By Mike Nelson
Toilet Replacement
Hello Neighbors! This issue’s column goes back to its roots: easy repairs around the house that almost anyone can tackle themselves. Let’s begin with something that I’ll go out on a limb and say that everyone reading this has in their house – the toilet.
Dollars and Sense
These days, water-efficient modern toilets are more affordable than ever. If your toilet seems to constantly give you problems or you want to save a huge amount of water, it might be time to replace it. Denver Water has extended the $125 rebate for high efficiency toilets (“HET’s” - those that use 1.28 gallons per flush). Unlike the Xcel Energy rebate for attic insulation, the Denver Water rebate allows homeowners to replace toilets themselves and still qualify for rebates. There are many models of HET’s available, just be sure to compare “flush ratings” to be sure and buy one that works well. We put in two HET’s just after the holidays last year, and have been nothing but impressed by their performance. With the rebates, our net cost was about $50 for both. When buying your HET, be sure to get an itemized receipt showing the toilet’s model. You’ll need it for the rebate.
Step-by-Step
Believe it or not, replacing a toilet is easy, if you have a few simple tools and materials. Here’s what you’ll need: an adjustable wrench, a pair of slip-joint pliers (a.k.a. channel-locks), a putty knife, disposable latex gloves, and a few rags and towels. Some toilets even come with new floor bolts and a new wax ring, but be sure to check the package. Ask a salesperson if you’re not sure.
Start by turning off the water at the shut-off valve below the toilet. Turn the valve handle clockwise to turn off the water. If the valve handle is stuck, carefully use your pliers to assist in turning it. If you don’t have a shut-off valve, or the water won’t quite shut off, you may have to use your main shut-off instead. Once the water is off, hold down the flash handle until the tank drains completely. If you have a shop-vac handy, suck out the remaining water from the tank and bowl. Next, remove the water line from the toilet tank. If you have strong hands, you might be able to turn the large nut under the tank by hand, otherwise use your pliers. Place one of your towels underneath to catch the water that will spill out. If you have an old solid metal water line, now’s the time to replace it, odds are it won’t work with the new toilet anyway. Your neighborhood hardware store will have the new line you need. Next, pop the tops off the caps on the floor bolts, and use your adjustable wrench to remove the nuts and washers that are holding the toilet to the floor. At this point, you’re ready to lift the toilet out. I like to cut a strip of cardboard from the new toilet’s package and lay it down in the bathtub, then lift the old toilet and set it in the tub. Unless you removed all the water from the toilet, there will be some spillage, so do your best to contain it in the tub, and mop up the rest with the towels you have on hand. Once in the tub, rock the toilet front to back, to slosh out the remaining water in the bowl before taking it outside. Toilets are heavy, especially the older ones, so get a friend to help. This will be a bonding experience that you’ll both cherish for years to come.
Finishing the Job
Use your putty knife and remove the old wax from the floor opening. Wear your gloves, the wax is very sticky. Clean up the opening as best as you can. Place the new wax ring on the new toilet, and carefully set it over the opening, guiding the bolts through the holes. Press the toilet down, using your body weight. Follow the directions to complete the assembly and installation. There are some variations from model to model, so I won’t attempt to cover them here. When installing the new water line, use a flexible braided-type assembly, and don’t over-tighten the fittings. The seals are rubber, and don’t need to be tightened more than about one turn past hand-tight. Be sure to check for leaks when you turn the water back on. Once it’s all together, give it a couple of flushes and check for leaks around the base. If all is dry, you’re good to go, as they say.
Next issue we’ll cover some common toilet repairs, in case you’re not ready to part with the old flagship just yet.
In closing, a sad farewell to Fairfax Hardware. For many years, they were there to provide products and advice for Mayfair residents. They will be sorely missed, and I wish the owners all the best in the future.
Mike Nelson lives in Mayfair. If you have any home repair questions, or suggestions for future columns, email them to Mike
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