Replacing an old toilet or installing a new one might seem straightforward: remove the old, put in the new, seal with silicone, and done. In reality, this is one of those plumbing jobs where a small error – a wrong angle, a poor seal, or an incompatible drain – can manifest itself only weeks or months later, when your floor is already wet or your downstairs neighbor is at your door.
This article explains how toilet installation actually works: what types of WCs exist, what determines the complexity and cost of the job, what you can do yourself, and when it’s wise to call a specialist. This is not a sales page – if you've already decided to order the service, please visit our plumbing installation service page. Here, we focus on providing knowledge to help you make the right decision.
The descriptions are based on ToruFix OÜ's daily work in apartment buildings and private homes in Tallinn and Harjumaa, where WC installation and replacement are among the most frequent requests.
A Quick Overview: What Influences Toilet Installation
Toilet installation depends on three key factors: the drain type (whether the pipe goes into the floor or the wall), the WC's mounting method (floor-standing or wall-hung with a concealed frame), and whether the removal of the old toilet and the drain connection are standard or require adaptation.
The simplest and most affordable option is replacing a standard floor-standing toilet where the drain location remains unchanged. The most complex is the installation of a wall-hung WC system (a concealed installation frame), which requires frame mounting, pipe rerouting, and boxing it in.
- Floor-standing WC, floor drain → simplest installation, 1–2 hours
- Floor-standing WC, wall drain → depends on pipe height and angle
- Wall-hung WC with installation frame → larger job, often part of a bathroom renovation
- Old toilet removed and new one in the same spot → most cost-effective option
Types of WCs and How to Choose
Before planning any installation, you must choose the toilet – and the selection depends on your existing drainage, not the other way around. Without this knowledge, people often buy a toilet that simply won't connect to their apartment's pipes without modification.
Floor-Standing WC (Compact and Monobloc)
The most common solution in Estonian apartments. The toilet is secured to the floor with two bolts; the cistern is either attached to the bowl (compact) or separate (monobloc). The drain can go into the floor (a 'P-trap' or 'vertical' drain) or into the wall (an 'S-trap' or 'horizontal' drain) – this is the first thing to check before purchasing.
Pros: easy installation, more affordable, simple to maintain. Cons: takes up more space, harder to clean around the base.
Wall-Hung WC with Installation Frame
The toilet bowl hangs on a special metal frame concealed within the wall or a boxing. The cistern is also hidden inside the wall. Popular in newer apartments and bathroom renovations for its clean, floor-free appearance.
Pros: easy to clean, modern aesthetic, adjustable height. Cons: more expensive frame and labor, requires space for the frame (10–20 cm wall depth), repairs are more complex if something goes wrong inside the wall.
How to Choose Based on Drain Type
Examine your current toilet: if the pipe goes directly from the back of the toilet into the floor, you have a vertical (P-trap) drain; if the pipe goes into the wall, you have a horizontal (S-trap) drain. Purchase a toilet whose drain matches your existing one – otherwise, you'll need to use a flexible connector (an eccentric pan connector) or modify the pipe, which adds work and risks.
Step-by-Step WC Installation Process
A typical floor-standing toilet replacement follows these steps. The same logic applies to new installations, but with the added preparation of drainage and water supply.
- Step 1. Shut off water supply and empty cistern – close the stopcock, flush the cistern empty, dry any residual water
- Step 2. Remove old toilet – disconnect water supply, unbolt from floor, detach drain connector, lift the toilet away
- Step 3. Inspect drain and floor – check if the floor is level and sturdy, and if the drain pipe is intact and correctly positioned
- Step 4. Install new toilet – position the toilet, secure floor bolts, ensure tight drain connection, connect water supply to cistern
- Step 5. Sealing and inspection – apply silicone around the toilet base, test flush, check all connections for leaks
Why Sealing and Inspection Are the Most Crucial Parts
Most toilet leaks don't stem from a defect in the toilet itself, but from a poorly sealed drain connection or loose floor mounting. If the toilet moves even slightly, the silicone seal will eventually fail, allowing water to seep into the floor – often so slowly that it's only noticed when significant damage has already occurred. Therefore, at the end of installation, it's always checked that the toilet is completely stable and all connections are dry.
What Determines WC Installation Cost and Duration
A simple replacement, where the old toilet is removed and a new one installed in the same spot, usually takes 1–2 hours. If the drain needs adaptation, the floor requires repair, or a wall-hung system is installed, the job can take half a day to a full day.
Cost is influenced by: toilet type (floor-standing vs. wall-hung system), drain adaptation, old toilet disposal, floor condition, and whether the job is done concurrently with other plumbing work (e.g., faucet or sink replacement), which shares the call-out costs.
ToruFix OÜ operates in Tallinn and Harjumaa based on a fixed price list – you can find exact prices on our price list page, and we always confirm the final sum before starting work.
What You Can Do Yourself and When to Call a Specialist
Toilet replacement is one of those tasks a skilled homeowner might attempt – but only if it's a standard floor-standing toilet, the drain remains in the same spot, and the floor is sound. Even then, there's a risk that a poorly sealed connection will leak later.
- DIY reasonable: replacement of cistern internal parts (fill valve, flush valve), replacement of toilet seat
- DIY risky: toilet replacement if the drain needs adaptation or the floor is uneven
- Definitely call a specialist: installation of a wall-hung system (installation frame), drain relocation, work in a bathroom with existing floor damage
- Definitely call a specialist: if the toilet is near a shared main stack and a mistake could affect neighbors
When You Need a Plumber, Not Just an Installer
If during toilet replacement it's discovered that the drain pipe is damaged, the connection to the main stack is poor, or there has been a previous leak under the floor, it becomes a plumbing job, not just a simple installation. In such cases, it's advisable to have the work done by a company that can resolve both the toilet and the piping issues simultaneously – otherwise, half the problem will remain unsolved.
How to Extend the Lifespan of Your New WC
A properly installed toilet will serve for decades, but its lifespan also depends on usage and maintenance.
- Only flush toilet paper and natural waste – wet wipes and hygiene products belong in the bin
- Check once a year that the toilet doesn't wobble and the silicone seal is intact – slight movement is a precursor to a leak
- If the cistern starts refilling water unnecessarily or the flush is weak, replace the cistern's internal mechanism immediately – it's cheap and easy
- Avoid strong chemical cleaners inside the bowl – they can damage the glaze and rubber seals
- If the toilet was installed during a renovation, check connections and seals during the first month
When to Order WC Installation from a Specialist
The time to order is once you've chosen your toilet and confirmed drain compatibility – or if you want a specialist to help select the toilet based on your existing drain. ToruFix OÜ provides WC installation and replacement in Tallinn and Harjumaa: we remove the old toilet, inspect the drain and floor, install the new one, seal it, and check for leaks before leaving.
If you're planning other plumbing work simultaneously – such as faucet, sink, or shower replacement – it's wise to order them together, as call-out and preparation costs will be shared. See our plumbing installation service page or submit an inquiry now.