Toilets

ISSUE:  A trickle of water is leaking down the back of the toilet bowl when the toilet is not being flushed.  Occasionally the toilet might seem to  be flushing by itself, (phantom flush), even though nobody is near it.  (Related concerns:  hissing sound; trickling water; tank continuously refilling when toilet wasn't flushed).

There are two possible issues that may cause water to leak from your tank into the bowl.  

Remove the lid of your toilet to look inside; you will see an Inlet or fill valve, (this is the valve that regulates water coming in to your tank) and an Outlet or flush valve, (this is the valve that removes the water from your tank to flush the toilet). 

Cause #1-Inlet Valve: There is a mark on the back of our toilet tanks indicating the proper level of the water.  If you notice that the water level in your tank is too high and that water is gradually escaping into the overflow tube, (see image above), there is an issue with your inlet (fill) valve. 

It could be either:

• debris has come in from the water line and lodged inside the valve, causing it to stick in an open position.  Normally the inlet valve senses when water in the tank has reached the proper level and automatically shuts off.  If debris is causing the valve to 'stick', water can continually flow into the tank.  The tank has an overflow tube installed for just this reason, so that water will drain from the overflow tube into your bowl rather than causing a leak in the bathroom.  
• the seals in the inlet valve have worn and need replacement

Solution: Clean the inlet (fill) valve to remove debris or change the inlet valve head.  

How do you know which is the right solution for you?  

It is likely debris if:

• your toilet is newer (less than a year or two old),
• your home is new or you recently renovated, as building disrupts the incoming water supply and increases debris in city water lines
• there has been a recent weather event in your area, (flooding in particular), that increases the amount of debris going in to city water lines

If you need to clean your inlet valve, you will first need to remove it.  To see how to remove your inlet valve, click here.  Once the inlet valve is removed, soak in a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water for 10 minutes and rinse thoroughly.  If the valve needs further cleaning, return it to the vinegar and water solution for longer, rinse and once cleaned, return to your tank.

It is likely that you need to replace the inlet valve or replace the seals if: 

• the seals are older than 2 years, (it is standard maintenance to change seals every 2-3 years)
• you live in an area with hard water; (so calcifications/scale build up on your valve is more likely)

If you need to replace or repair your inlet valve, click here to finding the parts you for instructions on how to make the repair. 

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Cause #2: Outlet (flush) Valve. If water is at the correct level in the tank and is not leaking into the overflow tube, the issue will most likely be that the seal at the bottom of your flushvalve is worn and needs to be replaced.  Seals wear over time and it is standard toilet maintenance to replace them every couple of years.  (Seals may wear more quickly in areas with hard water, and definitely if you use an in-tank chemical cleaner (which is not advised and can cancel your warranty).

Solution:  Replace the seal at the bottom of your valve.   Find my part.     How do I do this?

Related Issue:  Phantom flush:  My toilet seems to sometimes mysteriously "flush" on its own. 

While it might seem to be working fine other than the occasion mystery flush, this is generally a telltale sign of a leaking flush valve.  The seal at the bottom of the flush valve should be replaced every couple of years as standard toilet maintenance.  After time it can wear or crack, and allow water to seep slowly through from the tank into the bowl.  If it is a very small leak you might not ever notice it.  But, over time, enough water will escape from the tank that the fill valve will be triggered to refill the tank, and seem to automatically flush.  (It isn't actually flushing the water from the bowl, but because the inlet valve is triggered to refill, it sounds like the toilet has been flushed).  To test that this is happening, put a few drops of food coloring into the water in your tank. With the added color you will quickly see if water is escaping slowly down the back of the bowl.

Solution: Replace the seal at the bottom of your Outlet (flush)  valve.   Find my part.  How do I do this?

To fix a leaking Outlet (Flush) Valve or for regular tank maintenance you may need to replace the Seal at the bottom of the Valve.  The easiest way to find the right part is to simply take the tank lid off and look at the shape and color of your Outlet Valve.  Look below and find the outlet valve that matches yours.  The Valve Seal for that outlet part is listed below each image, and if you click on the Seal image or name you will be taken directly to our parts store where you can order.  

If you have this WDI Valve Pictured Above,  Order the 687242 Seal

If you have this WDI Outlet Valve as Pictured Above: Please Order the 30795 Seal

If you have an M5 Valve as pictured above, please Order Valve Seal #750017

If you have a Hi-Flow Outlet Valve as pictured above, please Order Outlet Valve Seal 405006

If you have a Geberit Outlet Valve as pictured above, please Order Outlet Valve Seal #750017

Inlet valves are largely interchangeable, but you must know which inlet valve you have if you wish to repair, rather than replace it.  It is less expensive to repair an inlet valve and while it can be more difficult than replacing the entire valve, it does save you the trouble of having to remove the water supply line from your toilet, completely draining the water from your tank and in the case of a 2-piece toilet, often having to remove the tank from the bowl.

First determine which inlet valve you have and then have a look at our How-to videos to decide what the best solution is for you.  We are currently using 3 different inlet valves in our products:

This is a  B3300-MAinlet valve.  If you want to replace the entire valve, this is the number you would reference when ordering.

If you wish, you can repair, rather than replace the valve which involves replacing the 3 seals. You can also replace the top (head) piece, but this only needs to be done if the top is damaged.  Whether or not you choose to replace the top, you will need to replace the 3 seals.   Click here to watch how to make this repair. 

This is a 687144 Quietflow II Inlet valve, (not interchangeable with the original Quietflow valve).  If you want to replace the entire valve, this is the number you would reference when ordering.

If you wish to repair, rather than replace this valve you would order the 687040 Quietflow II repair kit.  To see how this repair is done, you can click here to watch the video. 

The last inlet valve we offer is the A1280.

To repair this valve you would need the following A1280-REPAIRKIT.  To see how this is done, click here to watch the video.

The flush valve in your Caravelle Smart lever toilet is connected to the handle assembly so replacing one involves replacing both.

Before removing or adjusting any internal tank components on your toilet make sure to turn off the water supply by turning the handle at the water inlet, located behind the toilet. Flush until as much water as possible empties out of the tank.  You can then remove the remaining water by either sucking up with a shop vacuum or using a sponge to soak up the remaining water.  

Remove the tank lid.

Remove the flush valve by turning it in a counter-clockwise direction and lifting upwards.  Rest the removed flush valve on the top of the tank while disconnecting the lever handle. You will see a blue plastic nut located in between the handle and the handle box.  Turn in a clockwise direction until it detaches from the main spindle.  Remove the Flush Valve and the attached box; set aside.

Remove the base of the flush valve and the attached overflow tube by using a medium sized Phillips screwdriver. Turn the screw in the centre of the base in a counter-clockwise direction until you can remove the base and set aside. Important tip:  Most of the time when replacing the outlet valve you will NOT have to remove the base.  You can insert a new outlet valve into an existing base.  The only reason to replace the base is if it is broken or cracked.  If your existing base is intact, simply delete this step. 

Next you will remove the handle

1. Turn the white nut (as shown below) in a clockwise direction. (You would turn counter-clockwise for a right hand mounted lever handle). 
2. Remove the two gasket seals placed against the tank. (Be careful to note the order of the placement of these seals as they will need to be replaced in the same order. The thicker charcoal seal goes against the tank and the white seal is placed on the outside).  Set aside.

Pull the handle out.  You might need to wiggle the handle a little bit to more easily pull it out from the hole in tank where it is installed. 

You are now ready to install the replacement handle and flush valve. 

Insert the lever handle in to the hole at the side of tank.  Replace the charcoal and white rubber gaskets in the correct order and then place the large white nut on to the spindle and turn in a counter clockwise direction, (clockwise for a right mounted lever handle).  Important tip: While you are rotating the nut, hold the handle up to the proper position.  If you let it drop down you will be attaching it in the wrong position.  (The handle will drop down once you stop holding it, but this is fine.  Once the remainder of the lever handle is connected it will be aligned properly.

If you removed the valve base and overflow tube earlier you should now install the replacement by inserting it back into the hole at the bottom of the tank, (making sure to position it the same way it was originally placed, with the overflow tube placed to the right of the base, as pictured below). Tighten it using a Phillips screwdriver until placed solidly, without movement.  Do not over tighten or you may crack the base.  It simply needs to be in place without any movement).

Insert the flush valve by placing into the base and turning in a counter-clockwise direction until it clicks into place.

Attach the handle base on to the handle spindle.  It’s a good idea to tuck the tube behind the flush valve to get it out of your way.  (Important tip: While attaching the base and screwing it in to place, hold the handle up to the desired position.  

If you don’t hold the lever handle to the correct position, you will be tightening it in to the downward position). To tighten, turn the blue plastic nut in a counter-clockwise direction until firmly in place.

That is it!  Turn the water supply back on, your tank will fill up, replace the lid and you are done. 

If you have any any questions, please contact our customer service team at 1-800-460-7019

This video  shows the Quietflow II valve outside of a toilet tank so that you can more easily see it and all of its parts.  (Normally your inlet valve can remain inside the tank while you change it, making this maintenance very quick and easy).

Replacement part needed to complete this repair:  687040

The seal is located inside the top housing of the Inlet (fill) valve.  You will need to remove the outer casing of the housing to gain access to the seal. 

1.  Always turn off the water before doing any maintenance to your toilet tank.  Flush the toilet to remove most of the water.  (For this maintenance you will not need to remove all of the water from the tank.  If a small amount remains at the bottom of the tank this is fine).

2. The lever located on the side of the inlet valve at the top has a small plastic piece that protrudes from the bottom.  The section that protrudes clips into a hole on the moveable arm located on the main shaft of the inlet vale.  Unclip the top arm from the arm on the valve

3. Pull the entire top housing with attached lever out from the valve, which will expose the blue seal.

4. Remove the worn seal and replace with new seal.

5. Slide the full housing portion back in to the side of valve and then twist to lock into place.

6.  Re-clip the top arm back on the lower arm.

7.  Turn the water supply back on to your tank and you are done.

At the bottom of your outlet (flush) valve in your toilet tank there is a seal that helps to ensure that water does not leak unintentionally from the tank into the bowl.  Over time this seal can wear. It is standard maintenance to replace the seal generally about every 2 years.  (You might need to replace it more often if you live in an area with Hard water or use in-tank cleaning product. Note: in-tank cleaning products may void your warranty). Here is how you replace it. )

Before doing any maintenance work to your toilet you should always turn off the water supply.  After turning off the water supply, flush the toilet until as much water as possible drains from the tank, giving you access to the valve.

Remove the tank lid.  Each toilet looks a little different inside, but you should see an inlet (fill) valve, and and outlet, (flush) valve.  

The outlet valve body is connected to the base at the bottom with clips.  Holding the valve firmly, turn it in a counter-clockwise direction.  Once it is released from the base lift it up and away from the base. (Note: if you have a toilet with a lever handle, there will be a cord connecting the flush valve to the handle.  You can still pull the base off to change the seal, but it will remain connected to the handle).

Turn the valve over and you will see the seal at the bottom of the valve body.  Simply pull it off. 

Replace with a new seal.  Be careful when replacing the seal to ensure that it is tucked in underneath the plastic disc at the bottom of the valve.  

Once the seal is firmly in place, it is time to replace the valve back into the base. 

Once the valve clicks into place, turn the water back on.  Check to make sure that no water is leaking into the bowl, (which would indicate that the seal may not be placed correctly).  If there are no leaks, replace the tank lid and you are done! 

Part needed to complete this repair:  B3300-MA-REPAIRKIT

Before doing any repairs to your toilet, make sure to first turn off the water at the supply line and flush the toilet until most of the water is removed from the tank. (You will not be completely removing the valve so you do not have to remove all water).

There are 3 seals in this valve that need to be replaced.

To start, remove the toilet tank lid and turn the top of the valve in a counter-clockwise direction and pull up to remove. 

Remove the seal at the top of the valve body and discard.

Next you will need to remove the cylinder in the centre of the valve body.  To do this, insert a small flat head screwdriver underneath the protruding tab on the top of the cylinder and pop it up.  Then pull up the entire piece.

Now that you have accessed the lower seal, go ahead and replace it. When replacing, make sure to line up the notch in the seal with the tab in the valve body as shown below. 

You can now replace that cylinder back in to the valve body, again lining up the tab on the cylinder with the notch in the valve body.

Replace the last seal that sits in the valve top.  Simply pull it out, discard and replace, making sure that it sits securely in place.

You can now replace the top of the valve back on to the valve body.  Make sure to line up the notch on the top portion with the tabs on the body.  Turn clockwise until it clicks into place and you are done.  Replace the tank lid and turn the water back on to refill your tank. 

The part you will need to complete this repair:  A1280-REPAIRKIT

Before doing any toilet tank repair or maintenance always turn the water supply off to the toilet and then flush the toilet to remove as much water as possible.  You will not be removing the valve for this repair, so you don't have to remove the small amount of water left at the bottom of the tank.

A small flat head screwdriver is very useful for this work.  Remove the tank lid and insert the end of the screwdriver under the top blue cap to pop it off.

There is a small white pin inserted through a hole under the top white cross hinge of the valve.  This pin locks the inner components of the valve into place.  You will need to remove it to gain access to the seals.  Simply push the end of the screwdriver handle against the straight edge of the pin to dislodge it; once it is loose, pull it out and retain.

Pull the white top cross piece of the valve back to expose the top of the hole from which you just removed the white pin.  Insert the screwdriver through the hole.  This will give you the leverage to turn the top housing and remove it.  The 2 seals that you will need to replace should now be exposed. Replace the seals.

Now simply reverse the procedure. Once the inlet valve is back together, turn the water supply back on and check that everything is working properly.  Then replace the tank lid and you are done!

Replacing an inlet valve is very simple, but you do have to take a few steps before you start, to avoid spilling water on your floor and to make the job easy.

1.  Turn off the water to the toilet 

2.  Remove all water in the tank by flushing the tank until as much water as possible is removed, and then using a shop vac or a sponge to remove the remaining water.  Once the tank is dry, you can proceed with the change.

An inlet valve is connected by a plastic nut at the base of the toilet tank.

(Note: the design of some 2-piece toilets makes it difficult to access the inlet valve. If this is the case you may need to remove the tank from the bowl to gain access to the inlet valve.  Each time you remove the tank from the bowl it is a good idea to also replace the tank to bowl seal to ensure a good tight fit.   For instructions on how to do this, please click here).

Turn the nut in a counter-clockwise direction until it is completely removed from the lower portion of the inlet valve.  Set aside.

Reach in to the tank and pull out the inlet valve.  If you need to clean the inlet valve, rinse under water until debris is removed, or if it has calcified from hard water, you can soak in a 50-50 solution of water and vinegar for 30 minutes and then rinse again.  Repeat as needed depending on the degree of dirt/calcification on the valve).

Replace the valve, or if installing a new valve, insert the new valve back into the mounting hole in the bottom on the toilet tank.  Screw the plastic nut back on to the bottom portion of the inlet valve.

Turn the water back on and watch to ensure that that the water refills properly.  Once the water is refilled, replace the tank lid and you are done. 

You will require a replacement part #687214 Foam seal to complete this repair.

From time to time you may need to remove the tank from the bowl on a 2-piece toilet.  You may want to remove the toilet to paint or refurbish a bathroom, or you may need to do some repair or maintenance on the toilet itself.  This article explains how to do this.

First, turn off the water supply to your toilet.

Remove the tank lid.

Flush the toilet to remove as much water as possible and then use either a waterproof shop vac or a sponge to remove the remaining water at the bottom of the tank.  Once all water is removed you can proceed.

The tank is connected to the bowl by 2 bolts that extend from the tank, through holes at the base of the bowl.  They are held in place by 2 sturdy nuts.  unscrew the nuts on both side and set aside. 

Remove the tank by firmly grasping it on both sides and pulling upwards until the bolts clear the holes in the bowl.  

IMPORTANT: To ensure a tight, waterproof fit, there is a seal installed between your tank and bowl.  Each time you remove the tank it is a good idea to replace this seal as it works by compression, and once the tank is removed it won't seal as well a second time.  

To remove the seal, grab firmly and pull off.  It is connected with an adhesive tape and will lift off. 

You will then need to replace with a new  seal.  All Caroma 2-Piece toilets use a 687214 foam tank to bowl seal.  Remove the paper backing to expose the adhesive and press firmly to the bottom of the tank.

Replace the tank onto the bowl by lining up the 2 protruding bolts over top of the corresponding holes at the rear of your bowl and carefully lower it in to place.  

Retrieve the plastic nuts that you removed earlier and screw back on to the tank bolts in a clockwise direction.  The tank should be firmly in place with no movement, but be careful not to over tighten.  Remember, the tank is made of vitreous china and if you over tighten it is possible to crack the porcelain. 

Turn the water back on, and replace the lid.  You are done. 

Before doing any maintenance to a toilet you will need to remove all of the water from the tank.

First, you will need to turn the water supply to the toilet off. 

Remove the tank lid and push down on one or both buttons of the flush valve until as much water as possible is drained from the tank. 

There will always be a small amount of water left at the bottom of the tank.  This is fine for some repairs, but if you are removing the tank you will need to remove all of the water to avoid water spilling on to your floor.

The easiest way to remove the extra water is if you have a waterproof shop vac.  Simply vacuum up all of the water.  If you do not have a shop vac, you will need to use a cloth or sponge to mop up the water until removed.  

When the repair is finished, always remember to turn the water supply to the toilet back on. 

To adjust a round Caroma dual flush button:

Remove the tank lid and turn over, exposing the bottom portion of the dual-flush button kit

There are two rods extending down from the button kit.  These rods are attached to the top buttons and when a button is depressed. the rods push the top of the flush valve to activate the toilet flush.  If they are not long enough, they won't reach the flush valve to be able to properly activate the valve.  If they are too long, the tank lid won't sit properly on the tank.  Fortunately they are very easy to adjust.

The two rods are held in place by a black nut at the base of the button kit.  

Loosen the nut by turning in a counter-clockwise direction. 

Once the nut is loosened, grip the rod itself and turn left or right to adjust to the desired height.  

Once the rod reaches the correct height, re-tighten the nut at the base and then do the same for the other rod.

Once both rods are adjusted, return the tank lid to the tank.  

To adjust an oblong Caroma dual flush button, (part #416283):

Remove the tank lid and turn over, exposing the bottom portion of the dual-flush button kit

There are two rods extending down from the button kit.  These rods are attached to the top buttons and when a button is depressed. the rods push the top of the flush valve to activate the toilet flush.  If they are not long enough, they won't reach the flush valve to be able to properly activate the valve.  If they are too long, the tank lid won't sit properly on the tank.  Fortunately they are very easy to adjust.

The two rods are held in place by a black nut at the base of the button kit.  

Loosen the nut by turning in a counter-clockwise direction. 

Once the nut is loosened, grip the rod itself and turn left or right to adjust to the desired height.  

Once the rod reaches the correct height, re-tighten the nut at the base and then do the same for the other rod.

Once both rods are adjusted, return the tank lid to the tank.  

The oblong dual-flush button kits on Caroma tanks are held in place by a single plastic bracket on the underside of the tank lid.

Using a medium Phillips screwdriver remove the bolt holding the bracket in place.

Turn the tank lid back over and pull the button kit upwards. 

To replace the button kit, push it back into the hole in the tank lid, place the plastic bracket back over the underside of the button kit and attach with bolt.

If your 326611 soft-close, detachable seat is loose or isn't aligned properly to the bowl, it is a quick and easy fix.  Step by step instructions are listed below and this video shows you the entire installation process.

1.  First you will want to remove the seat.  To do this, simply push the two quick release buttons on the inner centre of the seat underside and lift the seat upward to remove it from the mounting pins.

2.  Remove the decorative hinge cover plates by lifting them upwards.  Set them aside. 

3.  Using a Phillips screwdriver, loosen the bolts.  (You will want them loose enough to be able to move the seat around to align it, but not so loose that it won't stay in place on it's own).

4.  Replace the seat by aligning the hinge pins with the holes on the bottom of the seat. (Don't worry about replacing the hinge covers at this point.   They are simply decorative and not needed to do the adjustment.)

5.  With the seat attached, move the seat into the correct position, which will move the positioning of the hinge.  Once the seat is properly aligned, (so the sides are evenly placed over the bowl and the front aligns with the front of the bowl), again remove the seat by pushing the. two quick release buttons on the inner centre of the seat, being careful not to move the hinge/pin positions.

6.  Tighten the screws. 

7.  Replace the seat again, making sure that it is tight and aligned properly.

8.  Once you are happy with the seat positioning, remove the seat again and replace the decorative hinge covers.

9.  Replace the seat and you are finished!

Open the seat lid and you will see the quick-release buttons just above the seat hinges

Depress the buttons

Pull the seat up

To replace the seat after cleaning, simply align the holes over top of the seat hinge posts and push down.

It is a good idea to remove the seat during your regular weekly cleaning to keep the seat and bowl sparkling clean!  

This article shows how to completely remove and replace the Outlet (flush) valve and lever handle on a Caroma dual-flush lever handle toilet.  (Important note: MOST maintenance to the outlet valve does not require removing the base of the valve from the toilet.  If you are not changing the valve model and the base is not damaged, it is easiest to leave the base in place and simply remove / maintain the valve body.  If you are simply replacing the seal on the bottom of the outlet valve, you also do not have to remove the lever handle.  You would only need to remove the valve body itself).

Before you begin it is important to always turn off the water supply to your toilet and remove the water from your tank.  Click here to watch a video showing how to do this. (If you are not removing the outlet valve base, you don't have to remove all of the water from the tank, as water won't leak from the tank.  If you are removing the base, it is very important to remove all water from your tank to prevent leaking onto your floor).

Step 1: Remove the outlet valve body from the base

Step 2:  Disconnect the flush valve from the handle assembly

Step 3: OPTIONAL STEP - Remove the outlet valve base, (ONLY if required.  You do not have to remove or replace the base for most outlet valve maintenance.  It is much easier to simply leave it in place, even if replacing the valve body). 

Step 4:  You will next need to remove the handle, by removing the following 3 components:

Step 5:  Remove the handle itself by pulling it straight out from the tank

You will now need to reverse the order to replace everything. 

• Insert the new handle into the tank side
• Replace first the white and then the black handle seals and then replace and tighten the white plastic handle nut.
• Reattach the outlet valve base if it was removed by replacing into the base of the toilet tank and then screwing the bolt back into the centre of the base in a clockwise direction. Make sure that the base is solidly in place and does not move from side to side. 
• Replace the valve base by placing in to the base and turning clockwise. (Note: to see how the valve body fits into the base our video on replacing the outlet valve seal provides a clear visual.  To watch it click here)
• Reattach the outlet valve cable to the handle by reattaching the handle base and tightening the blue plastic nut in a counter-clockwise direction for a left positioned lever handle, or clockwise for a right positioned lever handle. 
• Turn the water back on.
• Test the flush to ensure that everything is attached correctly and is functioning properly.  

Replace the lid and you are finished! 

One of the most common questions our Caroma customer service team gets is, "My toilet seat is broken.  Which replacement seat is the right one for my toilet? "

That is both a simple, and sometimes slightly more complicated question.  To get the answer you need to know a few things:

1.  Do you have an elongated or a round front toilet bowl?

2.  What is the style/ shape of your toilet?

3. And lastly, what kind of features do you want?  

First things first.  The most important thing to consider: is - do you have an elongated or round front bowl?  

This is easy to determine.  You measure from the seat holes in the bowl to the tip of the bowl.  An elongated seat is about 18.5" while a round front bowl is about 16.5".  (To see the full article giving pros and cons of elongated and round front toilets, Click Here)

Next - why do you have to consider your toilet style?  Well, traditional toilets with standard 12" rough-ins have a lip at the back, allowing you to feed a bolt through the bowl and then tightening it underneath.  This is called a bottom fixing seat, (meaning it tightens from the bottom).  If you can easily reach underneath the bowl to tighten or loosen your seat, you likely need a bottom fixing seat.

A lot of newer style toilets have what is called 'fully skirted' bowls, meaning that the side of the bowl is smooth and doesn't show the snake like trapway.  If you have a skirted bowl it can be really difficult to reach underneath to attach or tighten a seat.  For this type of toilet you should use a top fixing seat, meaning that the toilet seat tightens from the top.  You essentially insert anchor bolts into the holes in the bowl and then the seat fits into the bolts.  (It's similar to attaching something to drywall; you insert anchors into the wall and then insert the bolt or screw into the anchor).  To watch a video showing the installation of our Caroma top fixing toilet seat to our fully skirted Caroma Caravelle Smart One Piece toilet, Click Here)

Style is also important if you have a uniquely shaped toilet.  For example, A Caroma Cube bowl is technically "round front', as it measures 16.5" inches, but obviously a typical oval shaped round front seat won't work. 

If you have a cube or round or otherwise uniquely shaped bowl, you will often have to use the seat that is supplied by the manufacturer to fit that particular product.  For the cube bowl for example, Caroma has a specific Cube seat that fits the dimensions perfectly.

The last consideration might just be the most confusing, and this is choosing features!  The most commonly sought after feature in a seat is a soft-close option. Anyone living in a house without a soft-close seat likely has been jarred awake by someone "dropping" the toilet seat in the middle of the night! A soft-close seat has a hinge that lowers the seat slowly, without jarring or loud noises.  It has become as close to a 'must-have' as there is in toilet seats.

The next option is a wonderful upgrade for hygiene and that is the quick release detachable seat.  All seats of course are "detachable", but a quick release seat means you can simply push a button or two and the seat pops off, allowing for frequent and thorough cleaning.  Once you have a quick release detachable seat, you likely won't want to give it up.

Lastly, some seat holes in bowls are set apart more/less than others.  For example, older style Caroma bowls sometimes had seat holes that were different that that of current bowls. If you are buying a new seat, (especially for an older bowl, or made by a different manufacturer), it's good to check that the seats will fit into the hole set out on your bowl.  This is always indicated on the spec sheet for the seat, that is listed on the manufacturer's website. 

So, to summarize- when ordering a new toilet seat, look for:

• Round front or Elongated
• Top or bottom fixing
• shape
• features you want
• make sure that the distance between the attaching bolts will fit your seat.  

For help with a new seat for Caroma toilets, you are always welcome to contact the customer service department at 1-800-460-7019.  

Fully skirted toilets feature a completely smooth bowl that don't show the outline of the trapway, so they are not only beautiful, but also much easier to clean and keep clean.  They do require a different method of installation from a standard 12" bolt down toilet.  For Caroma toilets that method is Smart Connect.

Smart Connect utilizes an offset adaptor that fits overtop of the rough-in flange and wax ring, keeping the installation clean and neat.  For anyone who has removed a toilet and had to clean up the mess of an old wax ring you will appreciate how revolutionary this system is.  Once the Smart Connect offset adaptor is installed you don't have to remove it again, even if you remove the toilet.  

The real genius of Smart Connect though lies in its adaptability.  The offset adaptor features one side that is wider than the other.  This allows you to install a Caroma skirted bowl on either a 10" or a 12" rough-in, simply by turning the adaptor.  

For a 10" installation, you turn the adapter so that the wide side of the adaptor is facing towards the wall.

For a 12" installation, you turn the adapter so that the wide side of the adaptor is facing away from the wall.

Now that you understand how the adaptor works, let's jump in to the installation.  One of the most important things to remember when installing a Caroma toilet is to use the correct wax ring.  It is essential to use only a standard wax ring and not a wax ring with a reducing ring. Using a horned rim can cause a sluggish flush, back siphoning and clogging.  They are not designed to work with wash-down toilets. 

Position the wax ring and "T" Bolts as shown below

Then, simply place the offset adaptor over top of the wax ring, pushing down until the bottom of the adaptor touches the floor.  When the adaptor is in place check the inside of the adaptor to ensure that excess wax hasn’t leaked into the adaptor.  If it has you will want to remove that excess.  Remember, this is where water and waste travels through to your plumbing systems.  Excess wax build up here may eventually cause a blockage.  So, just scrape away any excess wax with your gloved hand or a tool and remove it.

Next, you will need to place the fixing brackets on either side of the adaptor.  The multiple hole pattern of the fixing bracket provides a contact surface for the final bolting from the exterior of the bowl so it’s important to place it now.   Simply slip the fixing bracket over top of the T bolts and tighten them down with the washers and nuts included with the rough-in.  This is not only setting up the final step of your connection, but it is also what is attaching the adaptor securely to the floor.

Here’s an insider tip for you – depending on the placement of the adaptor in your environment, it can be really difficult to get in to tighten the nuts over the T Bolts.  If this is the case you can simply pull off the top portions of the adaptor, giving much more room to work. 

Make sure that the bolts are  tightened down, but don’t over tighten as that will affect the position of the bracket.  Once both brackets are tightened, if you have removed the top portions of the adaptor, just place them back on.  Tidy up the area around the adaptor and ensure that the entire area is clean and free from all building materials and debris.  It is now time to place the toilet onto the adaptor.

If you look at the bottom of a fully skirted Caroma bowl, it will look like this. 

The round portion of the base fits inside the offset adaptor, giving a nice tight seal.  The great thing about the Caroma smart connect is that once you have placed the adaptor over the wax ring, you are able to later remove the toilet if necessary, without having to touch or replace the wax ring, making the whole process clean and simple.

Once you have placed the bowl over top of the adaptor, you will insert the plastic bushing, brass bushing and stainless steel screw into each of the side holes, turning with a Phillips screwdriver until tight. 

At this point the screw is going into one of the holes on that fixing bracket  that you attached to the offset adaptor.  This step secures the bowl directly to the offset adaptor and the rough-in.  Insert the second screw in the same manner on the other side of the bowl.  Then pop the decorative cap on top of the brass bushing to make the whole installation almost invisible.

Run a bead of silicone caulking around the base to prevent any water from getting under the bowl. Make sure to leave a one inch opening at the back, and you are done!

This entire installation is shown in the video above. Complete installation instructions are included with every Caroma bowl and if you need further assistance just give our Customer Service team a call at 800-460-7019 or Click Here to email us. We are here to help.

To purchase a new Caroma Smart Connect Offset Adapter, you would need a part #415245.  (Click on this link to take you to the online store)