I like the idea of using a socket without the handle to prevent over tightening. I’m installing the exact same toilet and the instructions from Kohler didn’t give any detail about compressing the rubber between tank and bowl. Your video was very helpful. Thanks!
Thanks, Alex. This made my installation go smoothly and the toilet works great. I bought this toilet on sale at Home Depot for around $200 but they wanted $399 to send out a guy to install it. I thought that was nuts so I started searching YT for a video that would help me install it myself and found you.
Incredible video thank you so much! I have this install going on now and I’m having a hard time with the rubber pieces getting pulled out from the tank as I tighten the nuts. Your video and your patience help a lot!
i have an installer coming today to put in my new toilet. as i know nothing about this type of job i thought i should educate myself a bit. thank you for your excellent video.
I got this same toilet and it's the best thing ever! I bought an "extra thick" wax ring with it cause the one included is too "thin". Or stack up 2 thin wax rings and use them together otherwise hit up HD for the extra thick one. Be sure to get it with the bolts hardware cause you want to add bolts exactly in this video how he did it, because the toilet doesn't come with the "extra 2 bolts" for the wax ring area.... only includes 5 bolts AND 5 NUTS total... 3 for the tank and 2 for the toilet to hold it down and u need 2 additional "NUTS" for the bolt to hold down the bolt in the wax ring area, under the toilet... Then seal:caulk around the toilet, except the rear (for any leaks) and ur done, This video helped a lot! Thanks!
Worth noting that advice on double-stacked rings is generally less than enthusiastic. There's nothing that stops the wax rings from binding to eachother, but it's another point where the deal can fail to form properly. Given they make ones that are double thickness that aren't excessively more expensive, better to just go for the reliable solution.
My husband and I just finished installing this toilet. We didn't use the wax seal because we prefer to use a Korky foam and rubber one instead. This toilet was easy to install, but like you said, the back bolt for securing the tank to the bowl was a pain. I had to use one hand to push it through more from the inside of the tank and use my other hand to put the nut on. But I did it. I'm very happy with this toilet!
Really good instructional video Alex! Your video work was excellent so a person could see in detail how to install the various parts and advice on being careful not to overtighten.
Very well done. I usually have pieces of tape all over the floor marking the bolt location and I still have trouble getting it perfect on the wax in one shot.
excellent video. I'm having a devil of a time with getting my tank on because the bolts push up into the tank so easily and take so much force to push back down. I've gotten them forced back down by just screwing the nuts onto the tank and using that to pull the bolts through...now I just have to get the tank properly positioned without pushing them back up. Looked this up while I'm at this stage to check if I'd managed to push the middle assembly up out of place as well (I'm familiar with basic flapper valves, not the fancy flush mechanism this thing has) but it seems that mine is in the same position as yours, so things should be just fine. Thanks for the advice about final positioning of the toilet without breaking the wax seal - I've been told they're quite easy to crack, so every slight shift during the installation process has me nervous. Looks like you have a method that is gentle enough to not break the seal but still does enough to get things adjusted. Highly recommend, if anyone is looking at installing one of these, that you invest in a closet bolt system that incorporates the extra nut clamping onto the flange. The toilet comes with ones that have little plastic togs that will hold the bolt approximately upright, but it's not solid enough to actually keep the bolts still. Not technically necessary, but if you're new to this like me, it's rather annoying to have the mounting hardware move on you.
Nice job Alex. Thank you. I didn't find the setup of the water as the push of the water was not so strong and the residue stayed, which is disappointing.
Fine job Alex. The only thing I would have added would have been the measurements of the inlet hose, as they vary depending on the type of Gate valve being used. Example being, mine is a 1/2" and the unit in your video was a 3/8". Otherwise, Outstanding work.
Hello, It is a matter of preference. I like putting the wax ring on the flange. Some times when I put it on the toilet if falls as I try to place it on the flange. Either way is fine. Thanks
I always put the tank on the toilet before I install it. I'm not a professional, but seems to make more sense than putting it on when it's a pain to tighten it down. Am I missing something?
Hello Steve, I agree with you. Most of the time I put it together firs. However all instructions for most toilet ask us to do the bowl first. The reason why is the lifting part. A lot of people hurt themselves lifting the whole toilet. Greetings!!
Hello , It is case by case . If the toilet flange is a bit too high, the reinforced wax ring will not let the bowl go flush with the floor. The reinforced part of the wax ring is hard and sometimes is an obstacle . If it is all wax, the wax will adjust and deflect as needed, so the bowl seats flush with the floor. Next time you have a reinforced wax ring on your hands, take it apart and feel the reinforcement. It is hard. Make sense?
Water tank installing tip - if you're finding the front left bolt hard to reach (you can see at 5:06-5:09 where he's brushing up against the in-tank hardware), you can use the handle of a moderately heavy tool (I used a basic claw hammer, as the hammerhead and claw make a decent handle) to tamp it down. Definitely don't *swing* the hammer, you do not want that kind of force anywhere near porcelain! You're just looking for something with a sturdy handle that you can use to tamp down the bolt. My arms are fairly thick, so the only way I could reach the bolt was reaching down on the right side and wrapping my hand around the back of the flush mechanism, at which point I was very much in danger of knocking the tank off the toilet and had very little leverage for forcing the bolt down through the rubber gasket. The hammer handle made a huge difference.
I'm asking the same question as i stare at the brand new kohler in the box. Should i go to home Depot tomorrow to get a bigger wax ring in case? What the flange? And i totally forgot about the supply line. . might as well get shims too just in case. Your wax ring was good ?
@@feras04deff get the "thicker wax ring" separately. One included is too thin ... although u can use the one included with another thin one together... But I'd get the "extra thick" of int from Home Depot and be sure to get the one with the bolts included and not Just the ring itself like I did lol But but. I'm happy with it.
HELLO I used a different one. Thicker and taller with no core reinforcement. #10 from Menards or Home Depot. However the one that comes with is perfectly fine. Thanks.
Hello Deadre, No I don't. If there is a leak at the bottom of the toilet, if caulked, you will not see the leak until the floor or downstairs ceiling is destroyed. If there is a leak from the wax ring you want to notice right away. Thanks.
@@alexthehandyman3494I think caulking around the front/part of the sides of the toilet to provide a clean view isn't a bad idea just don't caulk the back of it
@@TeddyRux20 Hello. Teddy. If all the leaks were in the back of the toilet then I '' ll give it to you. But yes. I anybody wants to caulk it. I don't have a problem. Go for it!! Thanks Teddy.
Hello you can get them anywhere. usually more expensive. Menards have them for sure. The bolts that come with wax ring usually too flimsy. I always install 5/16 instead of 1/4 www.menards.com/main/plumbing/plumbing-installation-repair/toilet-installation/plumb-works-5-16-x-2-1-2-solid-copper-replacement-toilet-flange-bolts/61-211/p-1444432991957-c-9418.htm www.homedepot.com/p/Blue-Monster-Advantage-5-16-x-3-1-2-8cm-x-8-9cm-Closet-Bolts-73070/320653342
Hello, good catch!! Yes I did not! Nothing wrong with it. It is totally fine. I prefer to use thicker ones for better results. Again, nothing wrong with it. Thanks for your comment.
@@alexthehandyman3494 I just installed one in my home. I used the one it came with. But I was actually debating on getting the thicker wax ring. Yep it work just fine
Actually, the three rough-In sizes are 10 inch 12 inch and 14 inch I have a 12 installed on a 14 that is a 12 inch rough-in toilet installed on a 14 inch Rough-in space.
@alexthehandyman3494 Thanks a lot. I'm doing a remodeling to my house and I've seen a bunch of reviews so I wanted the opinion of a pro who has a good video. I'm going to go with the Toto because it was one of the few I was partial to.
I like the idea of using a socket without the handle to prevent over tightening. I’m installing the exact same toilet and the instructions from Kohler didn’t give any detail about compressing the rubber between tank and bowl. Your video was very helpful. Thanks!
Thanks, Alex. This made my installation go smoothly and the toilet works great. I bought this toilet on sale at Home Depot for around $200 but they wanted $399 to send out a guy to install it. I thought that was nuts so I started searching YT for a video that would help me install it myself and found you.
Hey John Im so glad your installation went well. Don't forget to like the video please. Marry Christmas!
Incredible video thank you so much! I have this install going on now and I’m having a hard time with the rubber pieces getting pulled out from the tank as I tighten the nuts. Your video and your patience help a lot!
Im glad I can help. Thank you so much. Please dont forget to like the video.
Thank you, Alex! We are in our 70s, and thanks to you, just completed the job. Just have to do the caulking. Great video!
Hello Monica, Im so glad you accomplish that!. Remember the 70's are the new 50's
👍🏼
I'm in my 70's and will have it done! Only about $150 to install. Come on now!
i have an installer coming today to put in my new toilet. as i know nothing about this type of job i thought i should educate myself a bit.
thank you for your excellent video.
My pleasure!! Let me know how it goes. Please like the video,. Thanks
I got this same toilet and it's the best thing ever! I bought an "extra thick" wax ring with it cause the one included is too "thin". Or stack up 2 thin wax rings and use them together otherwise hit up HD for the extra thick one.
Be sure to get it with the bolts hardware cause you want to add bolts exactly in this video how he did it, because the toilet doesn't come with the "extra 2 bolts" for the wax ring area.... only includes 5 bolts AND 5 NUTS total... 3 for the tank and 2 for the toilet to hold it down and u need 2 additional "NUTS" for the bolt to hold down the bolt in the wax ring area, under the toilet...
Then seal:caulk around the toilet, except the rear (for any leaks) and ur done,
This video helped a lot! Thanks!
Worth noting that advice on double-stacked rings is generally less than enthusiastic. There's nothing that stops the wax rings from binding to eachother, but it's another point where the deal can fail to form properly. Given they make ones that are double thickness that aren't excessively more expensive, better to just go for the reliable solution.
My husband and I just finished installing this toilet. We didn't use the wax seal because we prefer to use a Korky foam and rubber one instead. This toilet was easy to install, but like you said, the back bolt for securing the tank to the bowl was a pain. I had to use one hand to push it through more from the inside of the tank and use my other hand to put the nut on. But I did it. I'm very happy with this toilet!
Super helpful Big thank you. I was not sure how much to tighten the water tank on top. Your video answered my question
Thanks! I just now used your video to install my new Kohler.
Thank You for posting this very helpful video. God Bless You and Yours.
Thank you Josh, likewise.
Really good instructional video Alex! Your video work was excellent so a person could see in detail how to install the various parts and advice on being careful not to overtighten.
thank you so much!!
Very well done. I usually have pieces of tape all over the floor marking the bolt location and I still have trouble getting it perfect on the wax in one shot.
Ha ha, whatever works right. We need to get a fancy crane with ultrasound bolt location.
excellent video. I'm having a devil of a time with getting my tank on because the bolts push up into the tank so easily and take so much force to push back down. I've gotten them forced back down by just screwing the nuts onto the tank and using that to pull the bolts through...now I just have to get the tank properly positioned without pushing them back up. Looked this up while I'm at this stage to check if I'd managed to push the middle assembly up out of place as well (I'm familiar with basic flapper valves, not the fancy flush mechanism this thing has) but it seems that mine is in the same position as yours, so things should be just fine.
Thanks for the advice about final positioning of the toilet without breaking the wax seal - I've been told they're quite easy to crack, so every slight shift during the installation process has me nervous. Looks like you have a method that is gentle enough to not break the seal but still does enough to get things adjusted.
Highly recommend, if anyone is looking at installing one of these, that you invest in a closet bolt system that incorporates the extra nut clamping onto the flange. The toilet comes with ones that have little plastic togs that will hold the bolt approximately upright, but it's not solid enough to actually keep the bolts still. Not technically necessary, but if you're new to this like me, it's rather annoying to have the mounting hardware move on you.
Nice job Alex. Thank you. I didn't find the setup of the water as the push of the water was not so strong and the residue stayed, which is disappointing.
Thank you!! It doesn't flush properly? of you couldn't flush the valve?
gracias amigo muy bien explicado muy profesional
You are a good teacher!
Fine job Alex.
The only thing I would have added would have been the measurements of the inlet hose, as they vary depending on the type of Gate valve being used.
Example being, mine is a 1/2" and the unit in your video was a 3/8".
Otherwise, Outstanding work.
Is it easier installing seal to toilet bowl or on the flange???
Hello, It is a matter of preference. I like putting the wax ring on the flange. Some times when I put it on the toilet if falls as I try to place it on the flange. Either way is fine. Thanks
Great Video. Thank you for sharing
I always put the tank on the toilet before I install it. I'm not a professional, but seems to make more sense than putting it on when it's a pain to tighten it down. Am I missing something?
Hello Steve, I agree with you. Most of the time I put it together firs. However all instructions for most toilet ask us to do the bowl first. The reason why is the lifting part. A lot of people hurt themselves lifting the whole toilet. Greetings!!
great video alex 🧐was curious why you recommend against the reinforced wax ring ?
Hello , It is case by case . If the toilet flange is a bit too high, the reinforced wax ring will not let the bowl go flush with the floor. The reinforced part of the wax ring is hard and sometimes is an obstacle . If it is all wax, the wax will adjust and deflect as needed, so the bowl seats flush with the floor. Next time you have a reinforced wax ring on your hands, take it apart and feel the reinforcement. It is hard. Make sense?
Is the wax ring that comes with the toilet OK or should I buy a better one?
It is ok, but I prefer the thicker one with plastic horn. Not reinforced!! Good luck
Water tank installing tip - if you're finding the front left bolt hard to reach (you can see at 5:06-5:09 where he's brushing up against the in-tank hardware), you can use the handle of a moderately heavy tool (I used a basic claw hammer, as the hammerhead and claw make a decent handle) to tamp it down. Definitely don't *swing* the hammer, you do not want that kind of force anywhere near porcelain! You're just looking for something with a sturdy handle that you can use to tamp down the bolt.
My arms are fairly thick, so the only way I could reach the bolt was reaching down on the right side and wrapping my hand around the back of the flush mechanism, at which point I was very much in danger of knocking the tank off the toilet and had very little leverage for forcing the bolt down through the rubber gasket. The hammer handle made a huge difference.
Hay Alex, is the wax ring that comes with the toilet adequate? Or should i use a better aftermarket wax ring.
I'm asking the same question as i stare at the brand new kohler in the box. Should i go to home Depot tomorrow to get a bigger wax ring in case? What the flange? And i totally forgot about the supply line. . might as well get shims too just in case. Your wax ring was good ?
@@feras04deff get the "thicker wax ring" separately. One included is too thin ... although u can use the one included with another thin one together...
But I'd get the "extra thick" of int from Home Depot and be sure to get the one with the bolts included and not Just the ring itself like I did lol
But but. I'm happy with it.
Did you use different wax or the one that comes with the toilet??
HELLO
I used a different one. Thicker and taller with no core reinforcement. #10 from Menards or Home Depot. However the one that comes with is perfectly fine. Thanks.
@@alexthehandyman3494 thanks
Do you suggest using waterproof clear caulk at the bottom of the toilet/floor?
Hello Deadre, No I don't. If there is a leak at the bottom of the toilet, if caulked, you will not see the leak until the floor or downstairs ceiling is destroyed. If there is a leak from the wax ring you want to notice right away. Thanks.
@@alexthehandyman3494I think caulking around the front/part of the sides of the toilet to provide a clean view isn't a bad idea just don't caulk the back of it
@@TeddyRux20 Hello. Teddy. If all the leaks were in the back of the toilet then I '' ll give it to you. But yes. I anybody wants to caulk it. I don't have a problem. Go for it!! Thanks Teddy.
What an excellent video!
I want to know which you feel are the number one and number two toilet on the market.
From Home Depot : American standard champion 4. Abut 180-250.
Toto toilet with tornado flush the best toilets,but pricy. About 400-800
Awesome great tutorial
HEY Jason, Thx so much!!
@@alexthehandyman3494 ya no problem doing my own bathroom remodel never done anything like this before so all the help I can get the better 😊👍
Alex, where did you get the boots with double nuts ?
Hello
you can get them anywhere. usually more expensive. Menards have them for sure.
The bolts that come with wax ring usually too flimsy. I always install 5/16 instead of 1/4
www.menards.com/main/plumbing/plumbing-installation-repair/toilet-installation/plumb-works-5-16-x-2-1-2-solid-copper-replacement-toilet-flange-bolts/61-211/p-1444432991957-c-9418.htm
www.homedepot.com/p/Blue-Monster-Advantage-5-16-x-3-1-2-8cm-x-8-9cm-Closet-Bolts-73070/320653342
I noticed you didn't use the wax ring that came with the toilet?
Hello, good catch!! Yes I did not! Nothing wrong with it. It is totally fine. I prefer to use thicker ones for better results. Again, nothing wrong with it. Thanks for your comment.
@@alexthehandyman3494 I just installed one in my home. I used the one it came with. But I was actually debating on getting the thicker wax ring. Yep it work just fine
What wax ring did you get and can you send a link
Hello Tom, It is called
"thick wax with plastic horn" from overbuilt from Home Depot. Dont get the reinforce one.
I posted on the description of on that video the link. thx so much!!
Actually, the three rough-In sizes are 10 inch 12 inch and 14 inch I have a 12 installed on a 14 that is a 12 inch rough-in toilet installed on a 14 inch Rough-in space.
I never seen or heard a 14. Thanks for your input.
Those tank bowl bolts suck, the instructions show regular slotted head bolts.
Im with you!! They should be banned!!!!
@alexthehandyman3494 Thanks a lot. I'm doing a remodeling to my house and I've seen a bunch of reviews so I wanted the opinion of a pro who has a good video. I'm going to go with the Toto because it was one of the few I was partial to.