How to Install AquaSource Toilets

Caulking the base of your AquaSource toilet ensures a watertight seal.

The procedures for installing these two types of toilets aren't significantly different because the flush valve, which is the main difference between them, is usually factory-installed. The rough-in distance is 12 inches, which means the center of the flange must be 12 inches from the finished wall behind the toilet. Before installation, ensure that the flange and waste line are properly installed on a level subfloor.

1. Unpack the bowl and tank from their respective packages. The flush and fill valves should be preinstalled in the tank. If not, they will be packaged in the same container as the tank. Install them in the appropriate holes in the bottom of the tank according to the instructions that come with them. The job usually involves tightening on a locking nut to hold each valve, using adjustable pliers.

2. Unpack the toilet bolts from the box containing the bowl. Hook each one into one of the tracks on the flange and slide each one to the middle of the track. The bolts should be opposite each other, and the line between them should be parallel to the back wall.

3. Place a wax ring on the flange with its tapered side up. Lift the bowl over the flange, align the holes in the bottom with the bolts and gently lower it so that the bolts protrude through the holes. Push down on the bowl and rock it a little to spread the wax and make a good seal.

4. Slide a plastic bevel disk and washer over each bolt and screw on a nut. Tighten the nut as much as you can by hand, then use a wrench. Tighten each nut incrementally, then tighten the other one the same amount. This keeps the pressure on the base of the bowl even and prevents breakage.

5. Stop tightening the bolts when you can no longer move the bowl. Cut the ends of the bolts with a hacksaw and fit a plastic cap over each one. The cap snaps onto the bevel disk. Caulk the base of the toilet with silicone caulk.

6. Fit the rubber tank-to-bowl gasket over the opening in the bottom of the tank, set the tank on the bowl and align the holes in the bottom of the tank with those in the bowl. Slip a rubber washer around each of the tank screws that came with the toilet and slip a screw into each opening.

7. Slide a plastic washer, a metal washer and a locking ring onto each screw from underneath the tank and screw on a wing nut. Hold the head of the screw steady with a screwdriver while you tighten the wing nut. Tighten each wing nut incrementally, then tighten the other one, to maintain even pressure on the tank.

8. Attach the handle lever assembly if you have a standard AquaSource toilet. Remove its plastic nut, place the arm through the hole in the side of the tank and replace the plastic nut, turning it until it's hand-tight. Attach the flapper chain to the lever.

9. Connect the fill valve to the water valve in the wall with a flexible toilet supply hose. You usually have to buy this hose separately; be sure to get one that's long enough. Tighten the connections with adjustable pliers.

10. Put the lid on the tank. If you have a dual-flush toilet, ensure that the lid is in the proper orientation for the flush buttons to contact the valve. You can adjust the lengths of the rods to accomplish this, if necessary.

11. Place the toilet seat on the bowl, align the holes and insert a seat bolt through each hole. Tighten the plastic nut from underneath to hold the seat. You can usually do this by hand, but if not, use adjustable pliers. Push down the decorative caps.

12. Turn on the water, let the tank fill and alter the water level if needed by adjusting the float mechanism on the fill valve. Flush once or twice to ensure the water returns to that level and to check for leaks.

Tip

It's normal for the tank to rock a bit when the bolts holding it to the bowl are tight. This is because of the flexibility of the rubber washer, which is the main connection point. If you're installing the toilet in a small bathroom, you may prefer to install the tank before setting the bowl. The only drawback is that it may take two people to lift the toilet onto the flange. The flange should be at the level of the finished floor or about 1/16 inch below it. If it's higher, the toilet may require shims to prevent it from rocking. If it's too low, on the other hand, you may need an extra-thick wax ring.