Replacing a Toilet

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Replacing a Toilet

Pan types and connections, measuring, water regulations and fitting

Replacing a toilet is one of the more achievable bathroom jobs and depends almost entirely on measuring the existing connections correctly.

Measure before choosing

The critical measurement is the distance from the finished wall to the centre of the soil pipe, and whether the waste exits horizontally, vertically or at an angle. Getting this wrong means moving pipework.

Also measure the projection from the wall and the space in front, since building regulations expect clear space for use.

Pan types

Close coupled has the cistern sitting on the pan and is the simplest replacement. Back to wall hides the cistern in furniture. Wall hung mounts on a concealed frame that must be fixed into structure and carries the full load.

Wall hung looks best and is the most involved installation, frequently requiring the wall to be built out.

Water regulations

Cisterns sold in the UK are dual flush and limited in volume, and fittings must comply with water supply regulations. Use approved fittings, and note that some work must be notified to your water supplier.

Fitting it

Isolate the supply, drain the old cistern, and expect the old connections to be corroded. Fit a new flexible connector and a new isolation valve rather than reusing old ones.

Use a proper pan connector suited to the offset, and do not force a rigid connection into misalignment, which cracks over time.

Sealing and testing

Silicone around the base, leaving a small gap at the back so any leak shows rather than soaking into the floor unseen. Flush repeatedly and check for leaks over several days.

Choosing a seat

Soft close seats stop slamming and wear out faster than plain ones. Check the fixing type and whether the seat is a standard shape, since replacing a non-standard seat later is difficult.

Take the old seat's measurements — length, width and the hinge spacing — when buying a replacement.

Water use

A leaking toilet can waste a considerable amount of water without being obvious. Put a little food colouring in the cistern, leave it and check whether it appears in the pan.

Planning a bathroom

Order everything before starting the work, since a single missing part stops a bathroom being usable. Check what is included with each item, particularly wastes, traps and fixings, which are frequently sold separately from the main item.

When to call a plumber

Moving the soil pipe, macerator systems, anything involving the stack, or if the floor beneath is damaged.

Old toilets and cisterns should go to a recycling centre rather than a skip wherever possible.

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