When you return home from hiking at Silver Falls State Park, the last thing you want to deal with is a broken toilet. While some toilet woes can easily be repaired, other issues might require a new toilet installation. The team at Air Stars is here to provide exceptional plumbing services, including a new toilet installation for your home.
What Does the Toilet Installation Process Involve?
Unless you’re building a new home, your existing toilet must be removed before the new one is installed. Once the old toilet is removed, it typically takes a few hours to install a toilet unless plumbing repairs are required first.
Here’s what’s involved in the toilet installation process:
- Prep work: One of our licensed plumbers turns off the water supply and drains the toilet tank. Next, they’ll remove and dispose of the old toilet before the installation of the new one begins.
- Inspection: The plumber carefully inspects your existing toilet flange for damage and repairs or replaces it if needed.
- New parts: Closet bolts, a new wax ring, and a new toilet seat are installed. Your plumber may use a putty knife and a scraper to remove the old wax ring.
- Setting the toilet: Your plumber carefully places the toilet over the flange and aligns the bolt holes. Then, they press down on the toilet to secure the seal between it and the floor.
- Bolting: The tank and toilet are attached to the floor using bolts, washers, and nuts to ensure a secure fit.
- Seat installation: The toilet seat and lid are usually added after completing the previous steps.
- Testing: The plumber tests your new toilet by checking for leaks after they turn the water back on and fill the tank. They’ll flush the toilet and carefully inspect the area at the base and where the tank and bowl come together.
Benefits of Hiring a Professional for Toilet Installation
Hiring a professional plumber to install the toilet in your home is crucial to ensuring a smooth process. Here’s why it’s beneficial to enlist the help of a professional plumbing contractor for your next toilet installation:
- Toilets are heavy: A professional plumber from Air Stars will remove your old toilet and dispose of it to eliminate your risk of injury or accidental damage to your home.
- Toilet installation is a complex job: It requires a thorough understanding of how plumbing works and the intricate pieces required for your new toilet to work properly. If these parts and pieces aren’t installed correctly, it could lead to problems later.
- May require water line adjustments or additions: The task may require additional water lines or bends and cuts to existing lines, which is a job best left to an experienced plumber.
- Poor installation can cause big problems later on: If you try to install a new toilet yourself, you may experience plumbing issues later that are not covered by a warranty.
- Regulations and permit knowledge: Some jurisdictions require permits for new toilet installations, especially for remodeling or new construction.
- Minimize risk: Hiring a professional minimizes the risk of potential plumbing problems that could lead to leaks and water damage. It also ensures the job is done correctly the first time for a seamless transition.
- Toilet selection: A professional plumber can help you choose the right toilet for your home. This may depend on several factors, like the size and bowl shape, space allowance, water-efficient features you require, whether you want a one or two-piece toilet and your plumbing requirements.
Common Issues With Improper Toilet Installation
Here are some of the most common issues homeowners face with improper toilet installation:
- Water leaks: If the toilet isn’t sealed properly, water may pool around or underneath it. If it’s over-tightened, it eventually cracks, leading to leaks. Water pooling and leaks can damage your floor, subfloor, and ceiling or lead to mold and mildew issues.
- Sewage gas leak: Sewer gasses can leak into your home if the wax seal or flange under the toilet isn’t installed correctly. These gasses emit an unpleasant odor and can pose a risk to your health.
- Blocked or clogged vents: Improper toilet installation can lead to blocked or clogged vents.
- Flushing issues: Toilets installed incorrectly may not flush properly, or the toilet may run continuously if the tank float is set too high.
Signs You Need a New Toilet
How do you know if you need a new toilet? These signs could mean it’s time to replace your toilet:
- Clogs: If your toilet constantly clogs, it may be time to replace it with a more efficient model.
- Wobbly: A wobbling toilet could mean the screws around the base need to be tightened, or it may be time for a replacement if there are damaged or broken parts.
- Leaks: If your toilet leaks, it could have a bad seal caused by a damaged or malfunctioning flange or wax ring.
- Cracks: A cracked toilet tank can cause water to leak out of the toilet and into your bathroom, so it’s best to have it replaced as soon as possible to minimize water damage.
- Old toilet: If your toilet is old, it could be time to replace it with a more modern option that looks better and is more water-efficient.
- Constant running: Toilets that are constantly running may have internal damage to one of the components.
Contact Air Stars Today
If you’re interested in a new toilet installation or one of our other comprehensive plumbing solutions, count on the Air Stars team. We’re always at the forefront of the plumbing industry with new products and ideas designed to benefit our customers. Our plumbers stay up-to-date with continued education and training, and we offer extended warranties with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
If you want to learn more or need to schedule a toilet installation, contact us today!
