Installing a New Water Efficient Toilet

Time to complete: 45 minutes

Difficulty Level: Intermediate (Need to be able to lift 50 pounds)

Step 1: Turn off the water at the supply line coming out of your wall. Flush the toilet several times to drain the water from the toilet. You will know that you have turned off the water because the toilet tank will not be re-filling. There will probably be excess water left in the tank and the bowl, so use a sponge to drain the excess water into a bucket.

Step 2: Once the water is drained from the toilet bowl and tank, remove the hose line that connects to the back of the toilet tank.

Step 3: Remove the plastic caps and loosen the bolts or wing-nuts that attach the bottom of the toilet bowl to the ground. You may need to use a wrench to get these bolts loose. If they are corroded, use penetrating oil (WD-40) to help loosen them.

Step 4: Loosen and remove the bolts from the base of the toilet tank. These run through holes in the bottom of the tank and through that back of the toilet bowl. Once these bolts are loose, remove the tank from the back of the bowl. If you have a one-piece toilet, the tank is not separate. Step 5: Lift off the bowl from the ground. The old wax seal will be visible and can look pretty gross. Grab some gloves and a scraper and scrape away and remove the old wax seal. Once you have the old wax seal removed, put your new wax seal in place. Toilet wax seals are common things to purchase at a DIY type store. Or if you bought the Kohler Kelston Complete Solution toilet, it comes complete with hardware and the wax seal you need.

Step 6: Lift your new toilet bowl over on to the bolts and the new wax seal. Rotate the bowl back and forth several times to seat the seal. Line the bowl up with the wall and make sure it is level.

Step 7: Replace the nuts at the base of the bowl and tighten. Do not tighten them too tight, as you can crack the porcelain bowl.

Step 8: Lift and attach the rear tank on to the toilet bowl. Most toilets will include a rubber seal that you have to attach to the bottom valve on the toilet tank. Make sure to remember to add this seal to prevent any leaks. If you have a one-piece toilet, this step will not be necessary. Tighten the bolts on the back tank and make sure it is secure. You can now reconnect the water line to the back tank. Turn on the water and check for any leaks on the supply line and in between the tank and the bowl.

Step 9: Re-caulk the base of the bowl to a create a water proof seal which protects the floor and provides additional stability. Enjoy the water savings from your new efficient toilet!

Autor: Ryan Arroyo Ryan Arroyo
Level: Basic
I am passionate about creating a sustainable environment, focusing on earth-friendly practices and lifestyle changes that make that a reality....

Ryan Arroyo - I am passionate about creating a sustainable environment, focusing on earth-friendly practices and lifestyle changes that make that a reality.

http://Twitter.com/ryanarroyo

Added: May 25, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/