How I Replaced My Old Toilet with the HYGINA U5 Ultra: A Full DIY Installation
I had wanted to replace the old toilet in my home for a long time. It still worked, but it looked dated and offered none of the comfort features I wanted. After choosing the HYGINA U5 Ultra, I decided to complete the entire upgrade myself—from unboxing and removing the old toilet to installing and testing the new smart toilet.
Unboxing and Checking the Parts
The U5 Ultra arrived in a large, well-protected carton. I opened the box carefully, removed the paperwork and accessories, and checked the toilet for shipping damage before moving anything into the bathroom.
I also confirmed that the installation parts, water connection components, remote control and wall holder were included.
The U5 Ultra was protected inside the carton and inspected before installation.
Removing the Old Toilet
I first shut off the water supply valve behind the toilet. I flushed the old toilet to empty as much water as possible, then disconnected the supply line with an adjustable wrench.
The water supply was shut off before disconnecting the old toilet.
After removing the bolt caps and loosening the floor bolts, I cut through the old caulk around the base. I gently rocked the toilet from side to side to break the old wax seal, then lifted it straight up and moved it away from the drain opening.
A toilet is heavier than it looks. Although I completed this project myself, having another person nearby would make lifting and positioning safer.
Preparing the Drain and Flange
With the old toilet removed, the flange and old sealing material were exposed. I temporarily covered the drain opening with a cloth to block odors and prevent tools or small parts from falling inside.
I scraped away the remaining wax and debris, cleaned the surrounding tile, and checked that the flange was firmly attached and not badly damaged.
Old sealing material must be removed before installing the new toilet.
This preparation step took time, but it was important. A clean, stable and level flange gives the new toilet a better seal and reduces the risk of movement or leakage.
Positioning and Installing the U5 Ultra
I used the supplied positioning guide to mark the toilet location and side mounting points. Before moving the toilet into place, I fitted the sealing ring to the outlet on the underside of the U5 Ultra.
The sealing ring was fitted to the toilet outlet before positioning.
I carefully aligned the toilet with the drain and lowered it straight into position without twisting it. Once it sat evenly on the floor, I pressed it down to seat the seal.
I then drilled the marked side holes, inserted the anchors and secured the toilet through its concealed side mounting points.
The concealed side mounting points keep the exterior clean and streamlined.
Connecting Water, Power and Controls
I connected the water hose to the shutoff valve and toilet inlet, tightened the fittings without overtightening them, and slowly reopened the water supply.
After reconnecting the water, I checked every fitting for moisture.
After plugging the U5 Ultra into the nearby grounded outlet, I installed the remote-control holder on the wall.
First Flush and Final Inspection
The toilet powered up, the bowl light came on, and I ran the first flush test. The flush operated normally, the toilet remained stable, and no leaks appeared around the supply hose or base.
The final step was testing the flush and checking the entire installation for leaks.
The upgrade made the bathroom feel completely different. The job required patience, careful flange preparation and accurate positioning, but replacing my old toilet with the HYGINA U5 Ultra was a manageable full DIY project.
Watch the Full HYGINA U5 Ultra DIY Installation
Want to see how the entire upgrade came together?
In this video, I document the complete process of replacing my old traditional toilet with the HYGINA U5 Ultra—from opening the package and removing the old toilet to cleaning the flange, positioning the new toilet, connecting the water supply, securing it to the floor, and completing the first flush test.
The project was completed as a full homeowner DIY installation. Watching the video can help you better understand the tools, preparation, lifting, alignment, and final checks involved before starting your own smart toilet upgrade.
Watch the full unboxing and installation video below.
Every bathroom and plumbing setup is different. Before installation, confirm your rough-in size, flange condition, water connection, bathroom space, and access to a properly grounded GFCI-protected outlet.
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