How To Install A Toilet Or Faucet Without Breaking The Bank

Do you need to install a toilet or faucet?

Why break the bank with having a plumber do it when you can do it yourself?

Here are tips on toilet installation or faucet installation.

Toilet Installation

Installing a toilet may seem intimidating, but with careful measurements and following the right steps, you can handle it like a pro. Here’s how:

• Measure for the Correct Size: Ensure that you purchase a toilet that fits the space in your bathroom.
  • Measure from the wall to the center of the closet bolt. If your toilet has two closet bolts, measure to the center of the last bolt.
  • Measure from the center of the mounting holes to the back of the toilet.
  • For tight bathrooms, measure from the side of the flange hole to the side wall.
  • Select your new toilet carefully, ensuring the box includes both the bowl and the tank if needed. Check if a wax seal is included or if you need to purchase it separately.
• Gather Your Tools and Parts: Before starting, make sure you have all the necessary tools and parts, including the toilet parts, seals, and any additional items required for your specific model.
• Turn Off the Water Supply: Turn off the water to the toilet and flush it to remove as much water as possible. Remove any remaining water in the tank and bowl using a cup, pail, or wet/dry vacuum.
• Remove the Old Toilet: Disconnect the water supply line and remove the old toilet bowl and tank. Clean the area around the flange thoroughly.
• Install the New Toilet: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific toilet model.
  • Place the wax ring on the flange.
  • Set the toilet bowl onto the wax ring and press down firmly to create a seal.
  • Secure the bowl with the closet bolts and attach the tank according to the instructions.
  • Reconnect the water supply line, turn on the water, and check for leaks. Adjust the settings in the tank for the water level if necessary.
• For additional safety considerations, especially for seniors, refer to our Home Safety Tips For Sacramento Seniors.

Faucet Installation

Installing a faucet is a straightforward task if you follow these steps:

• Identify Your Faucet Type: Determine if your faucet is a single-hole or a 4 to 8-inch triple-hole model. This will dictate the installation process and the parts you need.
• Gather All Parts and Tools: Collect all the necessary parts and tools before starting the installation. This includes the new faucet, supply lines, and any washers or nuts required.
• Turn Off the Water Supply: Turn off the water supply to the sink and open the faucet to drain any remaining water.
• Remove the Old Faucet: Disconnect the supply lines from the faucet and remove the mounting nuts from underneath the sink. Lift the old faucet out of the sink.
• Install the New Faucet: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific faucet model.
  • Place the gasket or putty on the bottom of the faucet base to prevent leaks.
  • Insert the faucet into the mounting holes and secure it with the mounting nuts from underneath the sink.
  • Reconnect the supply lines to the faucet and turn on the water supply.
• Check for Leaks: Turn on the faucet and check for any leaks. If you find any, tighten the connections or apply additional plumber’s tape as needed.

Save Money and Time with DIY

By following these detailed steps, you can successfully install a toilet or faucet without breaking the bank. No special tools are required, and with everything prepared beforehand, the installation should take no more than half a day.

When to Seek Professional Help

Toilets sometimes need specialty parts. For example, it might be hard finding parts for EAGO toilets. We like to use this company for parts for EAGO toilets.

There are no special tools needed on neither of these jobs. If you have everything together at the start, toilet and faucet installation will take more than ½ a day.

To seek professional help, simply call 916-472-0507 at anytime or email us at estimates@sacramentohandyman.com.