How Long Does It Take To Install A Toilet? This is a question you might be asking yourself when you are installing a new toilet. So here we are with an answer to that with in-depth detail.
The amount of time required to install a toilet depends on the amount of work needed. Installing a toilet in your new bathroom or simply replacing an old one requires less time and effort. But it can take longer if there are leaks or something broken needs to be fixed.
If you are good at your DIY skills and have access to all the tools required for the job, you can install a toilet without breaking the bank. Otherwise, you have to call a plumber to install the toilet for you.
So let us get started on How Long Does It Take To Install A Toilet? And what steps are required from buying to installing a new toilet?
Buying the Correct Type of Toilet
Before you go out and buy a toilet, it is necessary to know which type fits your bathroom. The two main types are wall hung, and floor mounted. You should select a toilet type according to the plumbing and bathroom dimensions.
Make sure you have all the bathroom measurements and plumbing for a perfect fit. Carefully take measurements of your bathroom dimensions and plumbing, such as the rough-in. Rough-in is the distance from the wall to the center of the toilet drain.
Toilet Installation Step Wise
Once you have sourced a new toilet for your bathroom, you should follow the below steps to install it in your bathroom.
1. Turn off the water supply
Before starting the toilet installation, the first and foremost thing to do is to turn off the water supply. If the water supply is not cut off, it will flood the whole bathroom once the supply line is removed. This will result in extra hours of cleaning and removing water.
2. Remove the old toilet
After the water supply is turned off, the next step is to carefully remove the old toilet. If your toilet is a two-piece design, you should empty the water tank and detach the supply line, followed by removing the water tank bolts. Then carefully place the water tank safely to prevent it from shattering. After that, unscrew the floor bolts and remove the bowl.
On the other hand, a one-piece toilet requires removing floor bolts and detaching the water supply line. Although single-piece toilets are heavier, you might need a helping hand to remove them. In all, removing an old toilet should require about an hour.
3. Inspect the floor
It is better to inspect the floor beneath the old toilet after removing it. If the floor is spongy and feels wet on touch, you should remove the subflooring, the floor cover and replace it. This fix can roughly take about 3 – 4 days. If you don’t encounter any floor leaks, then you are good to go.
4. Check the Flange
Once the old toilet is out of the way, you can have access to the flange, and it’s time to inspect it for wear and tear. You should buy and install a new flange in the following two scenarios:
- If you find cracks and signs of corrosion on the old flange.
- If your toilet was leaking water from the base or was rocking back and forth.
Inspecting and replacing the flange can take an hour or two, depending on the amount of work required.
5. Replace the wax ring
Before installing the shiny new toilet, it is better to add a new wax ring on top of the flange. Though adding a new wax ring requires a few minutes, removing the old wax ring might take a while. Don’t expect the old wax ring to come apart in one piece; rather, you have to work it out and clean the old wax.
6. Installing the new toilet
Once the flange and wax ring is added, carefully place the new toilet in place. After that, fasten the new bolts using a wrench and install the water supply line to the water tank. It should be noted that a two-piece toilet requires its water tank to be fitted after the bowl is fastened to the floor.
If there is a gap between the floor and the base of the toilet bowl, you can seal it using some caulk. It should take not more than half an hour to install the replacement toilet.
7. Time to test the new toilet
Once you are finished installing the new toilet, it’s time to put it to the test. Begin the trial by opening the water valve and see if the water tank is filling in properly. Once the water tank is filled, flush the toilet a few times to ensure there are no leaks and the toilet flushes properly. You are all set to use your new toilet if all is well.
Professional vs. DIY Installation
Every repair job at home leaves you scratching your head on whether to hire professional help or do it yourself. The same is the case with toilet installation. If you happen to have all the tools, good DIY skills, and time to spare, you can have a go at installing a new toilet.
On the other hand, hiring a professional plumber is the best option if you lack DIY skills. A professional plumber will install the toilet properly, ensuring everything works fine. Even though it might cost you some money, it would be a better option after all.
How Long Does It Take To Install A Toilet?
So to answer this question, if all goes well without any serious repair or setback, a toilet installation requires a few hours. But if you are installing a toilet by yourself, it might take a bit longer than a professional plumber.
Hello there! My name is Sourav Biswas and this is my blog. For the last 8 years, I’ve worked as a plumber. So in this area, I may state that my knowledge is top-notch.
Since I was a kid, I’ve wanted to write. It looks like a fantastic way to bring my passions together and share my information with others. So, I am a publisher on Amazon & Medium.
After considering all of this, I decided to compile my own reviews on items with which I have prior expertise. In my opinion, providing consumers with a wealth of information will assist them in making better decisions when purchasing goods for themselves.
