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People often ask how long does it take to install a toilet. There’s a lot of debate on what time it takes you to put a new toilet in your house. Sometimes it takes 2-3 hours, other times it takes more like 7 hours. But all debates are for the show because we want to use a new toilet on days.
We have to wait for the sweeper to come outside. The wait is worth it because we get to use the new toilet right away. The wait is also worth it because we don’t have to go out and buy a new one.
How Long Does it Take to Install a Toilet?
About an hour maximum, if that’s all you do. When a plumber replaces a toilet, he should inspect the floor, the flange, and the linoleum underneath. If you need to replace the floor, he should do so before installing the new toilet, in this way, if the flange is broken or not in place properly, it is another problem that needs to be solved. Typically, the significant additional work required is the replacement of the toilet bolts, which is a quick operation.
If there are no other complications, disassembling and replacing a toilet should take a professional plumber about 60 minutes.
Since replacing a toilet is an essential task, you should remove the old one and install the new one in about two to three hours. However, if you are inexperienced in DIY, you can add an hour or two to that time frame.
How long does it take to remove an old toilet and replace it with a new one?
That depends entirely on your skills and strength. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Turn off the water supply to the existing toilet.
- Remove the water hoses from the toilet by unscrewing and removing them. Tape them to the bathroom to prevent them from shifting and leaving drips.
Flush the toilet, emphasizing the emptying of the water chamber and bowl.
Use a cloth or sponge to remove extra water. Open a large garbage bag. You will need a vast 40-gallon leaf bag. Remove the nuts from the bottom of the toilet by loosening them.
If you are working alone, you can also remove the water chamber first, making it easier to move. Make sure you have a second bag to wrap around the room to catch any drips if you do this. Remove that and then return to the base.
Remove the base and put it in the bag open next to you. There will be wax and water on the floor, so stock up on cleaning products for scrubbing and wiping. Remove the bag wrapped around the base and proceed with whatever method to dispose of it. (easier if two people are present).
Insert the new toilet and be sure to have a spare wax ring on hand.
Remove the old wax. You don’t have to be analytical about it, but you should remove most of it. Then replace the ring.
Gently lower the new toilet into position, being careful not to crush the sides of the wax ring. This step is also much easier with two people than with one.
Secure the base with nuts and reconnect the water hose.
Reconnect the water supply and refill the chamber. Check that everything is working correctly; flush the toilet several times to be sure.
How much does it cost to install a toilet?
Suppose your concern is about cost, most plumbers in the Midwest charge between $100 and $150. Most charge a minimum of one hour. In addition, they will provide minor supplies, such as new wax and flange bolts.
Be on the lookout for the need to replace the shutoff valve or fix the flange. We have seen over $70 for a replacement shutoff valve that costs less than $10.
If you need to repair the flange, these professionals often charge several hundred dollars before completing the job.
We will add that it is pretty common to require a replacement shutoff valve. Also, we encourage you to do it. It only takes a few minutes, maybe 15 minutes. They cost ten dollars. Also, if the flange needs maintenance, do it while the toilet is removed.
If you install new ceramic tile, a flange spacer kit will be required. It costs between $10 and $30 plus labour, which should not exceed an additional half-hour charge. For example, the cost will be higher if it rotted wood around the flange.
Bottom line
How long does it take to install a toilet? Your skills and your strength determine it. Since the floor will be covered with wax and water, stock up on cleaning products for scrubbing and wiping. You can also remove the water chamber first if you are working alone. Most plumbers charge between $100 and $150 to install a toilet in the Midwest.
Most charge a minimum per hour for labour and supplies, such as new wax and flange bolts. If, for example, there is rotted wood around the flange, the cost will be higher.
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