Did you know that over 50% of Americans have never replaced their toilet?
That’s right, folks. 50% of households in the United States use toilets at least 15 years old. And while these toilets are still functional and can last another decade with proper maintenance, they’re not doing their job as efficiently as they should be—and they’re costing you money in water and energy bills!
The toilet is one of the most important parts of your home—without it, your home would be uninhabitable. It is a bathroom fixture used largely for the disposal of human liquid and solid waste, and it’s definitely one of those things you shouldn’t skimp on if you want to keep your house in good condition.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), an average American household uses about 50 gallons per day for flushing toilets and another 15 gallons per day for other purposes like washing dishes and clothes, etcetera.
If your toilet is old or broken, it can be a little bit intimidating to know where to start when it comes time to replace it.
Luckily, we’re here to help!
This guide will walk you through the process of how to install a new toilet that will last for years. We’ll cover everything from when you should replace your old toilet to some essential tips for replacing the old toilet.
When Should You Replace Your Old Toilet?
You might be surprised to learn that an old toilet is one of the most common causes of plumbing problems. As your toilet ages, it can develop leaks, cracks, and other severe damage that can lead to major water damage in your home.
Here are eight signs that it’s time to replace your old toilet:
Constant leaks
We’ve got a warning: if your toilet leaks, it’s time to replace it.
The first sign that you need a new toilet is when you start to see water leaking from the base of the bowl. This can be caused by cracks or damage in the bowl itself, and it indicates that your toilet can no longer contain all of its contents properly.
If you see any signs of leaks, it’s important to act quickly—the longer you wait, the more likely it will be that your toilet will start to leak onto the floor. If this happens once or twice, it may not seem like a big deal—but if it’s happening regularly and consistently? That’s a sign that something needs attention ASAP!
Cracks or damage
If there are cracks in or around your toilet bowl or tank, or if there are pieces missing from any part of the toilet or its plumbing system, then this could mean that there is damage underneath (or even inside) the bowl itself that needs to be repaired before further damage occurs.
Frequent clogs
If your toilet is constantly getting clogged, or if you have to plunge it multiple times per day, that could be a sign that your toilet needs replacing. It may be time for new parts or just a general overhaul.
High water consumption
High water consumption can lead to problems with septic systems and even expensive repairs later on down the line. If you notice an increase in your water bill, or if your toilets seem to be running all day long, consider replacing them with newer models that use less water per flush.
Bad odor
If your toilet has an unpleasant odor upon flushing, this could be a sign that something is wrong with its internal workings—or worse yet, that there are bugs inside! These are both reasons why you should replace your old toilet as soon as possible so they don’t spread through the rest of your home!
Outdated design
If your toilet was designed in the 1970s or 1980s, it’s time to replace it. The old-fashioned design of these toilets is not only unattractive, but it can also be inefficient and impractical. You may need to use much more water than necessary to flush the toilet and eliminate waste. If you’ve noticed that your toilet doesn’t seem to be flushing as well as it used to, it might be time for an upgrade.
In addition, outdated toilets often don’t have many features that make them more environmentally friendly. Old toilets don’t have mechanisms that help reduce unwanted odors from emanating from the bowl or trapway. In addition, they use more water than newer models because they were designed before low-flush technology became popularized.
Aging components
The average lifespan of a toilet is 15-20 years (depending on how many people use it), but if any of its components are starting to show their age—such as cracks or rusting around bolts—it may be time to consider new toilet installation.
Personal preference
The last sign that it’s time to replace your old toilet is a personal preference. Do you like the way it looks? Does it smell funny? Does it make too much noise when you flush? If so, it might be time to consider replacing it with a new toilet that suits your tastes and needs better!
Step-by-Step Toilet Replacement Guide
Replacing a toilet involves several steps, and following them carefully is important to ensure a successful installation. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Gather Tools & Supplies
A toilet replacement is a big job, but it’s not impossible. Here’s what you’ll need to make sure the job goes smoothly:
1. A new toilet
2. Rubber gloves
3. A bucket or basin
4. A screwdriver with an adjustable head (to fit various screw sizes)
5. A pair of pliers with wire cutters (for removing old fittings)
6. A new wax ring
7. New lid, tank, and fill valves for your toilet
8. Plumber’s putty or caulk
9. A wrench and pliers
Measure for the New Toilet
The first step in measuring your bathroom for a new toilet is to find the right height for your new toilet. The American Standard Guide for Home Plumbing recommends sitting on the toilet with your knees bent at a 90-degree angle. If you’re still looking at the floor, then you need to raise the toilet.
Measure from the floor to where you want the top of your new toilet seat to be. This will give you the rough height of the seat, but you’ll also need to measure from there down to where it hits the base—this is what will determine how big of an opening you have for water flow. This measurement will help you choose which type of toilet seat is right for your bathroom.
Remove Old Toilet
The time has come.
It’s time to remove that old toilet.
No more will you have to worry about whether or not it’s clean enough, if it looks dirty, or if any of your friends might notice and make fun of you for using it.
You can stop worrying about the toilet because you’re about to get rid of it. Follow these steps to remove your old toilet:
- Turn off the water supply: Locate the shut-off valve behind the toilet and turn it clockwise to shut off the water supply.
- Flush the toilet: Flush the toilet to empty the tank and remove most of the water from the bowl. Use a sponge or towels to soak up any remaining water in the tank and bowl.
- Disconnect the water supply line: Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the nut connecting the water supply line to the toilet tank’s bottom. Once loose, carefully remove the supply line.
- Remove the tank: Unscrew the bolts attaching the tank to the bowl. Hold the tank while removing the bolts to prevent it from falling. Once the bolts are removed, lift the tank off the bowl and set it aside.
- Disconnect the toilet bowl: Remove the caps covering the bolts at the toilet bowl’s base. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen and remove the nuts securing the closet bolts. When you remove the nuts, gently rock the bowl back and forth to break the seal between the floor and the toilet.
- Remove the old wax ring: Lift the old toilet bowl straight up to detach it from the wax ring. Inspect the wax ring and replace it with a new one if it appears worn or damaged. Scrape off any remaining wax residue from the flange (the pipe opening on the floor) using a putty knife.
Install A New Toilet
Now that you have successfully removed your old toilet, it’s time to install a brand new toilet and do some bathroom makeover. Here’s how to install a toilet:
- Prepare the new toilet: Read the manufacturer’s instructions for your new toilet. Assemble any required parts according to the instructions, including attaching the wax ring to the bottom of the toilet bowl.
- Position the new toilet: Carefully lower the new toilet bowl onto the flange, aligning the closet bolts with the holes at the base of the toilet. Apply even pressure to seat the wax ring and create a watertight seal. Do not rock the toilet once it is placed.
- Secure the toilet: Using a wrench, place washers, and nuts onto the closet bolts and tighten them evenly. Be cautious not to overtighten, as it could crack the toilet.
- Attach the tank: Set the tank onto the bowl, lining up the bolt holes. Insert bolts via the holes and secure them with nuts and washers. Don’t forget to tighten them.
- Connect the water supply line: Reconnect the water supply line to the fill valve on the toilet tank’s bottom. Tighten the nut securely by hand.
- Turn on the water supply: Slowly turn the shut-off valve counterclockwise to allow water to flow into the tank. Check for any leaks around the water supply connection and tighten it if necessary.
- Test the toilet: Flush the toilet a few times to ensure it’s functioning properly. Check for any leaks around the base of the toilet or the tank connections. If you notice any leaks, tighten the affected connections or seek professional help if needed.
- Reinstall the toilet seat: If you removed the toilet seat during the process, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to reinstall it securely.
DIY Vs. Professional Toilet Replacement Service
When it comes to replacing your toilet, you have two options: DIY or professional.
DIY can be a great option if you’re handy and want to save money, but it requires a lot of work.
Professional toilet replacement services are more expensive up front, but they save time and energy in the long run by making sure everything goes smoothly.
Are you confused about which one to choose when it comes to replacing your old toilet smoothly?
Here’s a comparison table outlining some key factors to consider when deciding between a DIY toilet replacement and hiring a professional service:
| Factors | DIY Toilet Replacement | Professional Toilet Replacement Service |
| Skill and Experience | Moderate to Advanced | Professional Expertise |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Time Commitment | Higher | Lower |
| Convenience | Depends on the Skill Level | Convenient, less effort for the homeowner |
| Tools and Equipment | Need to acquire | Provided by the service |
| Warranty | Self-Managed | Provided by the service |
| Quality of Installation | Depends on the Skill Level | Professional workmanship |
| Plumbing Knowledge | Required | Not necessarily handled by professionals |
| Liability | Personal | Service provider’s responsibility |
FAQs
How long after installation can a toilet be used?
It’s best to wait at least 24 hours before using a new toilet. The pressure of use can cause the wax ring to crack, which would result in a leak.
How long does it take to install a toilet?
It depends on the type of toilet you choose and whether or not you need to replace your piping. Depending on how complicated your installation is, you can expect it to take anywhere from one hour to two days.
How much do toilet replacement and installation costs?
That depends on a number of factors: the model you choose; whether or not you’ve already purchased a new toilet seat; whether or not your home has an existing plumbing system; if it does not, whether or not it requires upgrades before installing new pipes and fixtures (for example, if it was built before 1940). The cost can range anywhere between $100-$500, depending on how many things need upgrading before installation begins.
Do I need a new toilet?
If your toilet is more than 15 years old, chances are it’s time for a replacement. Aging toilets can waste water and money and contribute to increased sewer costs.
What size toilet should I get?
The size of your toilet is determined by the length and width of the bathroom and what kind of space you have available. If you have plenty of space and want something that will last for years to come, we recommend a standard-size toilet with a large tank. If you don’t have a lot of space and want something more compact but still comfortable to sit on, we recommend a round toilet.
What are the different kinds of toilets available?
There are two main types: conventional and high-efficiency toilets (HETs). Conventional toilets use 3 gallons per flush (gpf), while HETs use 1 gpf or less. HETs are more expensive upfront because they’re more efficient, but they can save money over time because they use less water than conventional ones do. They also use less water than older models did before they were regulated by law in 1992—which means they’ll help reduce waste going into our landfills!
Get Help from Professional Toilet Installation/Replacement Experts in Stafford, VA!
A toilet is one of the most important parts of your home. It’s what you use to keep yourself clean and can help you get a good night’s sleep.
But when you have a problem with your toilet, it can quickly become an inconvenience—especially if it keeps backing up or running slowly.
That’s why we’re here for you! We’re Hynes Plumbing Services, and we have provided professional toilet installation/replacement experts in Stafford, VA, for over 25 years. Whether you need us to install a new system for you or fix your current one, we can help!
Our comprehensive plumbing services include:
- Toilet Installation
- Toilet Replacement
- Water Heater Installation and Repair
- Garbage Disposal Installation and Repair
- Tankless Water Heater Installation, Repair, and Maintenance
- Backflow Testing
- Repiping Solutions
- Leak Detection and Repair
- Sewer Repair and Replacement
- Sump Pump Repair and Replacement
- And Many More…
Our team of Expert Toilet Installers in Stafford is dedicated to providing you with the best service possible. We will arrive on time and ready to work, so you can get back to your day without worrying about a thing.
We have built our business by focusing on providing quality service at a fair price. We are proud of our reputation for being honest, dependable, and friendly—and we know you will be too!
Let us help! We’re Hynes Plumbing Services, and we specialize in all things bathroom related.
Whether you need a new toilet installed or an old one replaced, we’ve got you covered with our trusted service and quality workmanship.
Call us today at (540) 659-3295 to schedule an appointment with one of our qualified and licensed plumbers in Stafford, VA!