It's not just about where you go when nature calls – it's also about what happens before and after that. If you're looking for a fresh start in the bathroom, installing a Toto toilet might be the answer. Be sure to also check out our guide on the best Toto toilets in the market for you!
In this article, I'll go over how to install a Toto toilet, how much are toilets and also go over the benefits of installing a Toto toilet – let's get started.
Step by step to installing a Toto toilet
The following are the steps to install a Toto toilet in your bathroom.
Step 1: Turn off the main water supply valve and flush the toilet before starting work.
This will help reduce leaks during installation. Also, check for any other shut-off valves closer to the toilet itself like under the sink or behind the toilet tank.
If there are any valves, be sure to turn them off too.
Step 2: Drain out the water
Drain as much of the water from drain pipes as possible by flushing repeatedly and/or using a plunger. Use a bucket or rag if necessary to mop up what's left after all water has drained out.
Step 3: Measure the height of the floor drain pipe
This is where your new toilet will connect. You may want to do this before you decide on a particular model so that if it requires more or less height than what you have available, you can go with another model. For example, Toto's SanaGloss toilets work best when installed above the floor drain pipe whereas some other models are lower profile and would require less space between the flange and the finished floor for proper installation.
Step 4: Remove any caulking in these areas.
This includes around pipes (drainage pipes as well as water supply), electrical outlets and light switches, ventilation ducts, etc.
Step 5: Shut off the closet water supply valve
If there's a closet flange, shut off the closet water supply valve to avoid leaks during installation and remove any caulking that's around it.
Step 6: Layout your tools and parts
Layout your tools and parts of the new toilet on a dry, level surface where you can work undisturbed for at least an hour or so. Make sure everything has been included in the package (including all necessary parts) as well as any extras such as wax rings, replacement seat rings, and other accessories. Use masking tape to label all pieces with their corresponding numbers found on the instruction sheet(s). You might consider taking pictures too.
Step 7: Place the wax ring over the floor drain
Place the wax ring over the floor drain connection at both ends of the pipe where it meets with its respective flanges. The wax ring should be wide enough to cover the whole surface of each flange. If it's not, you'll need to trim it with a utility knife before positioning it over the drain pipe.
Step 8: Place the gasket on top of the wax ring
Next, place the gasket that came with your new toilet on top of the wax ring. Be sure to put it on correctly. The shiny side faces up and is positioned towards where you'll be sitting on it whenever you use your new toilet. After applying some pressure from the top down, push the bolts through both sides of this gasket and into their corresponding holes in either floor flanges or other mounts (like mounting brackets) as specified by your instruction manual.
Step 9: Correctly position the mounting brackets
Position the two mounting brackets on the floor flanges so that they fit as close to the pipe's centerline as possible.
The holes at each end of this bracket should be positioned towards where you'll be sitting whenever you use your new toilet. After applying some pressure from the top down, push the bolts through both sides of these brackets and into their corresponding holes in either floor flanges or other mounts (like mounting rings) as specified by your instruction manual.
Step 10: Put the caps on
Put caps on any exposed bolt threads using a wrench to hold them steady while holding onto a nut with pliers.
Step 11: Install the Flapper
Install the Toto AquaPiston-G flapper on top of the fill valve protruding from your tank, and secure it in place with a lock nut using pliers.
Flappers can wear out over time so be sure to check on or replace it periodically after installation if you haven't already done so since buying a new toilet is sometimes just as important as installing a new one. By going with Toto's original water-saving technology, you'll be reducing water consumption by up to 27% which equals annual savings of up to 70,000 gallons per year for the family of 4.
Step 12: Mount the toilet tank
Mount the Toto AquaPiston-G toilet tank on the two mounting brackets using the provided bolts and nuts, hand tightening each bolt until it can't go any tighter yet still move freely.
Connect both supply lines from your tank to either the water supply connector or wall mount faucet adapter with its respective hose clips as specified by your instruction manual.
Step 13: Position the exposed screws on the backside
Position your new toilet's seat overall exposed screws on the backside of that toilet (don't forget there are probably a few), and press firmly down so that those exposed screws poke through their corresponding holes in either floor flanges or other mounts (like mounting rings) as specified by your instruction manual.
Finally, tighten all nuts over those exposed screws and bolts until they are nice and snug with a wrench.
Step 14: Clean it all up
Clean up any mess around the base of your toilet, run water to flush out any debris in your pipes, and then put it on the seat (if you haven't already) by aligning it with its respective hinges on the toilet bowl. Press firmly down so that those exposed screws pierce through their corresponding holes in either floor flanges or other mounts (like mounting rings) as specified by your instruction manual. Hand tighten all nuts over each exposed screw or bolt until they are nice and snug with a wrench for security purposes.
Step 15: Apply supply lines to water connectors
Adjust both supply lines from your tank to either the water supply connector or wall mount faucet adapter using a wrench to hold it steady while you turn its connection clockwise until that line is nice and tight.
Finally, test out your new toilet by turning on both taps at once for 5 minutes, flushing your toilet three times, and then checking to see if there are any leaks around the base of that entire tank by spraying soapy water around all of its connections with a flashlight. If there are some leaks like that, simply re-tighten each leaky connection as a temporary fix before taking care of those leaks permanently.
Step 16: Enjoy your hard work.
Enjoy using your new Toto AquaPiston-G toilet and take good care of it with regular cleanings every week or so. You can read further about cleaning your toilet if you’d like to learn more.
Final thoughts on installing a total toilet
In conclusion, installing a toilet from one of these best Toto toilets isn't rocket science but it does take care, attention to detail, and patience.
Even though there is an upfront cost when installing a Toto toilet, it’s worth considering that once you're done with this project, your bathroom will be better than ever.
