Do you fancy yourself as a big of a go-ahead figure when it comes to DIY? Then you are not alone. Many of us see ourselves as handy sorts when it comes to tackling projects at home. DIY projects, though, can come in all shapes and sizes. Some come in flatpack styles that can be put together in about an hour or two. Some will simply go onto the wall without any effort. But what about installing or replacing an appliance, such as your toilet? Should you give that a go yourself, or call in the experts?
Really, it comes down to how strong you are. If you are able to lift the toilet itself and move it around, then you are more than capable of making the replacement. The main challenge that comes from installing a toilet stems from making smart decisions about fitting. You need to remove the old toilet first, of course, and then dispose of it in a sanitary and legal way. Once you do this, you will be able to get access to the closet flange, the wax rings, and the location where the toilet goes.
To do this, you will need to give the closet flange a proper tidy-up and clean-out. This can take some time, so be prepared to be thorough and detailed with the process. If you find that your closet flange is actually damaged or isn’t cleaning up as expected, it might be better to call in a professional.
Once you give the flange a clean-up, though, you are well on the way to getting that new toilet installed. You will also need to consider if you need to install a new closet flange in the first place; if you do, we recommend bringing in a professional to help you out. The damage can simply be too much otherwise.
Should I fit my own toilet, then?
Once you get the closet flange cleaned up and installed, you also need to add in the new wax ring. This should go in a very particular place in your toilet setup and is an essential part of the fitting. Take the time that you need to get the wax ring fitted properly, and then think about fitting the new toilet into place. This is a one-person job most of the time, but if you lack the strength to do it alone then get someone to help you fit it into place.
When you get the toilet into place, the challenge is now making sue that you tighten the bolts at the base of the toilet so that it fits properly. You will also need to connect the water supply, but this should be easy enough to do if you have a modern system at home.
DIY toilet replacements and fittings can seem like more work than they really are. Should you feel any apprehension about doing so, though, it would be wise to pick up the phone and hire an expert. Replacing your toilet can be easy if you get the toilet in place and can get to the water connection; if you run into any problems, though, it is better to hold up your hands and call in the pros.