Almost everyone enjoys a bit of bathroom humor or has a good toilet joke to share. But let's face it, we all have to use them.

Replacing a water closet, or toilet as they are commonly called, while not that complicated, can become extremely costly if not done properly.

When replacing or re-setting a toilet there are a few important thing to remember.

• Check the toilet base and tank to make sure there are no small hairline cracks. Water can drip down the toilet and make it hard to locate the source of the leak.



• Check the supply line and make sure to run your fingers down the pipe while the water is still on to detect any leaks. If the line is old or worn, change it now and save yourself some grief.



• Replace the wax flange at the toilet base and the screws that hold the bowl to the floor if they are rusty. Do not overtighten bolts; the toilet is very fragile.



• Set tissue paper around the edge of the bowl after toilet is set and flush several times to make sure toilet is seated properly on the flange.



• Caulk the base of the bowl where it meets the floor. Leave a one inch gap on the least conspicuous side so you can see a potential leak before it does damage to the sub-floor or the linoleum.



• Call a contractor or plumber to install the toilet if you have a bad back or if you just don't want the hassle.



• Buy a soft-sided toilet seat.