Emilie Meyer
Installing a toilet pan and cistern can be a daunting task, but with careful planning and the right tools, it can be done without professional help. This introduction will cover the tools and steps needed to connect a toilet pan, including how to prepare, fit, and seal your toilet pan and cistern. It is important to ensure that your toilet is securely connected and sealed to prevent leaks and other issues.
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What You'll Learn
Prepare the toilet pan and cistern
To prepare the toilet pan and cistern for installation, you should first buy a toilet that fits your space and requirements. The cistern is the 'top' part that contains the flushing mechanism, and the pan is the bowl where waste is received and removed. You will need to ensure that the seal is fully sealed when the cistern is placed on top of the pan.
Before you begin, check that you have all the necessary tools and safety equipment. While there is no specific safety equipment required for this job, you may wish to use knee pads as you will be spending a lot of time on the floor.
Next, unpack the cistern and pan from their packaging. If they are part of a set, there will likely be specific instructions on how to piece them together. Fit the flushing mechanism to the cistern. This is usually a handle or button. Ensure that all seals and gaskets are in place.
Now, you can line up the toilet pan with the soil pipe at the rear. The soil pipe connection is likely fixed, and the incoming water supply is likely a flexible connection. Drill holes into your timber floor and use a stud detector to check that there are no pipes or cables below. If your floor is concrete, ensure you have the correct drill bit, as well as eye protection and a dust mask.
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Secure the toilet to the floor
Securing the toilet to the floor is a crucial step in the installation process. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to do this:
Firstly, ensure that the toilet pan is correctly aligned with the soil pipe at the rear. This pipe is usually fixed in place. Once the toilet pan is in the right position, use a stud detector to check for any pipes or cables beneath the floor. This step is essential to avoid any accidental damage. If you have a timber floor, drill holes for the screws. If your floor is concrete, ensure you have the correct drill bit and wear protective gear like eye protection and a dust mask.
Next, fix the toilet pan into place using the appropriate screws and a screwdriver. Often, the necessary fixings are supplied with the pan set. Once the screws are in place, cover the tops with the provided caps or covers. This provides a neater finish and hides the screws.
After securing the screws, you can install a flexi pipe. Connect this to the cold water supply and the toilet inlet valve, tightening the nuts with a spanner. Check that all fittings are tight.
Finally, apply a line of silicone sealant around the base of the toilet. This provides a watertight seal and a polished look. Smooth the sealant with a damp cloth.
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Connect the water supply
To connect the water supply, begin by lining up the toilet pan with the soil pipe at the rear. The water supply connection is likely flexible. Drill holes into your timber floor and use a stud detector to ensure there are no pipes or cables below. If your floor is concrete, ensure you have the correct drill bit, as well as eye protection and a dust mask. Fix the toilet into place using the appropriate fixings and a screwdriver. Cover screw tops with caps.
Next, install the flexi pipe. Connect it to the cold water supply and into the toilet inlet valve, using the provided nuts and a spanner to tighten. Once connected, check that all fittings are tight.
Now, reconnect the incoming water supply to the rear of the toilet. Do this carefully, without tightening too much, so that the connection can be easily undone in the future if needed.
Finally, turn the water supply back on and test your toilet to ensure everything is working and that there are no leaks.
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Install the toilet seat
Now that your toilet is secured to the wall and floor, you can install the toilet seat. Most toilet seats are secured by bolts underneath the seat at the back of the pan. Start by connecting the hinges to the toilet seat. Then, attach the seat to the pan using the provided fixings. Once fitted, apply a final line of silicone sealant around the base of the toilet for a polished look.
If your bolts are rusty or difficult to remove, apply some lubricant. If your toilet seat is wobbly, check the bolts underneath the seat and tighten them with a screwdriver. Some modern seats have top-fixing bolts, which are easier to access.
Once your seat is fully secure, go back and check everything again. Then, you can turn your water supply back on and test your toilet to make sure everything is working and that there are no leaks.
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Check for leaks
Checking for leaks is crucial to ensure a functional and hygienic bathroom. Here are some detailed steps to check for leaks when connecting a toilet pan:
Inspect for Water Pooling
One of the most common signs of a leaking toilet pan connector is water pooling around the base of the toilet. This could indicate a leaking wax ring or a crack in the toilet tank. If you notice water pooling, there is likely a leak that needs to be addressed.
Identify Unpleasant Odours
If you detect unpleasant or stagnant, damp smells around your toilet, it could be a sign of a leaking toilet pan connector. This is often accompanied by water pooling and indicates that wastewater is not being directed properly through the toilet pan connector into the waste pipe.
Check for Visible Damage
Examine the toilet pan connector for any visible cracks or damage. Even if there is no water running from the part, a slow leak over time can still cause significant issues. Cracks may be caused by impact to the connector, such as vigorous floor mopping or movement of the toilet bowl.
Listen for Constant Running Water
If the connection to the cistern is leaking, you may hear a constant sound of running water. This indicates that the cistern is continually filling up due to a leak.
Test with Coloured Water
Remove the toilet tank lid and check the water level. After 30 minutes, examine the colour of the water in the bowl. If the water has changed colour, there is a leak at the flapper or a crack in the overflow tube.
Check the Flapper
A leaking flapper can lead to a continuous stream of water flowing into the toilet tank. Ensure the flapper is creating a proper seal to prevent leaks. Check for any sediment or debris around the flapper, as cleaning it may fix the leak.
Remember, early detection of leaks is essential to prevent more significant issues and costly repairs. If you are unsure or uncomfortable performing these checks, it is advisable to contact a qualified plumber for assistance.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a screwdriver, a spanner, a drill, a drill bit, a stud detector, eye protection, dust masks, a cable and pipe detector, and gloves. You may also want to use knee pads.
You will need a washer, a nut, screws, screw caps, a flexi pipe, a toilet seat, a flush, a toilet lid, and silicone sealant. You may also need packers underneath the pan to level it.
First, line up the toilet pan with the soil pipe at the rear. Drill holes into the floor and fix the pan into place using screws. Cover the tops of the screws with caps. Connect the flexi pipe to the cold water supply and into the toilet inlet valve, tightening the nuts with a spanner. Install the toilet lid and flush, then connect the toilet seat. Apply a final line of silicone sealant around the base of the toilet.
