You'd think putting in a toilet would be pretty straightforward, right? I mean, it's just a toilet. But after seeing enough messed-up jobs and totally frustrated homeowners here in Lakewood, I can tell you it's not always as easy as it looks. Folks make some really common mistakes, and I want to help you steer clear of them.
Mistake #1: Not Measuring Your Rough-In (Seriously!)
This is probably the biggest blunder, and honestly, it happens way more often than you'd imagine. Your toilet's "rough-in" is simply the distance from the finished wall behind it to the middle of the drainpipe – that's where the bolts holding the toilet down are. Most homes in Lakewood, especially those older ranch-style places in spots like the Plaza, usually have a 12-inch rough-in. But some, particularly very old or custom-built homes, might have 10-inch or even 14-inch rough-ins.
If you buy a toilet with the wrong rough-in size, well, it just won't fit. You'll either end up with a huge gap behind it, or it'll stick out too far and hit the wall. Then you're stuck lugging a heavy, often unboxed toilet back to the store. Or, even worse, you're paying a plumber extra to try and make it work, which usually means more costs and a big headache. Measure twice, buy once. It really is that simple.
Mistake #2: Forgetting About Water Efficiency & Flush Power
Okay, so you're in the market for a new toilet. You pick one that looks nice and fits your budget. But did you actually check for a WaterSense label? Did you even glance at its MaP (Maximum Performance) score? Here in California, saving water is a huge deal, and it's not just about helping the planet; it's about saving money on your water bill. Modern toilets use way less water per flush (1.28 gallons per flush, or GPF, is pretty standard now) than older models, which could easily chug 3.5 GPF or more.
But don't just grab the toilet with the lowest GPF you can find. You also want one that actually flushes well. Nothing's worse than a low-flow toilet that needs two flushes every single time, right? The MaP score tells you how many grams of solid waste a toilet can clear in one flush. Aim for something over 500 grams. You'll definitely thank me later for that tip.
Mistake #3: Trying to DIY Without the Right Tools or Skills
Look, I totally get it. You're handy. You've probably watched a few YouTube videos. You think,