How to Fit a New Toilet — UK DIY Guide
A modern close-coupled toilet fits any UK bathroom in 90 minutes with basic tools. Here is the trade method covering soil pipe and water supply.
Step-by-step method
1. Isolate and drain
Close isolator on cistern supply. Flush to empty. Sponge remaining water from cistern and pan trap.
2. Remove old toilet
Undo supply flexi, cistern bolts to pan, then pan-to-floor screws. Rock and lift — keep soil pipe end sealed with a rag to stop drain gas.
3. Prep the new pan
Fit the soil connector (Multikwik or McAlpine flexible pan connector). Push firmly into soil pipe.
4. Position and screw down
Slide pan into soil connector, level with shim if needed. Screw pan to floor via captive plastic covers.
5. Fit cistern
Attach cistern to pan with rubber doughnut and bolts. Fit fill valve and flush valve if not pre-installed.
6. Connect water and test
Flexi from isolator to fill valve, open water, wait for fill, test flush. Silicone around base.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Multikwik connector?+
A flexible plastic pipe that connects a WC pan to the soil stack, accommodating 90–180mm offset. Every UK plumber's merchant stocks them (£8).
Do I need building regs for a toilet swap?+
No — like-for-like replacement doesn't need notification. Moving the position or adding a new WC does need Part G compliance.