How to install a wall-hung toilet

Sébastien, Rédacteur, Puy-de-Dôme
283 guidesInstalling a wall-hung toilet is completed in several steps from removing the old toilet and modifying the plumbing to installing the cistern, support frame and flush mechanism. You’ll also have to conceal the frame before installing the pan, flush plate and toilet seat. Read on for our installation tips!
Important features
- Installing a new unit
- Replacing an old unit
- Tools and equipment
- Required skills
Why install a wall-hung toilet?

That being said, installing a wall-hung toilet can be more complicated and expensive than fitting traditional models. Nevertheless, these toilets offer a number of advantages, making them an increasingly popular choice in new builds and home renovations. This is mainly due to the fact that wall-hung toilets are designed to fit seamlessly into your bathroom.
Installation time for installing a new unit
Installation time for replacing an old unit
Required skills
It's important to be able to take accurate measurements, identify the right accessories and know to make sense of the assembly instructions. Being able to use a saw, glue gun, screwdrivers, spirit level and a drill will also be extremely useful!Installing a wall-hung toilet
It may surprise you to know that self-supporting wall-hung toilets are actually easier and more convenient to install when renovating a bathroom –although these are slightly more expensive to purchase.
Replacing an older unit with a wall-hung toilet will be more challenging as you will need to work around the original toilet position and bathroom layout. In these cases, the aim is to install the new toilet as close as possible to where the previous unit was.
Wall-hung toilet kit components
Frame
- Frame with vertical uprights and horizontal support bars;
- Feet, screws and washers;
- Waste adaptor;
- Waste pipe clamp and clip;
- Waste pipe and cut-out template;
- Flush pipe cut-out template.
Fixings
- Wall-mount kit (Rawl plugs and screws);
- Floor-mount kit (Rawl plugs and screws);
- Wall bracket kit.
Cistern
- Cistern;
- Flush pipe;
- Mounting bracket and screws;
- Shut-off valve and flexible water inlet hose;
- Flush plate template.
Flush plate
- Flush plate mounting bracket;
- Flush plate with button;
- Screws.
Toilet pan and fixings
- Flush pipe and seal;
- Waste pipe;
- Ceramic toilet pan and threaded rods;
- Toilet seat;
- Toilet seat mounting kit;
- Nut covers, nuts and washers.
Tools and equipment
- Tape measure;
- Pencil;
- Spirit level;
- Hammer drill;
- Concrete drill bit;
- Mallet;
- Open-ended spanner and/or ratchet spanner;
- Screwdriver;
- Pliers;
- Metal saw;
- File;
- Silicone sealant and a applicator gun;
- PVC glue;
- Grease;
- Cutter knife;
- Bucket.
1. Preparation

If you are dealing with an old unit, empty the cistern and remove the toilet by dismantling the cistern and the toilet pan, in that order. Adjust the water supply line as needed: resize the copper pipe, clean it up by sanding down the end and insert a compression fitting.
Cut the waste pipe so it is close to the ground (+/- 5 mm) and insert a waste adaptor into the pipe. Sand down the ends of both parts and coat them with PVC glue before connecting them.
If necessary, block the pipe temporarily to avoid any unpleasant odours.
Read the assembly instructions for the new wall-hung toilet and get your supplies ready. Gather all the assembly screws alongside their corresponding parts.
2. Setting up the frame

Place the fixing mounts onto the cistern and slide the flush pipe into place. Make sure to insert the seals and to push all pipes and parts into a fully locked position.
Pressure should be evenly distributed over the cistern: the screws mustn't be too tight, in order to avoid damaging the plastic.
Install the feet fixings at the base of the frame. Attach the waste pipe clamp to the frame and insert the waste pipe. There should be a clip system (used to secure the pipe to the frame) though this depends on the model.
3. Positioning the unit and marking

Using a spirit level, draw the line high enough to incorporate the position of the brackets.
Using a tape measure, start by drawing a line at a height of 40 cm for the toilet pan (this height can vary from 40-45 cm according to your needs). Next, draw a line at 1 metre and mark it as (A), then draw another line at 1.08 metres and mark this as (B). These will be used to map out the position of the wall brackets (follow the positions recommended by the manufacturer).
Check that your horizontal lines are level using a spirit level from the left to the right of the vertical line you have drawn from the centre of the waste pipe.
Position the frame and check the measurements and placement of the water supply line and waste pipe, as well as the space between the frame and the wall (this will vary according to frame depth). If necessary, use a waste pipe adaptor.
4. Adjusting and fixing the frame

Use a drill fitted with the correct drill bit to make holes where the wall brackets and the feet will go and insert the appropriate fixing plugs.
Make sure to remove any dust from the holes so the fixings can secure firmly. Position the frame in line with the 'A' mark (the first line you drew).
Insert the threaded rods, nuts and washers into the brackets and adjust the frame's position using the rods.
A spirit level can then be used to check that everything is aligned vertically.
Tighten everything and place the plastic clips over the wall brackets. Position the clamp over the waste pipe.
5. Installing the flush mechanism

Be sure to check that the connections are watertight by turning the water back on (make sure the valve is closed at this point).
Next, check that the water supply works by opening the valve, making sure you have a bucket in place to catch the water.
Connect the inlet hose to the flush mechanism and position the flush plate bracket.
Insert the flush plate bracket by lightly tapping several times.
Install the boards or unit used to conceal the frame (this might also be referred to as cladding) or build a stud wall using plasterboard.
Mark out and cut panels to cover the frame's sides before securing them in place using the fixings provided. Most models offer a cutting template for the furniture unit used to conceal the cistern.
6. Installing the toilet pan

Be sure to avoid damaging the seal when inserting them – this will be easier if you use a twisting motion.
Use a pen to mark where the pipes extend past the edge of the toilet pan (it's best to use a felt-tip marker for this).
Remove the pipes from the toilet pan and insert them into position in the frame, making sure they are inserted fully into the slot. Mark the position of the pipes where they emerge from the frame.
Carry this measurement over to the ends of the pipes. Measure the space between the two marks, adding 5 mm, then cut off the male end using a metal saw.
Use a support stand for increased safety.
Smooth down the edges using a file or sandpaper for a better fit and insert them into the support frame. Be sure to remove any leftover residue.
Insert the threaded rods into the fixing frame, letting them emerge as per the manufacturer's recommendations (usually 6 cm). Spread silicone grease or soapy water onto the flush pipe to make it easier to insert into the pan. Position the pan in line with the pipes and threaded rods and push it firmly into place. You should also apply silicone grease onto the pan where the connections will go to make insertion easier.
Insert the plastic guides then secure the pan using the provided nuts and washers. Loosely tighten all parts, making sure that everything is level, then add the nut covers.
Screw everything into place approximately before tightening all the way.
7. Installing the flush plate

Turn on the water supply and position the mounting bracket with the plastic springs facing downwards, then secure using screws. Use a Phillips head or flat screwdriver depending on the screw drive.
Fit the mechanism into the bracket, connect the water supply line and insert the flush plate starting from the bottom of the panel.
Apply light pressure to the top and corners of the plate to make sure it is correctly clipped in.
8. Installing the toilet seat and checking it works

Install the toilet seat brackets , screw them into place and insert the plastic safety covers. Position them according to the toilet seat placement.
Position the toilet seat and insert it into the brackets.
More information
Sébastien, Rédacteur, Puy-de-Dôme 283 guides écrits

A l’issue d’études dans le commerce, j’ai appris par opportunité la profession de charpentier. Noble mais dur métier, les hivers et la pluie m’ont incité à descendre des toits et à pousser les portes d’une quincaillerie où sans grande surprise, je me suis retrouvé quincaillier.