The drain pipe is a fundamental part of a toilet’s drainage system, as it connects the bowl to the wall drain. Over time, the drain pipe and the gaskets that connect it to the toilet and the drainage system can wear out or become damaged, causing leaks and malfunctions. In this guide, we explain how to replace a toilet drain pipe quickly and easily.
Index:
- When should I replace the toilet drain pipe?
- Removal of the old toilet drain pipe
- New drain pipe installation
- How to replace the toilet drain pipe: video guide
- Conclusions
When should I replace the toilet drain pipe?
It is essential to replace the toilet drain pipe as soon as you notice the first signs of malfunction. The most common signs include water leaks between the toilet and the wall, unpleasant odours coming from the drain, or obvious deterioration of the gaskets.
Acting promptly when these signs appear allows you to avoid more serious damage to the plumbing system and maintain an adequate level of hygiene in the bathroom.
Tools and materials needed
Before starting to replace the toilet drain pipe, you need to get:
- a new toilet drain pipe
- new rear gasket
- new wall gasket
- pipe cutting hacksaw
Removal of the old toilet drain pipe
Let’s take a look at all the steps involved in easily removing the old drain pipe.
1. Remove the wall pipe cover
The wall pipe must be removed carefully to allow full access to the sleeve. If it is stuck fast, it can be gently levered off with a spatula or flathead screwdriver.
2. Push the draim pipe towards the inside of the toilet bowl
Using the empty space in all toilets, push the toilet drain pipe towards the inside of the bowl. This makes it easier to remove later, as it avoids mechanical stress on the ceramic of the toilet, which could cause cracks.
It should be noted that the space available for pushing the pipe into the toilet bowl varies depending on the toilet model. In some cases, it may therefore be necessary to shorten the pipe slightly with a hacksaw in order to remove it more easily.
3. Remove the rear gasket
The gasket between the toilet bowl and the toilet is essential for waterproofing the drainage system. It should be removed manually or with the aid of pliers, taking care not to damage the surface of the toilet. Once removed, the toilet bowl can be easily extracted.
4. Remove the pipe sideways
It is essential that the pipe is pulled out sideways from the wall. The amplitude of the movement depends on the distance between the toilet bowl and the wall and reduces the possibility of accidental kinking or breakage of the hose, especially in the case of rigid models.
New drain pipe installation
At this point, we will see how to replace the toilet drain pipe, proceeding with the actual installation.
1. Replace both gaskets
Since this is a very infrequent operation, when replacing the toilet drain pipe, it is good practice to replace both the rear gasket and the wall gasket, even if they appear to be intact. Gaskets are subject to hardening and loss of elasticity over time, factors that compromise water tightness.
- Install the new wall gasket: It must be positioned in the wall drain, pressing it firmly to ensure a secure seal.
- Insert the new rear gasket onto the drain pipe: this facilitates the subsequent assembly phase.
2. Adjusting the toilet drain pipe
If the new pipe is longer than the space available between the toilet and the wall, it must be cut. This operation must be carried out according to the measurements of the old pipe that has been removed, using a hacksaw or a sturdy cutter.
3. Install the new drain pipe
After repositioning the pipe cover, insert the drain pipe into the bowl from the side, carefully guiding it into the toilet hole and then into the wall pipe. If necessary, you can lightly lubricate the gaskets with a lubricant to facilitate insertion.
4. Reinstall the pipe cover
After ensuring that the drain pipe is correctly inserted, the pipe cover should be moved closer to the wall, ensuring a clean and tidy aesthetic result.
How to replace the toilet drain pipe: video guide
We have created a tutorial on Elettronew’s YouTube channel, which shows step by step how to replace a toilet drain pipe.
Conclusions
At this point, it should be clear how to replace a toilet drain pipe, a relatively simple operation that requires attention to detail to ensure a perfect seal and long life. By following the steps described, you can do it yourself with professional results.
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