Weekend Project: Install a new toilet

Unless you're comfortable with plumbing projects and have someone to help with the lifting, you'll probably want to leave toilet installation to a plumber. Costs vary considerably by location and typically range from about $200 to $450.

To find the best model for your home, read our latest report on toilets (story and ratings available to subscribers), which covers the most water-efficient models and will fill you in on the differences between gravity and pressure-assisted types.

Gravity models are best if you want a quiet, proven design or have low water pressure at your home. These rely on water dropping from the tank into the bowl and trap to move waste down the drain. Pressure as low as 10 pounds per square inch is adequate for some models, since gravity does all the work.

Pressure-assisted models are best if you have a large family since heavy use is more likely to cause a toilet to clog. These create the most flushing power, as pressure created when water displaces air within a sealed tank causes the water to thrust waste forcefully out through the bowl.

Note that pressure-assisted toilets can be loud. Also, these toilets require at least 25 pounds per square inch of water pressure to work well.

A growing number of toilets, both pressure-assisted and gravity models, have a dual-flush feature that uses even less water when flushing away liquid waste.

You will also need to choose a height. Toilets with seats 17 to 19 inches off the floor meet Americans With Disabilities Act standards and are easier to use for most adults.

Before anyone picks up a wrench . . .

• Look for the proper credentials. The plumber you choose should have proper licensing. Membership in professional organizations and several years of experience are a plus. Visit the Contractor's License Reference Site to find out whether a contractor is licensed in your state.

• Verify liability insurance. Ask to see a copy of the certificate of insurance and check with the insurer to make sure the policy is active.

• Position the toilet first. If you're changing the toilet's location, decide where the new one will go before you relocate the other fixtures. Toilets require a 3- to 4-inch drainpipe. Relocating it may be more difficult than relocating and installing the smaller drains for showers and sinks.

• Change the lines. Replace rigid chrome-plated copper water-supply lines with braided, flexible stainless-steel lines. Besides easing future repairs, these lines help minimize leaks that could develop with minor movement.

• Check for leaks. See that there are no leaks at the water-shutoff valve that connects to the wall or at the base of the toilet before the pro packs up and leaves.

Essential information: Find out how to save water in the bathroom. Check out our SiteSeeing posts on the how-to sites Instructables.com and Howcast.com.