Hello DIY warriors! Ever imagined yourself doing the heroes' work of bringing luxury to your loo? Well, today's the day! We are stepping into the brave DIY world of toilet installations and more specifically, dual-flush toilets. These marvels of bathroom technology truly are the Ferraris of the toilet world. Not only do they give you control over water consumption but they also reduce the water bill. Grab your trusty tool kit and let’s put your plumber hat on!
What’s this Dual-Flush Toilet Anyway?
With a design inspired by ingenious minds, the dual-flush toilet gives you two flush options. One for liquid waste using just a small amount of water and another for solid wastes utilizing a full flush. It's an excellent way of doing your bit for water conservation while saving a few bucks.
Gearing Up - What Will You Need?
To succeed in this plumbing escapade, you’ll need up your best DIY game. Gather the following items before rolling up those sleeves:
- A new dual-flush toilet
- Adjustable wrenches
- Hacksaw
- Rubber gloves (Sorry folks, this job’s gonna get dirty)
- Level
- Wax Ring
- Teflon tape
- Cloth and cleaning materials
Remember, the handyman's mantra - better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
Demolition Derby: Removing the Old Toilet
Before we install the royal reign of toilets, we’ve to remove the old clunker. Here's how:
- Turn off the water supply and flush to drain existing water.
- Unbolt the tank from the bowl.
- Once the tank is removed, unbolt the bowl from the floor, gently rocking until it’s free.
- Lift it out carefully – remember, it’s heavy. You don’t want a toilet-shaped hole in your floor.
Cleaning Up the Battle Field
Post the removal, you might find an old wax ring stuck on the flange. Be a warrior and scrape it off (Note: This job can definitely get a bit gross, but hey, you're already a hero!). Make sure your flange is in good shape; if it is broken or rusted, replace it.
The Arrival of the New Throne
You have made it this far, pat yourself on the back and grab your new dual-flush beauty. Here’s how you install it:
- Apply a new wax ring evenly on the flange, ensuring it sticks nicely.
- Carefully align your bowl over the wax ring and flange, squatting it down until you feel it seat into the wax ring and become stable.
- Bolt down your toilet bowl tightly but with care. Over tightening can cause the bowl to crack.
- Mount the toilet tank onto the bowl using bolts, rubber seals and gaskets provided.
- Use the Teflon tape on the fill valve on the bottom of the tank and connect the water supply line.
Level Testing
Place the level across the toilet bowl, adjust until the bubble is in the center. Add shims under the bowl to help level it (if needed), then reinstall the wax ring and bolt down the toilet one more time firmly.
The Finishing Touches
Reconnect the water supply line and fill the tank. Test both flush types, checking for any leaks around the base of the toilet. If all looks well, congrats, you've successfully installed a dual-flush toilet!
The moment you've been waiting for is here! Seize it, sit on your shiny, water-saving throne and rule the day, your royal DIY Highness!
You Did It, DIY King!
You've just learned how to install a dual-flush toilet like a pro! Congratulations, you've upgraded your plumber badge and contributed to water preservation efforts. Your hands may be a bit dirty, but your heart should be swelling with pride. It’s your time to bask in the glory of a job well done. The next round of DIY awaits!