Emergency toilet repair and installing a new toilet can be essential skills for homeowners. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you with both scenarios:
Emergency Toilet Repair:
Gather Materials:
- Rubber gloves
- Adjustable wrench
- Plunger
- Bucket
- Towels or rags
- Replacement parts (if needed)
Turn Off the Water:
Locate the water shut-off valve on the wall behind or beside the toilet. Turn the valve clockwise until fully closed to stop the water supply.
Drain the Tank and Bowl:
Flush the toilet to remove most water from the tank and bowl. Hold the handle down to allow as much water as possible to drain.
Inspect the Problem:
Examine the issue. Common toilet problems include clogs, leaks, or a running toilet.
Unclog the Toilet:
If it’s a clog, use a plunger to create a seal and plunge vigorously.
Fix a Running Toilet:
If the toilet runs continuously, it may be due to a faulty flapper or fill valve. Replace these parts if necessary.
Address Leaks:
If there’s water pooling around the base, it might indicate a wax ring or seal problem. Tighten the bolts securing the toilet to the floor, and if it persists, you may need to replace the wax ring.
Reassemble and Test:
Re-join the water supply line to the seal valve and turn on the water. Check for leaks around the supply line and the base of the toilet. Flush the toilet to ensure it’s working correctly.
Installing a New Toilet:
Gather Materials:
- New toilet
- Wax ring
- Toilet bolts
- Adjustable wrench
- Screwdriver
- Level
- Plumber’s tape (Teflon tape)
Remove the Old Toilet:
Shut off the water supply and flush the toilet to drain the tank and the bowl. Disconnect the water supply line. Loosen and remove the nuts that secure the toilet to the floor bolts. Lightly lift the old toilet and place it apart.
Prepare the Flange:
Inspect the flange on the floor. Clean it and ensure it’s in good condition; if it’s damaged, repair or replace it.
Install Wax Ring:
Place the new wax ring onto the flange, ensuring it’s centred over the drain hole.
Set the New Toilet:
Carefully lower the new toilet bowl onto the wax ring, aligning the bolts with the holes in the base. Press down firmly to compress the wax ring.
Secure the Toilet:
Place a washer and nut onto each floor bolt and tighten them evenly until the toilet is snug but not over-tightened. Verify the toilet’s alignment with a level to ensure it is perfectly flat.
Attach the Tank:
If your toilet has a separate tank, attach it to the bowl according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Connect Water Supply:
Reconnect the water supply line to the fill valve using the plumber’s tape to ensure a secure seal.
Turn on the Water:
Slowly open the water supply valve to begin filling the tank. Check for leaks around the base and the water supply connection.
Test the Toilet:
Flush the toilet several times to ensure it works correctly and doesn’t leak.
Tap installation is a plumbing task that is often best left to professionals for several important reasons:
Water Supply Knowledge: Professional plumbers deeply understand water supply systems. They can ensure that the new tap installation doesn’t disrupt the overall water flow in your home, maintain proper water pressure, and prevent issues like water hammer (a sudden surge of pressure in the pipes) that can occur if taps are not installed correctly.
Experience: Plumbers have extensive experience in tap installation. They know the proper techniques for securing taps, connecting water supply lines, and ensuring a watertight seal. This experience helps prevent leaks and other plumbing problems down the line.
Code Compliance: Plumbers are familiar with local building codes and regulations related to plumbing installations. They can ensure that your tap installation is done in compliance with these codes, which is essential for safety and legal reasons. Failure to comply with codes can result in fines or other penalties.
Tools and Equipment: Professional plumbers can access a wide range of specialised tools and equipment needed for tap installation. This includes pipe wrenches, adjustable wrenches, pipe cutters, and various sealing materials. Using the right tools ensures a secure and leak-free installation.
Knowledge of Tap Types: There are various types of taps available, including compression taps, ball taps, cartridge taps, and ceramic disc taps. Each type has its installation requirements and potential issues. Professional plumbers can select the appropriate tap for your needs and install it correctly.
Safety: Working with plumbing involves handling water and sometimes gas lines. Incorrect installations can lead to water damage, gas leaks, or other safety hazards. Professionals are trained to work safely and minimise risks.
While some homeowners with plumbing skills may feel comfortable installing taps, hiring a professional tap installation service is generally the safest and most reliable option.