How to Install a Toilet in a Sublevel Basement

Vacuum around the rough opening for the toilet, making sure all construction debris is removed. If you are replacing an old toilet that is already removed, make sure all of the old wax ring is removed and the flange is clean.

Slide the two T-bolts into place, one through each opening on either side of the flange. The heads of the bolts slip under the flange with the thread ends sticking up. Place the plastic retaining ring over the threaded end of the T-bolt. Do this to each bolt. Install the wax ring, lining up the holes in the ring with the T-bolts and pipe opening. Press into place.

Lower the toilet bowl onto the wax ring, lining up the T-bolts with the holes in the porcelain. Gently place the toilet bowl on the wax ring. Check to make sure everything is lining up the way it should and that nothing is off-center. Once everything checks out, press the toilet into place. The simplest way to do this is to sit on the toilet.

Place plastic washers over each of the T-bolts. Follow with the metal nuts. Use the wrench to tighten the nuts. Do not over-tighten, as you can break the porcelain.

Install the toilet tank over the inlet hole and cone gasket in the toilet base. Thread washers onto the tank bolts and slide the bolts through the holes in the bottom of the tank. Use the nuts to fix the tank into place. Tighten gently with the wrench.

Wrap Teflon tape around the end of the tank inlet nipple. Attach the water supply hose to the tank and the supply from the wall. Make sure everything is tight with the wrench. Turn the water supply on and let the tank fill. Flush a few times to check for leaks at the floor and where the tank meets the base.

Insert the silicone caulk into the caulking gun. Run a bead of caulk around the base of the toilet where it meets the floor. Wipe away any excess and to make a neat line.