Telltale signs: toilet installation
People replace toilets for many reasons. The old one may crack, rock on the floor, run constantly, or simply belong to another decade. Older units in many Etobicoke homes use far more water per flush than modern models, and switching can reduce consumption noticeably.
- Fine crazing or cracks in the porcelain
- Rocking that persists after tightening the bolts
- Staining or softness in the floor around the base
- Frequent clogs from an older, weak-flushing design
- A bathroom update that calls for a different style or height
What we bring
- Closet auger and flange plunger
- Wax ring or foam seal, closet bolts, flange repair ring
- Fill valve, flapper and supply line
Tested before we leave
- Ten flushes with a paper load
- Base checked for rock and seepage
- Tank refill height set to the line
On the job: what we open, clear and test
With the stop valve closed, we sponge the cistern and bowl dry and carry the old WC out. The wax ring is scraped off and the flange inspected closely; this is where many future leaks begin. A cracked or sunken flange is repaired or replaced so the new seal has something sound to bear on. If the subfloor has softened from a slow leak, we will show you before going further.
Your new WC goes down on an unused wax or foam ring, levelled with shims if needed, and bolted down evenly. A new braided supply line and, where the old one is seized, a new shut-off valve finish the connection. We then flush repeatedly, check the base and the tank-to-bowl joint, and adjust the fill level.
What can change the job
| Situation | Effect |
|---|---|
| Damaged flange | Repair ring or replacement before setting. |
| Cast-iron closet bend | Extra care to avoid cracking old pipe. |
| Wall-hung or smart toilet | Carrier framing or an electrical outlet needed. |
| Uneven tile | Shimming and careful caulking. |
Etobicoke homes and this job
Bathrooms here range from original 1950s bungalow layouts to recently finished basement suites. Ground-floor toilets in older homes often connect to cast-iron or lead closet bends, which deserve gentle handling. Basement toilets may sit below sewer level, which is one reason homeowners near the lake and across into Mississauga's Lakeview area ask us about flood protection at the same time.
If the existing toilet only runs or leaks at the tank, repair may be the better choice. The same is true of taps and fittings nearby, where faucet repair is often all that is needed. For a whole kitchen refresh, see kitchen faucet installation.
Before you call
Measure the rough-in and decide whether you want us to supply the toilet or install one you have chosen. If you buy your own, check that all parts are in the box and the porcelain is undamaged. It is also wise to know where your main shut-off is; our logbook article on handling a burst pipe explains why that matters.