3 Easy DIY Toilet Installation Hacks

Toilet installation is a relatively simple home improvement project. Though it may not come naturally to everyone, replacing a toilet is a DIY project that most homeowners can handle. From start to finish, the process includes the following steps: disconnecting the water supply, unscrewing the fasteners, connecting the toilet to the floor, removing the toilet, replacing the wax ring, bolting down the new unit, and reconnecting the water supply. 

Many toilets have everything you need to install the unit, but that convenience comes at a cost. The bathroom is the manufacturer’s core product, not the hardware, so it helps to purchase any hardware and accessories separately for optimal performance and longevity.

For the novice DIYer, or even those with some plumbing experience, every time-saving trick helps, so read on to see Today’s Homeowner’s top tips for an easy toilet installation.

1. Buy Separate Floor Hardware

Toilets come in different sizes, meaning that you may run into problems when you start bolting the unit to the floor. One typical problem is when homeowners discover that the closet bolts are too long for the caps.

The only solution is to take a hacksaw to those bolts and cut them to size (unless you purchase separate floor hardware for a clean, seamless installation).

If you purchase separate hardware, you won’t have to struggle with bolts that are too long or have to prep with a hacksaw. We recommend Fluidmaster’s SetFast Toilet Bolts, which easily adjust from 2 1⁄4 to 1 1⁄2 inches with a quick-twist adjustment. This innovative design allows the toilet bowl bolts to shorten or lengthen for a perfect fit, eliminating the need to cut or break off bolts once installed.

Additionally, the solid brass construction also means they’re built to last and won’t rust over time. These adjustable bolts make installing any toilet quick and hassle-free for DIYers. Place the bolts in the toilet flange, adjust them to the perfect height for your toilet model, and secure the nuts. 

2. Say No to Snap-On Bolt Caps

How often have you accidentally broken a toilet bolt cap or seen broken toilet caps in other people’s bathrooms? Since most toilet bolt caps are designed to snap on, they can crack, snap off, and break easily.

Think about it: If all you have to do is snap them on, they could just as easily pop right off — only for you to place them back on the toilet, barely hanging on! It’s a vicious cycle.

If you want to replace fickle snap-on caps, we recommend Fluidmaster’s Smart Cap Universal Toilet Bolt Caps. They’re made of crack-resistant polypropylene material, and their screw-on design ensures the caps create a watertight seal you can’t easily knock out of place.

Best of all, the installation is easy. Remove the old cap and nut, set the base, anti-spin the washer and the old nut, then screw on the lid. The caps come in standard white, bone, almond, and black to match most toilets.

While some toilet parts only need replacing when they wear out or break, there are other toilet parts you should regularly replace for better performance, like the flapper, fill valve, and more. Be sure to inspect your toilet regularly to see what needs replacing.

3. Trade a Wax Seal for a Rubber One

Plumbing fixtures require a seal to prevent leaking, and that’s why many new toilets come with a wax seal in the box. However, while the wax may do its job in the short run, it can cause problems.

A wobbly toilet, water pooling around the unit on the floor, and an unpleasant, rotten smell are clear signs that a wax seal has failed. That means you have to remove the toilet and the wax seal and use a putty knife to remove the wax residue. 

Fortunately, a wax alternative is easier to install and maintain long-term. Fluidmaster’s Better Than Wax toilet seal is a rubber gasket that fits any flange and toilet model. It can be repositioned during installation if needed, and it’s guaranteed to last ten years. 

After that, you won’t have to spend an afternoon cleaning up messy wax residue if you run into a leak and must replace the gasket. You pull out the old rubber gasket and insert a new one. The Better Than Wax seal makes installing and replacing toilets a cleaner, quicker process for DIYers. So, if you’re looking for an easier way to seal your toilet, this type of seal is worth the money.

Shop Smarter

Using these three smart toilet installation products, instead of relying only on the most basic options, can save you plenty of time, frustration, and elbow grease during the initial installation and years later.

These items can help you avoid frustrating last-minute alterations, like hacking down oversized bolts. Instead, you’ll have high-quality bolt caps and toilet seals designed for longevity, preventing leaks and other headaches.

While shopping for these types of accessories separately involves a higher up-front cost, it pays off tremendously in ease of installation and prevents so many frustrations DIYers typically experience when installing a new toilet using just the in-box parts.

Learn More About Toilets

So, Is Buying Separate Toilet Installation Hardware Worth It for DIYers?

For novice DIYers installing a toilet for the first time, or even those with some experience who have struggled with frustrating in-box parts, investing in high-quality hardware and accessories designed for hassle-free installation is worth a few extra dollars up-front.

The time and aggravation saved, plus avoiding emergency leaks down the road, makes separate accessories a wise investment. Upgraded parts lead to upgraded performance, so investing in quality components immediately is a good move.