Most of us have never had to install a new toilet in a home before, as toilets can last for many years when taken care of. Should you run into the need or desire to replace your toilet, you might be concerned about whether you can do it on your own or need to recruit some help. How much does a toilet weigh?
Toilets generally weigh a little bit under 100 pounds and teeter around 95 to 96 pounds. However, some toilet models are a little bit heartier and can weigh around 115 pounds. On the other hand, you might find lightweight models that are somewhere around 70 to 80 pounds. The range in average weights has a lot to do with the type of toilet you’re considering.
Regardless of whether you pick one on the light or heavy scale, you’re going to need someone to help you lift it and put it in place.
Why Do Toilets Weigh So Much?
Toilets are often made with very durable porcelain to be able to withstand frequent use and bums of all shapes and sizes. Porcelain also happens to be quite dense and heavy. It happens to be one of the best materials to construct a toilet that is going to last you for many, many years. The good thing to remember about porcelain as well: it’s very breakable.
There’s such a wide range of toilet weights given that there are so many different toilet manufacturers. Each of them have their own process for constructing a toilet that will impact its overall weight. The size and height of your chosen toilet will also determine its weight.
How Much Does A Toilet Seat Weigh?
Toilet seats don’t weigh very much at all. They are not often made with porcelain, but instead, will be made with some form of plastic. Your toilet seat is likely only going to add anywhere between 4 and 10 pounds to the overall weight of your toilet. They are also more likely to crack under pressure and may need to be replaced more often.
If you are using a premium bidet seat, you could be looking at another 10 to 15 pounds on top of that depending on the functionality and model. Non-electric bidet attachments, however, are as lightweight as 2 pounds.
Can One Person Lift A Toilet?
While one person who is especially strong could possibly lift a toilet, it’s not advisable to try and install a toilet on your own. A two-piece toilet may be something you could tackle on your own since you’re able to install it piece by piece. However, you can easily injure your back when trying to lift a toilet on your own.
You also have to consider that, even if you can lift the weight of a toilet, it might be hard to get a solid enough grip on one to maneuver it where you need it to go. The last thing you want is to drop a fragile toilet and have it smash on the ground.
Since the shape of a toilet is awkward, you should try to have at least one other person around to help you carry it. You can try using a dolly or something of that nature to transport the toilet, but you’ll still end up needing to lift it somewhat high off the ground to put it in place.
How Do You Install A Toilet?
Installing a toilet isn’t overly complicated if you’re simply looking to replace one that has already been hooked up before. Otherwise, you might have to enlist a plumber. Ultimately, it’s going to depend on how handy you are and what kind of existing setup you’re working with. The last thing you want to do is make a wrong move and cause a leak.
If you rent, your landlord is usually responsible for the maintenance of your bathroom fixtures, and as such, they should take care of having your toilet replaced if necessary. They will often hire a professional to install a toilet to avoid making a mess or damaging the bathroom. If you own your home, obviously it’s up to you if you’re going to DIY or hire.
Before you go pulling up a YouTube tutorial on installing toilets, you also need to check out whether you need permits for changing plumbing fixtures. Depending on where you live, this might be something required of you. Often, this is only needed if you are having to change plumbing or are doing renovations.
How Much Weight Can A Toilet Handle?
Different styles of toilets are created with certain weight limits, but it’s not likely that a toilet would ever surpass these limits. Even though porcelain can break easily when it’s dropped, it’s a very strong material. So long as you don’t cheap out on a toilet or buy from a brand that doesn’t produce well-constructed toilets, you shouldn’t have to worry about weight limits.
That said, most toilet models that are mounted into the wall can handle between 300 to 500 pounds. Toilets that get installed on the floor can usually hold much more weight up to 1000 pounds. An important thing to consider is that toilet seats may not be as strong since they’re usually made of plastic or a weaker material.
How Long Do Toilets Last?
Many of us haven’t been in a home for long enough to have to replace a toilet. A well-constructed toilet that is maintained properly can be used for 20 to 30 years. That said, you don’t always want to wait that long to replace a toilet.
Should you find that you’re constantly having to fix the inside of your toilet or you’re starting to notice cracks in the bowl or tank, you might not want to wait much longer to consider an upgrade. You may only be moments away from a leak that can cause some very unpleasant damage to your bathroom.
Conclusion
Toilets weigh a lot but come in a weight range depending on the model. You’re looking at anywhere from 70 to 110 pounds on average for a toilet, which is very difficult to carry and install as one person. The good news is that toilets don’t have to be replaced very often, especially if they’re kept in good condition.