I made good time on the flooring install, so I thought I would tackle the toilet installation on the same day. I brought the box in the from the garage and started unpacking the toilet parts. I was happy the toilet was in two pieces so the installation should go smoothly. It is always hit-or-miss when you try to line up the flange bolts to the holes in the toilet without messing up the wax ring.
First, I decided that after the many fails installing a toilet, I would spend the money and use a silicone ring. I originally bought the silicone ring for the master bath toilet. I got that problem fixed without pulling the toilet. The new toilet came with two flange bolts. The bolts did not have the breakaway joints, so I was afraid I would have to use the hacksaw to get the plastic caps on. I put down the ring and inserted the bolts. With only the bottom half of the toilet to install, lining up the toilet was easy. I tightened down the bolts very carefully. No need to be too aggressive and crack the toilet. Even if I felt I had a few more turns left on the nut, I stopped. The toilet was tight to the floor, and it did not move. I did not need to shorten the bolts, as the plastic caps were extra tall, and the bolts fit under them.
Two bolts later and the tank was installed. I was worried that there was at least an inch between the wall and the tank. Did I get the wrong toilet? I double-checked the box, and it was the toilet with the 12-inch setback. It was okay, but weird. I made sure the bolts were snug, but the tank moved slightly when you pushed on it. The toilet did come with a new stainless steel connection hose. Some Teflon tape and a couple of adjustable wrenches and I was ready to turn on the water.
As I turned on the water, the water was splashing out of the tank as it filled. As more water got into the tank, the splashing stopped. I touched around the connection to check for leaks. I looked with my camera flashlight for leaks around the toilet. To my dismay, the water height in the bowl was quite low. I would need to read about that later. I made the inaugural flush. I heard an escape of water and then a loud thump as the flushing stopped. The flush was done. Since this toilet was a dual-flush one, I tried the “number 2” button. Same sounds, same result. Again, the water level seemed way too low.
I put on the lid and installed the slow-closing seat. The seat was plastic, but the slow-closing lid was slick. My family was famous for its toilet seat slamming. It was passed on through the generations. A project done in one day. I gathered up my tools and cleaned up my mess. I leaned against the door jamb to admire my work. I gave out a big sigh of relief. Now that is how DIY should feel like.
(About two weeks later, I noticed the toilet wobbling a little. After a few butts on the toilet, it had settled into the flooring. I got out my adjustable wrench and gave the bolts those couple of turns I refused to do initially.)
