Changing the location of a existing toilet requires extensive plumbing work. It is better to plan to install a new toilet in the old location, if at all possible. A toilet installation, like all other bathroom fixtures -- tub, lavatory, bidet -- is limited by the distance from the vent stack. When ordering a new toilet, keep in mind that the critical measurement is from the rear wall to the center of the drainpipe.

For installing a new toilet, read the following instruction:

1. Install mounting bolts on the floor or closet flange.
2. Place padding or an old rug on the bathroom floor and set the toilet bowl on it, upside down. After kneading toilet bowl setting compound to a doughy consistency, place a uniform layer about 1/8 inch thick around the bowl pedestal. Place the wax ring around the bowl waste pipe opening.
   
3. Remove the rag you stuffed into the waste opening.
4. Pick up the toilet bowl and carefully set it over the waste outlet opening or the closet flange. Make sure the bowl mounting bolts pass through the bolt holes in the bowl base and that the waste opening is lined up correctly with the waste pipe.
5. Press down on each side at the center of the bowl. Use your own weight and a very slight twisting motion to imbed the bowl evenly in the wax gasket or compound. Only put pressure on the bowl at its sides and in line with the waste opening. Do not rock the bowl or the watertight seal just formed will be broken.
6. Place washers and nuts on the bowl mounting bolts. Tighten nuts finger-tight, then tighten 1/2 turn more with the adjustable or open-end wrench. If the bowl does not rock, it is tight.
   Trim away excess setting compound squeezed out from under the bowl base with a putty knife. Place the bolt covers over the nuts. Bolt covers will fit loosely.
   
7. Fill the bowl with water to keep sewer gases from escaping and then install the toilet seat.
8. To complete the installation of the new toilet, install the tank. Put the big washer on the threaded tank outlet and position the tank on the toilet so the holes align for the two bolts that come with it. Again, use finger pressure only to tighten the bolts. Connect the cold water line with the tank, including a stop or shutoff valve behind, where it won't show, and install the ballcock assembly. After you turn the water on, make sure the water level comes to the water line inside. If it doesn't, bend the rod holding the float ball up or down to adjust the water level. Check for leaks.

If you have any questions about installing your new toilet, please contact us or check your toilet installation manual with your new toilet.