How to Install a Toilet—It’s Not as Intimidating as You Think

It may not be the best seat in the house, but it is certainly an essential one. Because of this, learning how to install a toilet is a skill that could one day come in handy for many homeowners. (Removing a toilet is even easier.) After all, toilets, like virtually everything else in your home, have a lifespan. Of course, you can always call in a professional plumber or handyman to do the job, but this DIY plumbing job is actually pretty easy and a bathroom repair you can do yourself. Tackling the task of toilet installation yourself or with a DIY-savvy friend can save you a few hundred dollars. Not to mention that since you’re going to have a new toilet, it will actually look spotless when you clean it.

Frank Decker, sanitation program coordinator at the Porter and Chester Institute in Hamden, Connecticut, agrees. “Most homeowners can replace their toilet if they have the right materials, tools, and background knowledge,” he admits. “You must be able to lift it too.”

Here’s everything you need to know about installing a toilet and how to get the job done in eight steps.

How do I know if I need a new toilet?

Household toilets are used a lot of, especially if you have more than a few people at home. This wear and tear can affect the life of the toilet. A good toilet can last for decades with proper maintenance, says Decker. And while you can eventually end up with a leaking toilet, internal components like the float and flapper can be swapped out to fix the problem, so you don’t have to install a new toilet just because of that. The toilet bowl and tank can last at least a decade. However, once you notice cracks or water seeping onto the floor, chances are you’ll be installing a new toilet in the future.

However, defective components are not the only reason to replace a toilet. Toilet technology has come a long way, especially in the last few years, says Decker. The 1.28 GPF toilet models now available are more efficient, use less water and offer a variety of additional features such as UV light for disinfection and paperless cleaning (if that’s what you like).

How do I buy a new toilet?

It is best to personally buy a new toilet so that you can take a spin, so to speak. Toilets come in a variety of heights (often 14 or 16 inches) and styles (oblong or round) and for many are a matter of personal preference. You should also consider your space. Typically, you should allow 12 inches from the center of the bowl to the nearest wall. Larger or smaller restrooms may require different space allocations.

Do I have to spend a lot of money for a new toilet?

Take a stroll through any hardware store or home furnishings showroom and you’ll find that new toilets start at around $100 and can run into the thousands. And while you might not need or want one with all of the above bells and whistles, Decker says there are some perks to spending a little more. “The quality of the components in the toilet often correlates better with the price,” he says. “These are usually a step up from the base model. A well-known brand is also often of better quality.”

Can I install a toilet myself?

Yes, unless you have trouble lifting heavy weights – a toilet typically weighs around 100 pounds. If you’re in your own home, fancy a DIY project, and can get your hands on the necessary tools, then go for it. Renters should definitely check with the landlord before embarking on such a DIY project.

Is it difficult to install a toilet yourself?

Some people might be able to do this DIY project on their own, says Decker. But it’s important to remember that the average toilet weighs between 60 and 120 pounds, depending on whether it’s a two-piece or one-piece toilet. It’s preferable to have someone around to help you, at least when you’re physically moving the toilet.

What tools and materials do I need to install a new toilet?

Most new toilets come with most of the materials you need for installation. Otherwise, you’ll need an adjustable wrench, which you probably used when removing your old toilet. You should have the following on hand: