DIY info: How to install a toilet - Part 2

If you've made it this far then you've already measured the space you have for your new toilet, and probably purchased it too. Your DIY bathroom renovation is taking shape!

Whether you opt for an ultra-modern masterpiece or a more functional design is entirely up to you, but one thing's for sure: You can't do anything without first removing the existing toilet.

Remove the toilet

This is a pretty straightforward process, yet people still manage to get it wrong. A misstep here might mean a flooded bathroom or a slow leak in your new install - so pay attention!

You have to shut off the water supply to the tank. This is usually done at a tap near the floor and behind the fixture. Once you've done this, make sure to flush the toilet until all the water has drained out. Remove any water remaining in the cistern with a small cup or a sponge.

After you've disconnected the supply line, remove the tank lid and unbolt the cistern from the base. Move these pieces out of the working area and then remove the closet bolts holding the bowl in place.

For stubborn bolts inside the cistern, soak with penetrating oil for a few minutes. If the closet bolts are the problem - you might as well cut those with an appropriate saw.

The toilet bowl should be moved straight outside, or left on newspaper or plastic, so that the remnants of the wax seal don't get everywhere.

Time to clean up

Prepping the space for the new fixture is extremely important, as it determines how good the finish of your job is going to be.

The next step in your DIY bathroom project could be the most important - plug up that drain hole. Working near those gases will make the rest of the job a lousy one. Use a rag or old towel to block the hole, but make sure that it will not slip down and block the pipes.

You can then use a putty knife or scraper to remove any residual wax or stubborn grime, before using a vacuum cleaner from Kennards Hire to finish your cleaning up.

Make sure that the flange you will be mounting the toilet to is in good repair and that the mounting surface is level. If there is rot underneath the flange, there are special rings available to remedy that.

Now you are ready for the final part in this series - fitting the new toilet in place.