Toilet Installation in Ottawa
Over 60 percent of Canadians use their bathroom first thing in the morning and for a good reason! Healthy bowel movements occur during our sleep, so as soon as you wake up, everyone in your household will argue about who gets to use the bathroom first. Some may start their mornings easy and slow, requiring their first glass of water or cup of coffee to wake up their body and mind. But no matter what time of the day, your toilet remains the most essential plumbing fixture in any home. It’s also responsible for over 30 percent of your overall water use.
Whether you’re mapping out the bathroom of your soon-to-be-built home or are planning a new toilet installation, Ottawa homeowners have to consider various things to ensure they get the best system and installation service that ensures high performance and longevity. Good toilets last a little over ten years as long as you maintain them well by not flushing foreign objects and using plunging and snaking devices excessively. Depending on the type you have, it’s worth checking the surface areas for signs of damage and the elements inside your toilet tank, such as the rubber flapper, fill valve, and float.
Eventually, every property owner will need toilet installation services. This is where your licensed Ottawa plumber from Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Ottawa comes in with professional tools and expertise to get the job done effectively and efficiently.
Why Choose Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Ottawa?
We pride ourselves on being a locally owned and operated business with a team of expert plumbers who bring an average of ten years of experience in plumbing maintenance and repairs. We proudly serve residents of Ottawa and nearby communities, and, therefore, bring knowledge of common plumbing issues that are marked by climate and environment. We know the necessary prevention methods to protect your pipes and will go above and beyond to meet your plumbing needs.
Rather than solving any plumbing problems on your own, our Ottawa plumbers are fully licensed, insured, and bonded, delivering quality services with trusted results. We ensure that you and your property are safe and protected from potential plumbing disasters.
Our excellent workmanship and parts guarantee are backed by our Neighbourly Done Right Promise to give you peace of mind that your investment in our services comes with great security that our job is done right. If not, our uniformed professionals will make it right.
We are your only plumbing company in Ottawa that serves day and night during plumbing emergencies. Whether you need emergency services during the weekend, evening, or holiday, we'll be at your service without delay. Since your safety and comfort is our priority, we do not charge any overtime for these services, so you can rest assured knowing that there won't be any additional fees once the original pricing has been set.
Our goal is always to aim for customer satisfaction. Whether you need a toilet installation in Ottawa or a sewer line repair, our courteous Ottawa plumbers will treat you and your home with respect.
Toilet Installation Ottawa
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, it’s important to know the different toilet models and their flushing styles before your initial toilet installation. Ottawa homeowners either want something more suitable for their needs or the same model but more efficient. Once our professional plumber has inspected your existing toilet and the structure of your drain line, they will be able to help you determine the best type to install.
Main Toilet Types:
- One-Piece: This is your traditional model where your tank and bowl are attached together. It’s highly durable, reliable, and easy to install. However, it costs slightly more due to its high performance and ability to keep leakage to a minimum.
- Two-Piece: This is a common household model where the tank and bowl come separately. It's less expensive and more economical, enabling you to customize parts by choosing your preferred options for looks and heights. Although replacement parts are easy to find, a two-piece toilet is prone to breakage and leaks; however, easy to repair.
- Wall-Mounted: A wall-hung toilet is directly mounted to the wall, with a tank installed inside the wall. This is probably the most expensive type because it's more difficult to install. However, nothing is too difficult for your Ottawa plumber! We’ll want you to enjoy that extra space you’ll get after your toilet installation.
Advanced Flushing Mechanisms
We like to call them advanced flushing mechanisms because back in the day, people would use five to seven gallons of water for one single flush, whereas today, we use approximately 1.6 gallons, depending on liquid waste or solid waste.
Whether you prefer a one-piece, two-piece, or a wall-mounted system, you want to know which flush mechanism works best for your overall plumbing. It may be too much to think about because all you need is a functional toilet with a healthy storage tank that drains water into the bowl when activating the button or lever. But choosing a specific flush mechanism could change your life forever.
- Dual Flush: Dual-flush toilets are commonly found in many Ottawa households. This feature allows you to choose from a big flush for solid waste (1.6 gallons of water) or a half flush for liquid waste (0.8 gallons). It's considered an environmentally friendly option for Ottawa homeowners. Although it's expensive, it's a more energy-efficient option that could save you money and manage your water usage in the long run.
- Pressure-Assisted Flush: This mechanism has an additional pressure vessel inside the tank. When water mixes with the compressed air in the pressure vessel, it becomes pressurized and leads to a powerful flush. This system is reliably efficient, strong and best for large family households. Despite its efficiency, it's very noisy.
- Gravity: Gravity-assisted flushes are the most common and secure mechanism for standard-size households. As the fill valve releases water from the tank, a siphoning effect is created and the natural force of gravity pushes waste through the trap way. In contrast to its pressure assist counterpart, gravity types are more silent because they operate with fewer parts.
DIY Toilet Installation
Ottawa property owners with basic plumbing knowledge are free to replace their own toilets as long as they understand their drain line structure and the suitable toilet type that will correspond with it. If you plan to install a brand-new model that you have not had before, it’s crucial that you ensure your existing lines are designed for that model. For example, certain piping structures are not made for tornado and cyclone flushes as you would find in commercial settings. If complicated restructuring is required, you will need an experienced plumber in Ottawa to help adjust (in some cases even exchange) your drain lines to make them operable for your new toilet installation. Ottawa DIY professionals who are aware of these important points but have already planned carefully ahead of time will probably have their materials ready.
- Replacement toilet + tank (if relevant)
- Flange
- Wax ring (seal)
- Replacement supply line and brass bolts
- Rags
- Plumber's putty
- Plastic shims
Personal tools:
- Rubber gloves
- Safety glasses
- A marker
- Screwdriver set
- Utility knife
- Putty knife
- Hacksaw
- Tubing cutter
- Adjustable wrenches
Step 1:
Turn Off Your Water: It’s crucial that you turn off your supply line connected to your toilet as it could otherwise lead to a bathroom flood during toilet installation. Ottawa homeowners should find the shut-off valve behind their toilet base. Next, flush your toilet once to drain all the water from your tank and plunge it a couple of times to ensure everything is washed down the drain line.
Step 2:
Prepare Your Work Area: Put on your gear which includes safety glasses and rubber gloves. Place towels and rags around the areas where you might experience potential leaks.
Step 3:
Remove Old Toilet Model: After you’ve ensured there’s no more remaining water, detach the supply line with a wrench at both connection points. If you have a two-piece toilet, it might be easier to separate your tank from your bowl first. Use a wrench to remove any tank bolts that connect the bottom of the tank to the toilet bowl. Lift your tank up and set it safely aside, so you can remove toilet bolts. You will notice other small bits and pieces that you need to safely remove as well, including washers and nuts. Most toilets are caulked around their base, so it’s easiest to use a utility knife to break the caulk. When done, try to carefully rock your toilet base until fully loose. A standard one-piece toilet can weigh up to 99 lbs. Even if you’re a strong person, we recommend two people to perform the job. This way, you will eliminate any potential risks of damage and injuries.
Step 4:
Cleaning and Inspection: Before you can make use of that space for installation, it’s essential that you clean the entire area and even remove the old wax ring. During this rather time-consuming process, your Ottawa plumber recommends stuffing the drain opening with a dirty rag to prevent sewer gas smells from spreading into your living space.
Once the area is clean, inspect each piece of material that you will use for your toilet installation. Ottawa plumbers highly encourage having a checklist ready with instructions on how to successfully do each step in order.
Step 5:
Install New Wax Ring: These are also known as toilet seals and instead of wax, you will always find rings with strong adhesive. Attach the new wax ring straight to the bottom of your toilet or to the top of your new flange.
Step 6:
Install Base: Ideally with a partner who can help direct you, lift your new toilet into place over the bolts and lower it onto the seal. Gently rock the base back and forth to ensure that the wax ring on your flange sets and creates a tight seal. At the same time, make sure its position aligns with the bolt holes. We recommend brass bolts for more durability! Remember to place washers and nuts on each bolt and tighten them (but don’t overtighten).
Step 7:
Install Tank: If you’re installing a two-piece toilet, you’ll need to attach your new tank to the bowl. The best way to install your tank is by inserting the bolts into the tank and placing it onto the bowl, aligning the bolt holes. Lastly, tighten the bolts and ensure both bowl and tank are securely attached to each other.
Step 8:
Attach New Supply Lines: Toilet supply lines are typically chrome-plated brass or stainless steel tubes about 12 inches long, but it’s always best to take note of the size of the old one. Install the new water line by tightening the nut to the fill valve below the tank. Then, tighten the other nut to the supply valve.
Step 9:
Turn On Water Supply: When you turn your water back on, allow your tank to fill. Check for leaks and flush efficiency.
The Advantage of Using Licensed Ottawa Plumbers
Your expert plumbing technicians at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Ottawa are here to give you peace of mind. Not only do we get the job done, but our eye for detail will be able to tell you at first glance if we notice anything out of the ordinary in your plumbing. Preventative maintenance is our middle name, so you can rest easy knowing that your next plumbing project will be a success rather than causing problems down the road. You can count on us for:
- Fast, efficient installations and replacements
- Quality workmanship and guaranteed parts
- Full licensing and insurance coverage
- Convenient appointment times that suit you
- Emergency plumbing services
- Clean and mess-free services
Need Toilet Installation? Ottawa Plumbers Are Only One Call Away!
With all the different models that are out there, it’s difficult to choose one that best suits your needs or budget. In the event of a bathroom gutting, you will most likely require professional plumbing adjustments. Whether you are in Gatineau, Lower Town, Vanier or another part of the Ottawa area, you can rely on the qualified plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Ottawa for expert plumbing services, for everything from toilet installation and toilet repairs to water heater installation and water line repairs.
Pick up the phone and give us a call today at 613-746-0000 to schedule a convenient appointment or speak with our friendly customer service representatives about what your plumbing system needs to be in excellent condition to flawlessly serve your home.
