It boils down to something much simpler — size. That's right, not every toilet fits in every bathroom. You need to make sure to measure your existing toilet accurately to ensure that the new one will fit in its place. Here's how to ensure your replacement toilet will fit in your bathroom.
Any standard toilet will fit to be a replacement for whatever brand toilet you have. Finding parts such as the bowl or tank is more time consuming than purchasing a new toilet.
If the base of the new toilet is shorter than the distance between the rear bolt holes and the wall, it should fit. In small bathrooms where space is tight, also measure from the sides of the flange bolts to the sidewalls or other objects to assure side-to-side clearance.
While some replacement toilet handles have a universal fit capability, others are designed specifically for toilets with front-, side-, or angle-mounting positions.
Before you choose a toilet, it's important to know whether it will fit in your space. Toilet sizes vary depending on its type, shape and brand. Most manufacturers, however, do follow a range of standard toilet dimensions to make the fixture easier to install and use.
Two-piece toilets, with separate tanks and bowls, are easier to install but can develop leaks at the tank gasket over time. One-piece toilets have a sleeker profile, are ideal for smaller bathrooms, and eliminate the risk of tank gasket leaks.
Reasons to Caulk Around a Toilet
Moisture Prevention: Without caulk around the toilet base, external water can seep under the toilet, leading to floor and subfloor damage over time. This is especially important in bathrooms with wooden floors, as prolonged exposure to moisture can lead to rot and structural issues.
It's not too difficult to replace your old toilet, as long as you can connect it to an existing branch of the soil pipe. But if you want to add a new toilet in another part of your home, you should get a professional plumber to connect into the main soil pipe.
Replacing a toilet is a straightforward task for a professional plumber. On average, it takes about two to three hours to remove the old toilet and install the new one.
Can I replace a 10-inch rough in with a 12-inch rough in? Short answer: no. It's ideal to find a toilet that matches your existing toilet rough-in dimensions so you don't have to call a plumber to update your plumbing, which could drastically increase your toilet replacement cost.
On average, toilets can last up to 50 years if they are properly maintained. But, the rule of thumb is to replace your toilet every 25 years, due to damage and regular wear and tear.
A licensed plumber will ensure your new toilet is properly hooked up and the plumbing lines are in good shape. A plumber can also perform any major repairs, such as drainpipe replacement. If the floor or wall sustains any damage during the installation, you'll want to bring in a flooring and drywall contractor.
The overall best toilet is the Toto Drake Cotton, thanks to its powerful flushing action, comfortable height, and advanced ceramic coating. For a more modern look, the Swiss Madison St. Tropez is an efficient option with a clean design, and it's available in four attractive finishes.
Of course, you can always call in a professional plumber or handyman to do the job, but this DIY plumbing job is actually pretty simple and a bathroom repair you can do on your own. Tackling the task of toilet installation yourself, or with a DIY–savvy friend, could save you a few hundred dollars.
The labor cost for installing a toilet can range from $150 to $450 on average, but it can increase based on the complexity of the job and local labor rates. The basic labor usually includes removing the old toilet, installing the new one, and connecting it to existing water and drain lines.
The location of the crack determines whether a repair will suffice. If it's below the water line, you may need a toilet tank replacement. At that point, most homeowners replace the entire toilet. Tank cracks aren't always visible, especially if you have a hairline crack.
While basic models are straightforward in design and function, more expensive ones might incorporate attributes such as dual-flush capabilities (for water conservation), soft-closing seats, bidet functions, automated cleaning options, and even heated seating.
Expect to spend between $50 and $120 to replace a toilet handle. Some toilet handle models have a low cost. For high-end models, you may pay up to $100. The toilet handle is responsible for lifting the chain connected to the flapper and flushing the water into the bowl.
If the flush lever on your toilet is broken, then you need a replacement. You can flush it manually by lifting the flapper with your hand, but that's not going to fly with the wife for longer than a day or so. It's an easy replacement job to perform, but you need to know how to fix a broken toilet handle.
No, not all toilet handles are universal, but you should be able to easily find a replacement toilet handle in store or online. How much does it cost to replace a toilet handle? If you replace your toilet handle yourself, it's generally inexpensive — under $50.