How to install a close-coupled toilet

Even if you are replacing an existing toilet, the whole job should take no more than a few hours in total. The majority of toilets are sold with gaskets, washers, overflow etc, but you may need to buy a few extra parts such as hold-down bolts and a flexible water-supply tube for connecting the cistern to the shut-off valve.

Place the pan upside down, preffably on a dust sheet or any cushioned surface, and fit a new wax gasket ring. Now apply a thin bead of caulk all round the base of the pan. Next, you may want somebody to help you guide the pan down into the fixing bolts. Tighten the screws by hand then check if the pan is level with a spirit level. You can now tighten the screws with a wrench or spanner, but be careful not to over-tighten them as the pan may crack.

Now position the cistern over the pan, resting it on the rubber cushion. The small water-intake pipe will need to slot through a hole in the pan, as will the bolts. Once positioned tighten the bolts. Apply the flexible supply pipe and connect the cistern handle to the flapper chain.

Run a bead of sealant between the base of the pan and the floor.

You can now turn the water back on and check for any leaks. If everything is working precisely fix the cistern lid and attach the toilet seat.