Your New Toilet – Looks Plus Efficiency
(Part One of a bathroom renovation series)

by: Liz Roberts

Now that the cooler weather is here, it’s time to start thinking about indoor remodeling. The first room to consider is the bathroom especially if it’s too blah or dingy looking. Start with the toilet. It’s the easiest of all the installations plus getting the job done first will be a major convenience for your family. Also you can even plan the new décor around it.

Any do it yourself megastore will have an array of toilets. If you want a fresh look, consider buying one with a painted tank. This eliminates the “utility “ look, making the new fixture look just as appealing as any high tech sink or marble shower area. Toilets come in either one or two piece combinations. A one piece consists of tank, lid, bowl, toilet seat, wax ring with sleeve and two bolt caps. It is relative easy to install. A two piece one requires the tank and bowl to be purchased separately. This is the cheaper of the two models but remember you have to buy all the parts plus the toilet seat. (A personal recommendation here- my two piece has lasted for twenty-five years and still looks as good as it did back then). Once you’ve decided on the kind, consider the bowl size. A child’s bathroom or a powder room require smaller bowls which offer more comfort and space. Also smaller size bowls have seats can easily be replaced in a variety of materials and colors. Elongated bowls look better in bigger baths. They are usually two inches longer than the rounded ones and have larger water surfaces ranging from 9½ ” by 8” to 11” by 9”. Also when shopping , take into consideration the sanitary bar that blocks liquid from collecting under the tank at the bowl’s back along with an ADA (American Disabilities Act) designed bowl. This is a taller bowl created for the handicapped and elderly for more comfort and ease. The top of the seat to the floor measures anywhere from 16 1/2 ” to 19”.

Silly as this may sound, you have to consider the possibility of your new toilet clogging up and causing damage to plumbing and surrounding flooring. Buy a toilet with a large and glazed trapway, (the pipe like looking curvature that’s directly behind the bowl area) to decease chances of clogging, or even damming.

Tanks and flushing systems play huge parts in toilets’ makeup. All toilets made today have similar tank capacities. Their manufacturers are federally mandated to produce tanks that use no mare than 1/6 gallons of water per flush. When you are researching, take into consideration the flush valve size and flush lever positioning. The flush valve is located in the tank’s inside center. It’s activated by the flush lever which is usually located in either the tank’s center top on its’ side. It releases the water held in the tank. The larger the flush valve the higher rate of water flow. Flush systems are another important factor in your final selection. A pressure assisted flush system is not only noisy and expensive but requires costly maintenance. It does prevent clogs thanks to pressurized air forcing water into the bowl. Most homeowners opt for the gravity flush system which uses water to generate flushing pressure. This pressure forces everything from the tank into the bowl and out an S shaped trapway. A siphoning action completes the flush . This is a much quieter and low maintenance system.

Before you go out and buy your unit remember to measure the toilet space. Do this by taking measurements from the wall behind the toilet to the center of one of the closet bolts.(these are the bolts that hold down your toilet). Do this before you remove the old one(simply for your family’s convenience) . If your old toilet has four closet bolts, then measure to the center of one of the rear ones. Also, with the new toilet, measure from the center of the mounting holes to the back. Compare measurements of both new and old. If the base of the newer one is shorter than the distance between the rear bolt holes, it should fit nicely in the old one’s space. Also , if your bathroom is small, measure from the sides of the flange bolts to the side walls or other objects(such as the sink or cabinets) to assure side to side clearance.

Installing your toilet will only take about one hour. Make sure you have all the proper tools and equipment. An assistant on hand is also a good idea. Check all the parts to make sure that there is nothing cracked or chipped. You’ll need a small wrench, socket set, large flat screwdriver , level and silicone caulking. Your starting point will be the toilet flange. This has to be new and clean. Scrape off any remains of the old wax bowl ring. Turn the toilet upside down and press the wax bowl ring into place. This is a vital part of the toilet’s installation because the ring prevents sewer gases and unclean water from leaking into your home. You’ll also need to put strips of rubber shim stock on the toilet’s bottom . Shims provide the needed friction between the toilet and the floor. They also prevent it from moving. Now slip the flange bolts into the flange notches. A plastic keeper is then installed to hold the toilet’s position. Set the bowl on the flanges and push down gently but firmly (this is done by actually sitting on it). Install the plastic cover clip, the washer and brass nut. Carefully tighten. Do this gently. Excessive force can break the flange. Now set the tank on the bowl, inserting brass screws into the holes surrounding the attachment where toilet and tank hook up. Place both a washer and a nut on the end of each screw. As the screws will be tightened, they flatten out the gasket that seals the tank to the bowl. Use both socket and ratchet wrenches , along with the screwdriver to hold the screws in place. The tank must be level when you’re tightening. Otherwise leaks and damage can occur. Connect the water supply to the toilet’s inlet which is the grey fitting on the tank’s bottom. Apply a bead of the silicone caulking around the front of your new toilet’s base. This will hold it in place, preventing any leaking. Do not caulk the toilet’s back side. This gives any leaks a chance to directly seep out into the bathroom as opposed to it dripping beneath the floor, causing structural damage.

A new toilet can help in the bathroom remodeling process. It is the easiest fixture to intall and once properly in, can last a long time. It can erase any dinginess and add a decorative touch in your newly renovated bath.