How to Replace Your Bathroom Suite in Just One Weekend

Is your bathroom in desperate need of refurbishment? People all over the country are considering a new bathroom suite to be the upgrade their home deserves this summer, but are apprehensive about what the process of replacing their old one entails.

Changing the bathroom suite for a modern replacement is within the capabilities of a DIY enthusiast who is willing to get stuck into the project and do their best. If you are about to replace yours, you have come to the right place. Here is how to replace your bathroom suite in just one weekend.

Firstly, you will need to become familiar with the use of compression joints. This joint compresses a ring of brass onto a copper pipe, making a good seal.

The Toilet

The Toilet consists of two parts, the cistern and the pan. The cistern holds water that is forced into the pan at speed when someone flushes it. Here is the process for replacing the old one.

• Turn off the water supply to the toilet locally or at the mains

• Flush the toilet

• Disconnect the water pipe feeding the cistern

• Take the lid off the cistern and remove the screws holding it to the wall

• Disconnect the cistern from the pan and lift it away

• Unscrew the pan from the floor and remove it

• Place the new pan in position and screw it to the floor

• Assemble the new cistern in accordance with the supplied instructions and attach it to the pan

• Fix the cistern to the wall

• Reattach the water supply

The Bath

We are assuming that the new bath is the same size and shape as the old one.

• Remove the bath panel

• Disconnect the hot and cold feeds to the bath by undoing the large nut that fixes the supply pipes to the bottom of the taps

• Unscrew the large plastic nut that attaches the waste pipe to the bottom of the waste water outlet assembly

• Remove the bath

• Attach the support legs to the new bath and put it in place

• Install the new waste assembly, remembering to use appropriate sealer

• Connect the waste pipes

• Fix the new mixer taps using the supplied lock nut, from below

• The pipework must be adjusted to fit the new taps. Use compression fittings so there is no need for heat. The easiest way to complete this part of the project is to shorten the pipes and apply a straight joint onto the ends. Then use flexible couplings between the pipes and the new taps

• Fit the new bath panel

Sink / Vanity Unit

Replace the sink in a similar way to the bath. Connect the hot and cold water feeds in the same way, as is the waste water outlet. Vanity units are handy for hiding the pipework, but if you opt for a sink and pedestal, be sure to make a neat job with the plumbing.

Installing the new suite isn’t complicated but getting at the pipe connections is problematic sometimes. There is no reason a suite cannot be replaced in a weekend with determination.

That’s all for today. I hope this guide has encouraged you to dust off your old tools and put them to good use. What is the worst that can happen?

Photo credit: metaphoricalplatypus