-up bed or give up your room and hunker down with the kids. You don't need to add on or buy a new home to provide a comfortable space for guests. These smart solutions will help you create a great space for guests with minimal effort.

The First-Time Homebuyer's Guide To Grown-Up Furniture

You just bought your first home. Congratulations: You're an adult! Now it's time to fill it up. But if you were planning to pack up those ratty old beanbag chairs and the bed that awakens you with a morning backache and move them to your new place, we have a few suggestions. It's time for a grown-up upgrade. Here's where to start.

Renovations to Make Aging at Home Easier

As you or your loved one ages, your home may need to be adapted to accommodate lifestyle changes, accessibility and independence. Over 41% of individuals plan to stay in their own homes until the age of 81 or older. It is important to make gradual adaptations to your home as you age to allow for maneuverability. When remodeling to age at home, start early and plan ahead. It is cheaper to do small renovations one at a time than an entire home overhaul overnight.

How To Score A Deal On Home Appliances

Who doesn't dream of a kitchen full of shiny, new appliances. Raise your hand if you want a new refrigerator, dishwasher, oven, microwave - and, hey, let's throw in a washer and dryer, too - but don't want to pay top dollar for them. The expense is definitely a bummer when it comes to buying new, but you don't have to go broke to get what you want. Use a few tips and tricks to get a great deal.

Tips For Decorating Rooms That Are Long And Narrow

Distract attention away from an awkward room shape and create a pleasing design using these pro tips.

See More Articles