Replacing an old toilet in a bathroom in Sydney
- Old toilets removed
- repairs or renovation to the wall or flooring
- moving a toilet to another location
- installing a new toilet
This home owner wanted to replace their old toilet in their house in Bondi because the old one had cracked. A lot of the time people replace their toilet because they want a new style or they are replacing a very old one with a more water efficient model or even a bidet.
For this toilet replacement it was related to the base that had started cracking due to its age and perhaps some floor movement. The challenge with replacing an old toilet is trying to match the plumbing locations to the new toilet that needs to be installed. There is not an industry standard for the placement of the sewer pipe connection and water inlet pipes which means there are millions of variations in regards to the spacing and location of a toilet in a bathroom.
It isn’t a simple process because even sending a photo to a toilet supplier doesn’t really help because very generally they all look similar shapes and sizes. The correct way is to;
a) measure the sewer drain position from the ground
b) the water supply position from the ground
c) provide the centre marks for each
That way a suitable replacement toilet model can be determined to try and avoid the need to adjust the water inlet plumbing location or move the toilet sewer drain connection. The other consideration is the foot print of the base of the new toilet may be smaller than the old one, so this might require some repair work around the base of the toilet where the cement base is.
While replacing your toilet is possible to do, it is important to take the right steps to make the process more manageable. The ideal steps would be;
- Remove the old toilet
- Take the measurements
- Find a toilet that matches the plumbing and existing footprint
For this home we managed to remove the old toilet and were able to install a brand new Caroma Luna that only needed to have the water inlet position adjusted. We were able to do this without cracking any of the existing wall or floor tiles which eliminated any additional costs for repairs or renovations.
Using a bathroom plumber is a better idea compared to a handyman in these situations for several reasons:
1 Expertise: A bathroom plumber is specifically trained and experienced in plumbing, while a handyman may have a broader range of skills but may not have the same level of expertise in plumbing. This means that a bathroom plumber is better equipped to handle any plumbing-related issues that may arise during a bathroom renovation.
2 Code Compliance: A bathroom plumber is familiar with local plumbing codes and regulations and will ensure that any work done is in compliance with these codes. A handyman may not be as familiar with these codes and regulations, and their work may not meet the necessary standards.
3 Proper Tools and Equipment: A bathroom plumber has access to the proper tools and equipment to complete the job, whereas a handyman may not have access to the same level of equipment. This can lead to subpar work and the need for additional repairs in the future.
4 Warranty: A bathroom plumber typically provides a warranty on their work, which provides peace of mind and protects against any issues that may arise after the work has been completed. A handyman may not offer the same level of protection or guarantee on their work.
5 Insurance: Bathroom plumbers typically have insurance, which protects both the homeowner and the plumber in case of any accidents or damage during the renovation process. A handyman may not have the same level of insurance coverage, which could leave the homeowner at risk in case of an accident.
How can you replace an old toilet in Sydney?
As a plumber with 20 years of experience, let me explain the steps involved in replacing an old toilet. Replacing a toilet may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and a bit of know-how, it can be a straightforward process. Here are the steps you need to follow to successfully replace your old toilet:
1 Turn off the water supply: Before you start, turn off the water supply to the toilet. This will prevent any water from flowing into the toilet while you are working on it.
2 Drain the tank and bowl: Next, flush the toilet to empty the tank and bowl. This will make it easier to remove the old toilet.
3 Disconnect the water supply line: Locate the water supply line and disconnect it from the bottom of the toilet tank.
4 Loosen the bolts: Locate the two bolts that hold the toilet to the floor and loosen them using a wrench. Do not remove the bolts completely, just loosen them enough so that the toilet can be lifted off the floor.
5 Remove the old toilet: Carefully lift the old toilet off the floor and set it aside. Be sure to place it on a surface that won’t damage the toilet or the floor.
6 Clean the area: Clean the area around the toilet flange to ensure a secure fit for the new toilet.
7 Install the new wax ring: Place a new wax ring around the flange and make sure it is centered.
8 Place the new toilet: Carefully place the new toilet on top of the wax ring and line up the holes in the base of the toilet with the bolts.
9 Tighten the bolts: Once the toilet is in place, tighten the bolts using a wrench. Make sure the toilet is securely in place and level.
10 Reconnect the water supply line: Reconnect the water supply line to the bottom of the new toilet tank.
11 Turn on the water supply: Turn the water supply back on and let the tank fill. Check for any leaks around the base of the toilet.
12 Test the flush: Finally, test the flush to make sure the new toilet is working properly.
Here are some of our recent bathroom renovations in Sydney that Nu-Trend has completed. The majority of the projects we are contracted for are complete bathroom renovations where the room is completely stripped so that the flooring, walls, tiling and waterproofing is installed brand new.
Local, licensed & insured
Plumber | Renovator | Drainer | Gas fitter
Nu-Trend is a company in Sydney that has provided plumber and bathroom renovation services since 2009. The Directors Rob and Rick are hands-on, providing a personal service.
Sydney Water
PLUMBER
We work closely with Sydney Water for all plumbing requirements.
STANDARDS AUSTRALIA AS/NZS3500:2018 Compliant
A renovation business that builds new bathrooms to meet Australian Standards.
Experience & a written commitment.
Rick and Rob are the hands-on directors for Nu-Trend. Rather than hire sub-contractors and manage their business from a distant office, they are on the tools, at your site & working towards delivering your bathroom renovation or plumbing service. It means you are talking directly to the owners of the business, the guys who are accountable and responsible rather than via email or through customer service teams.
It is why they are able to provide a written guarantee that demonstrates their confidence in standing by the quality of their workmanship and the service they deliver to every single client.
They have a very single minded commitment to deliver a high level of professionalism and quality, they’ve been doing renovation contracting in Sydney since 2009.
