The first step in installing a toilet is to inspect the stall area where the toilet will go. Look carefully at the water valve on the wall. See what kind of hose it has. Inspect the floor flange to make sure it is in good condition.
Proceed in your toilet replacement project by taking a basic measurement. That basic measurement is called the rough in of a toilet. This is the distance from the back wall behind the toilet to the center point of the toilet drain.
Now its time for a trip to the home improvement center. There you will browse the different models of toilets. Make sure to get the advice of good sales person. Also make sure to select a model with the same rough in dimensions you measured on the drain.
Its now time to roll up your sleeves and wrestle out the old fixture. Un-do the two bolts holding the toilet to the floor. Turn off the water supply. Unscrew the hose. Simply rock the toilet back and forth and it will come loose. Get a someone to help you lift the fixture.
To dispose of the existing fixture, you may need to separate it into pieces. That makes carrying it easier, and also helps with getting it into something other than a truck. Take the toilet to a local disposal facility.
Take the new fixture out of the box. Carefully review the instructions paying special attention to organize the parts that came with the toilet. Most toilets are nearly assembled but do have some loose parts.
To install the toilet, first place the wax gasket on the floor flange. Fit the floor bolts into the floor flange. Next position the toilet next to the flange and place it carefully over the bolts. Secure the nuts, and connect up the water supply
It is now time to make sure the toilet was installed properly and functions correctly. Make sure the water valve is turned on. Observe the fill line, tank gasket, and toilet base area for a potential leak. When the tank is full, push on the flush lever. Again check for leaks, and with none, you are good to go.
Scott Rodgers has a wealth of experience in home improvement and contributes frequently to ElocalPlumbers.com and other home improvement online forums. For more information about replacing an existing toilet see this or to learn about first time installations see this article