REPLACING A CLOSE-COUPLE TOILET
August 1 2010
Replacing a toilet is a straightforward task and can be achieved easily as the waste pipes and supply are already in position.
The most common toilets, fitted today are close-couple toilets with an internal overflow which mean one less pipe to worry about.
Step 1
Before a new toilet is installed, the first action would be to turn off the isolating valve, this will stop the water supply to your toilet (not all toilets have this, if this is the case for you, then the main stop cock would need to be turned off, this is mainly situated in the kitchen or placed outside the house/flat).
Step 2
Once the valve has been isolated, you will need to disconnect the pipe from the cistern this would be achieved by using an adjustable spanner.
Step 3
Now it's time to move the toilet out. Make sure there is no screws in the base of the toilet, if so remove them with a screwdriver.
Step 4
Move the toilet slowly as to not damage the soil stack. When doing this take care with your back as all toilets can be VERY HEAVY, to lighten this load disconnect the cistern from the toilet by unscrewing the wing nuts underneath the cistern and take out one at a time be aware and careful as these may still have water in them.
Step 5
Now that this has all been removed, the next step is to connect the new cistern with the new toilet. Some new toilets come ready made with all the necessary bits all in place, you will find all you will need to do is to put the cistern onto the toilet with the supplied nuts and bolts.
Step 6
Time to install the new toilet in the existing position. Line up the soil stack with the pan connecter and slowly move it into place being extra careful not to damage the soil stack. Once in place, re-connect the water supply, this is done the same way as disconnecting the pipe (see step 4) being extra careful not to damage the thread on the new inlet pipe. Fix into place with supplied screws and turn the water back on to test for leaks and to ensure that the toilet flows properly.
