Homeowners Guide to Replacing Your Toilet in 2024

Looking to upgrade your bathroom in 2024? Whether you’re remodeling or simply need a new throne, our comprehensive guide walks you through the essentials of replacing a toilet, ensuring you make the best choice for comfort and efficiency in your Sacramento home or business and save money while you’re at it. 🚽🔧

Why Replace A Toilet?

Replacing your old toilet with a modern design like a smart toilet can be a smart decision for several reasons, each contributing to both practical benefits and overall home enhancement. Smart toilets offer advanced features for comfort and efficiency, including remote and phone controls, self-cleaning, lighting, heating, and touchless flushing, which can significantly improve the bathroom experience. Here’s a deeper look into why upgrading your toilet is a wise move for homeowners in Sacramento:

Boost Efficiency and Save Water:

• Water Conservation: Many older toilet models can use as much as 3.5 to 7 gallons per flush. Modern high-efficiency toilets, however, are designed to use significantly less—typically 1.28 gallons per flush or even less. This reduction in water use is crucial for conservation efforts, especially in areas like Sacramento where water efficiency is prioritized due to environmental concerns.
• Cost Savings: By reducing the amount of water used per flush, you’re also lowering your water bills. Over time, the savings accrued from using less water can be substantial, making the upgrade a cost-effective choice in the long run.
• Environmental Impact: Using less water means you are contributing less to the overall consumption of a vital resource, aligning with Sacramento’s sustainability goals. This responsible choice helps preserve local water supplies and reduces the strain on municipal water treatment facilities.

Enhance Bathroom Aesthetics:

• Modern Designs: Today’s toilets are available in a variety of styles, colors, and finishes. Whether you prefer a traditional look or a modern design, you can find a toilet that fits your bathroom’s aesthetic. Options include sleek, one-piece models, toilets with hidden trapways, and even wall mounted toilets that can make your bathroom look larger and more open.
• Customization: Beyond just colors and styles, you can select features that enhance comfort and convenience, such as heated seats, automatic lids, dual flush options, and bidet functionalities. These features not only improve the look of your bathroom but also the overall experience of using it.

Increase Home Value:

• Attractive to Buyers: A modern bathroom is a significant selling point for potential homebuyers. A newly installed, efficient toilet can be a key feature that attracts buyers looking for a move-in-ready home with updated fixtures.
• Return on Investment: While any bathroom remodel offers a return on investment, updating old, inefficient toilets with modern, efficient models can be particularly appealing. This upgrade not only increases the aesthetic appeal of the bathroom but also demonstrates a commitment to efficiency and sustainability—qualities valued in today’s real estate market.
• Long-Term Durability: New toilets are designed to last, with durable components and finishes that resist wear, staining, and damage. By investing in a quality new toilet, you’re ensuring years of reliable use, which adds ongoing value to your home.

In summary, replacing your toilet in 2024 offers a multitude of benefits from reduced water usage and enhanced aesthetics to increased property value. It’s an investment that pays dividends in cost savings, comfort, and contribution to sustainability, making it a smart upgrade for any Sacramento homeowner considering a bathroom renovation.

Choosing the Right Toilet for Your Home

Selecting the perfect toilet is crucial not just for aesthetics but for comfort and functionality. Understanding the different types of toilets and their features can help you make an informed choice that fits your needs and preferences. Here’s a closer look at what’s available and key considerations to keep in mind. We will discuss the pros and cons of examples like these:

• High Tank Toilet: A nod to the Victorian era, the high tank toilet features a tank mounted on the wall above the toilet bowl, using gravity to enhance the flushing mechanism. While offering a unique style and efficient flush, they come with higher installation costs and can range up to $3,000.
• Gravity-Feed Toilets: A common and traditional choice, these toilets use the weight of water in the tank to create flushing pressure. Many gravity-feed systems are available in a two piece toilet configuration, combining style with functionality.
• Bowl Shape: When it comes to the toilet bowl, choosing the right shape is crucial for comfort and hygiene. Elongated bowls offer more room and comfort, making them a preferred choice for many households.

Types of Toilets:

1. Gravity-Feed Toilets:
   • Functionality: These toilets use the weight of water and gravity to flush the bowl. They are the most common type found in homes due to their simplicity and reliability.
   • Benefits: Known for their quiet flush, ease of repair, and fewer mechanical issues, gravity-feed toilets are a dependable choice for any household.
2. Pressure-Assisted Toilets:
   • Functionality: Utilizing compressed air to aid in flushing, these toilets provide a powerful flush. The pressure tank inside the toilet tank uses water supply pressure to compress air within the tank.
   • Benefits: Ideal for larger households or for anyone requiring more flushing power to prevent clogs. These toilets perform well in busy bathrooms, although they can be noisier than gravity-feed models.
3. Dual-Flush Toilets:
   • Functionality: These models offer two flushing options: a half-flush for liquid waste and a full-flush for solid waste. This feature allows you to control the amount of water used per flush.
   • Benefits: Dual-flush toilets are excellent for water conservation. They allow significant water savings, especially in homes with frequent toilet use.
4. Wall-Hung Toilets:
   • Functionality: The wall mounted toilet with the tank concealed behind the wall, saves space and can be installed at various heights.
   • Benefits: They make cleaning easier and can be a stylish addition to a modern bathroom. However, installation can be more complex and costly, often requiring a thicker wall to accommodate the tank.

Considerations When Buying:

1. Bowl Shape:
   • Elongated Bowls: Offer more comfort and are generally considered more hygienic due to their larger surface area.
   • Round Bowls: Best for small spaces, round bowls take up less room, making them suitable for tight bathrooms.
2. Rough-In Measurement:
   • This is the distance from the wall to the center of the floor drain or the bolts that attach the toilet. Most homes have a standard 12-inch rough-in, but 10-inch and 14-inch options are available if space or construction requires it. Measuring your existing setup accurately is key to ensuring that your new toilet fits perfectly.
3. Height:
   • Standard Height: About 15 inches from floor to seat, suitable for children and shorter adults.
   • Comfort Height: Approximately 17 to 19 inches, similar to chair height, these models are easier on the knees and back, making them ideal for older adults or those with mobility issues.

Choosing the right toilet involves balancing functionality, space, comfort, and aesthetics. Consider how the toilet will be used, who will be using it, and the bathroom’s overall design. Whether upgrading an existing bathroom or completing a new installation, the right toilet can enhance the room’s comfort and functionality while also contributing to overall water efficiency.

Step-by-Step Guide to Toilet Replacement

1. Removing the Old Toilet:

• Turn Off the Water: Shut off the toilet’s water supply valve.
• Flush and Empty the Tank: Flush the toilet to drain water from the tank and bowl. Use a sponge to remove any remaining water.
• Disconnect Water Line: Unscrew the water supply line from the toilet.
• Remove Bolts and Toilet: Unscrew the bolts holding the toilet to the floor, lift the toilet off the flange, and move it out of the way.

2. Preparing for the New Toilet:

• Clean the Flange: Remove old wax and debris from the flange.
• Check/Replace the Flange if Necessary: Ensure it’s not cracked or broken.
• Install New Wax Ring: Place a new wax ring on the flange to ensure a good seal and prevent leaks.

3. Installing the New Toilet:

• Position the Toilet: Carefully align the toilet with the bolts and lower it onto the wax ring.
• Press Down to Seal: Apply even pressure around the bowl to seal the wax ring.
• Attach and Tighten Bolts: Attach washers and nuts, then tighten the bolts gradually. Avoid over-tightening, which can crack the porcelain.
• Reconnect Water Supply: Attach the water line and open the valve to fill the tank.
• Test Flush: Make sure there are no leaks and the toilet operates correctly.

Maintaining Your New Toilet

Once you have installed your new toilet, maintaining it properly is essential to ensure its longevity and optimal performance. Here are some key maintenance tips to help you keep your toilet in excellent condition:

Regular Cleaning:

• Proper Cleaning Agents: To maintain the pristine condition of your toilet, it is crucial to use gentle cleaning agents. Abrasive cleaners can scratch the porcelain surface, making it more susceptible to staining over time. Similarly, harsh chemicals can etch the finish, dulling the shine of your toilet.
• Technique Matters: Use a soft-bristled brush for cleaning the bowl to prevent scratches. For the exterior, a soft cloth or sponge works best to wipe surfaces without causing damage.
• Frequency: Regular cleaning not only maintains the appearance of your toilet but also helps in identifying any potential issues early. Aim to clean your toilet at least once a week, or more frequently depending on usage.

Check for Leaks:

• Visual Inspections: Regularly inspect around the base of the toilet and the connection points between the tank and the bowl, as well as where the toilet meets the floor. Water on the floor or a musty smell can indicate a leak.
• Test for Leaks: One effective method to check for leaks is to add a few drops of food coloring to the tank and wait for about 30 minutes without flushing. If the color appears in the bowl, it indicates a leak in the flush valve or flapper.
• Address Leaks Promptly: Small leaks can quickly turn into costly problems. Early detection and repair can prevent water damage to your flooring and subflooring, which can be expensive to fix.

Avoid Chemical Cleaners:

• Risks of Chemicals: Many commercial toilet cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can degrade the rubber and plastic components inside the tank, such as the flapper and seals, leading to leaks and malfunction.
• Natural Alternatives: Consider using natural cleaning solutions like vinegar, baking soda, or a combination of both. These substances effectively clean and deodorize your toilet without the risk of damaging internal components. For example, pouring half a cup of vinegar into the tank and bowl every so often can help manage mineral deposits and maintain cleanliness without harshness.
• Regular Flushing: In households where toilets are infrequently used, it’s important to flush them regularly to prevent the buildup of stagnant water in the tank, which can lead to mold and bacterial growth.

Maintaining your new toilet doesn’t require excessive effort, but it does require consistent attention. By following these simple maintenance tips, you can ensure that your toilet remains clean, functional, and efficient for many years to come. Proper care not only preserves the aesthetics and functionality of your toilet but also contributes to the overall sanitation and comfort of your bathroom.

Ready to Refresh Your Restroom? 🚽💧

Don’t wait to upgrade! Contact Miracle Works Plumbing & Drain today to get expert help replacing your toilet. Our skilled technicians will ensure a hassle-free installation and help you select the perfect model for your needs. Ask about our preventative maintenance plan. Elevate your bathroom’s comfort and style with us at your side!