Plumbing service
Replacing a toilet
Done properly, a replacement clears the bowl on one flush, sits solid on the floor and stays dry at the base and tank. Those three things depend on the flange, the seal and how carefully it is set.
- Rough-in: Most are 12" from the wall to the bolt centres; older homes vary
- Seal: Wax ring or wax-free gasket
- Also replaced: Shut-off valve and braided supply line
- Old toilet: Removed from site
- Licensed, insured trade work (details confirmed when you call)
- Diagnosis before anything is cut
- Emergency calls taken
- Etobicoke and the west end
At a glance
- Rough-in
- Most are 12" from the wall to the bolt centres; older homes vary
- Seal
- Wax ring or wax-free gasket
- Also replaced
- Shut-off valve and braided supply line
- Old toilet
- Removed from site
Measuring first
The rough-in distance from the finished wall to the closet bolts decides which toilets will fit. Some older Etobicoke bathrooms have 10" or 14" rough-ins, which narrows the choice. We measure before you buy, or bring options that fit.
- Bowl shape matters too: elongated bowls are more comfortable but need more room in front.
Removing the old one
We shut off and drain the tank, sponge out the bowl, unbolt it and lift it straight up. Then we scrape the old wax, inspect the flange and check the subfloor around it. A soft floor or broken flange gets fixed before the new toilet goes on.
- Many older toilets still have multi-turn compression stops that seize; we replace these with quarter-turn valves.
Setting the new toilet
The new seal goes on, the bowl is lowered straight onto it, and bolts are snugged alternately so the china is never stressed. Shims level it where the floor is uneven. The tank is mounted, the supply line connected, and the flush adjusted.
- We caulk the base at the front and sides but leave the rear unsealed so any later leak would show rather than hide.
Signs to watch for
- Cracked tank or bowl
- Toilet that clogs regularly
- Old high-volume toilet
- Constant repairs to tank parts
- Renovating the bathroom
How the job runs
Measure rough-in
We confirm which models fit.
Remove old toilet
Drain, unbolt and lift out.
Repair flange
Flange and floor fixed if needed.
Set and test
New toilet sealed, levelled and flushed.