Cody Casey
Replacing a toilet pan is a relatively simple task that can be done by following a few steps. First, it is important to turn off the water supply to the toilet and empty the toilet tank and bowl. Next, the nuts and bolts connecting the toilet tank and bowl need to be removed, and the wax ring seal needs to be broken. Then, the old toilet pan can be lifted out, and the new toilet pan can be installed by reversing the removal process. When choosing a replacement toilet pan, it is important to consider the shape and size of the pan to ensure it fits the existing space and plumbing connections.
Characteristics and Values Table for Replacing a Toilet Pan
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy for a direct replacement, but can be more challenging if the new toilet has a different footprint or needs to connect to the main soil pipe |
| Cost | Can be below $250 for a top-quality, high-efficiency toilet |
| Preparation | Turn off the water supply, flush the toilet, and empty any remaining water with a sponge or wet vacuum |
| Tools | Channel-type pliers, locking pliers or socket wrench, screwdriver, hacksaw, putty knife, mineral spirit, hammer, chisel, bag for broken china, standard bent pan connector, adaptors for a 3" drain, electronic detector, drill, hammer-action drill, plastic protective inserts, retaining screws |
| Steps | 1. Remove the existing toilet by unthreading nuts and bolts 2. Pry off bolt covers and loosen nuts with tools and oil 3. Break the old WC pan around the S-bend with a hammer 4. Remove remaining china and concrete with a chisel 5. Use a standard bent pan connector or adaptors for a 3" drain 6. Fit the new toilet by connecting the seat to the pan with screws 7. Adjust the seat position 8. Insert fixing bolts through the holes in the cistern with washers 9. Lift the cistern onto the pan and tighten wing nuts 10. Check for pipes or cables, put the toilet in place, and slide the pan outlet into the flexible connector 11. Drill pilot holes, insert plastic protective inserts, and insert retaining screws |
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What You'll Learn
Removing the existing toilet
Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply
Before beginning any physical removal, ensure that the water supply to the toilet is shut off at the stop valve. This will prevent any accidental spills or continued flow of water during the process.
Step 2: Empty the Toilet
Flush the toilet while holding the handle down to ensure that the tank empties as much water as possible. Use a sponge to absorb any remaining water in the tank. If you have access to a wet vacuum, use it to dry the tank and bowl completely.
Step 3: Unthread the Toilet Coupling Nut
Use channel-type pliers to unthread the nut that connects the toilet tank to its water supply. This will detach the water supply from the tank, allowing you to focus on the toilet itself.
Step 4: Pry Off Bolt Covers
Use a screwdriver to pry off any bolt covers that are holding the toilet bowl in place. These bolts are usually located on the toilet tank bolts and will need to be loosened before proceeding.
Step 5: Loosen and Remove Nuts
Utilize channel-type pliers, locking pliers, or a socket wrench to loosen and remove the nuts holding the toilet bowl to the floor. If the nuts are stubborn and refuse to budge, apply some penetrating oil and allow it to sit for a while before attempting to unthread them again. If they still refuse to cooperate, you may need to cut them off using a hacksaw.
Step 6: Tilt and Detach the Bowl
After removing the nuts, tilt the toilet bowl to detach it from its current position. Be cautious when handling the bowl, as it may be heavy and awkward to maneuver.
Step 7: Remove the Wax Ring
Removing the old wax ring is often considered one of the most unpleasant tasks in plumbing. Use a putty knife to scrape below the wax ring flange and remove the wax ring in chunks. Dispose of each chunk immediately to avoid having them stick to other surfaces. If there is any residue left, scrub it off using a mineral spirit.
Additional Considerations:
If your toilet is an older model, you may encounter some unique challenges. For example, if the toilet pan is cemented directly into the collar of a clay drain at floor level, you will need to carefully break the cement seal without damaging the clay drain collar. This can be done by tapping with a hammer at the top of the S-bend until it breaks, then using a small chisel to remove the remaining cement.
Additionally, always inspect your new toilet carefully before removing the old one. You don't want to discover any issues with your new toilet that might leave your bathroom out of action.
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Disconnecting the toilet bowl
Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply
Before beginning any physical detachment, ensure that the water supply to the toilet is shut off at the stop valve. This will prevent any accidental spills or messes during the process.
Step 2: Empty the Toilet
Flush the toilet while holding down the handle longer than usual to ensure that as much water as possible is flushed out. Use a sponge to absorb any remaining water in the tank. If you have access to a wet vacuum, use it to dry the bowl and tank thoroughly.
Step 3: Unthread the Toilet Coupling Nut
The toilet tank is connected to its water supply through a coupling nut. Use channel-type pliers to carefully unthread this nut and detach the tank from its water supply.
Step 4: Pry Off Bolt Covers
Use a screwdriver to pry off any bolt covers that are holding the toilet bowl in place. These bolts are usually located on the toilet tank bolts and will need to be loosened before you can proceed.
Step 5: Loosen the Nuts
Utilize channel-type pliers, locking pliers, or a socket wrench to loosen each nut on the toilet tank bolts. If the nuts are stubborn and refuse to budge, apply some penetrating oil and let it sit for a while before attempting to unthread them again. If they are still stuck, you may need to resort to cutting them off with a hacksaw.
Step 6: Tilt and Detach the Bowl
After successfully loosening or removing the nuts, tilt the toilet bowl to detach it from its current position. Be cautious and gentle during this step to avoid any accidental breakage.
By following these steps, you will have successfully disconnected the toilet bowl, readying you for the next stage of the replacement process.
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Choosing a replacement toilet
Size and Space
The size of your bathroom and the space available for the toilet are key considerations. Make sure to measure the rough-in size, which is the distance from the wall behind the toilet to the centre of the drainpipe or the bolts attaching the toilet to the floor. The standard rough-in size is 12 inches, but 10-inch and 14-inch models are also available. Choose a toilet that is the same size or smaller at the base than your old toilet for an easier installation process.
Type of Toilet
There are several types of toilets to choose from, including one-piece and two-piece designs. One-piece toilets feature a seamless bowl and tank unit, offering a sleek look and easier cleaning. However, they tend to be more expensive and challenging to install. Two-piece toilets are more common and popular due to their affordability, ease of installation, and mix-and-match design options. Wall-hung toilets are another option, attaching directly to the wall and saving floor space, but they require different plumbing installations.
Bowl Shape and Height
The shape and height of the bowl are also important considerations. Elongated bowls offer extra room and comfort but take up more space, so ensure you have adequate room around the toilet. Standard bowl height is typically 14 to 15 inches, but taller bowls ranging from 17 to 19 inches are gaining popularity, especially for individuals with limited mobility.
Flushing Performance and Amenities
A toilet's flushing performance is crucial, and you should look for larger trap-ways and flush valves to prevent clogging and provide a powerful flush. Consider your preferred type of flush and whether you want additional amenities such as a bidet or heated seat.
Budget
Your budget will also play a role in your decision. Toilets can range from $75 for a basic model to over $600 for a pressure-assist or custom design. Consider the cost of installation or replacement, as well as the potential for future repairs or part replacements.
By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a replacement toilet that suits your space, comfort, performance, and budget needs.
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Connecting the new toilet to the soil pipe
Before you begin, ensure that you have turned off the water supply to the toilet at the stop valve. This is crucial to prevent any water leakage during the installation process. Flush the toilet to empty the cistern and use a sponge or a wet vacuum to remove any remaining water from the tank and bowl.
Now, let's prepare the new toilet for installation. Start by assembling the hinge for the seat, following the manufacturer's instructions. Secure the seat to the pan using the screws provided. Adjust the seat to ensure it sits in the correct position.
Next, we will establish the connection between the new toilet and the soil pipe. Lift the cistern onto the pan, aligning the connecting bolts with the holes. Ensure the threaded section of the flush mechanism passes through the rubber gasket on the flush entrance of the pan. Secure this connection with washers and wing nuts, tightening them securely but being careful not to over-tighten.
Slide the pan outlet into the flexible connector attached to the soil pipe. A little silicone grease will help ease the connection. At this stage, ensure there are no pipes or cables beneath the fixing points to avoid any potential damage.
Finally, secure the toilet in place by drilling pilot holes into the floor at the fixing points. The type of drilling may vary depending on the floor type. For a solid floor, use a hammer-action drill to make the holes and then plug them. Insert plastic protective inserts through the holes in the base of the pan, and then secure the pan to the floor by inserting the retaining screws through the inserts and into the floor.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully connect your new toilet to the soil pipe. Remember to always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and exercise caution when using tools and making connections.
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Adjusting the toilet seat
First, you need to fit the hinge assembly to the seat, following the manufacturer's instructions. This will ensure that the seat is securely attached to the toilet pan. Once the hinge assembly is in place, you can start connecting the seat to the pan. This is done by securing the seat through the holes at the back of the pan using the screws provided. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific type of toilet seat you are installing.
After the seat is connected, you will need to adjust it to ensure it sits in the correct position. This may involve adjusting the hinge assembly or making minor adjustments to the screws at the back of the pan. It is important to ensure that the seat is level and stable before finalising the installation.
Once you are satisfied with the position and stability of the seat, you can tighten all the screws and fasteners to secure the seat in place. Check that the seat can be lifted and lowered without any obstructions and that it feels secure and comfortable when seated.
Finally, test the toilet seat by sitting on it and ensuring that it feels sturdy and does not wobble or shift. If any adjustments are needed, loosen the screws slightly and repeat the process until the desired stability is achieved.
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