How Do I Replace A Toilet?

11/1/2022 (Permalink)

If you think your toilet is leaking or not working as well as it should, replace it.

How Do I Replace A Toilet?

Replacing a toilet can seem like an overwhelming task, but it's not. The average DIYer can typically complete this project in about six hours. Here are the step-by-step instructions for replacing a toilet:

Cut the water supply, flush toilet, and sponge all remaining water from tank and bowl.

• Cut the water supply to the toilet, then flush it to drain any remaining water.
• If you have a frost-free refrigerator or freezer, turn off its power switch and remove all food from inside (this will help prevent damage).
• Unscrew any mounting bolts that are holding the hot water tank in place and lift it out of its housing; don't worry if some piping comes with it because you can reattach these later.

Disconnect hose leading to bottom of tank.

Now that the tank is out of the bowl, you can disconnect the hose leading to the bottom of the tank. You may have to loosen or unscrew a clamp holding it in place before pulling it free. The water supply should now be disconnected from your toilet.

To lift out your old toilet, shift your weight slightly toward one side and lift it straight up until you can set it aside.

Unscrew the nuts that connect the tank to the bowl, remove tank and set aside.

• Unscrew the nuts that connect the tank to the bowl, remove tank and set aside
• Remove any remaining water from inside the toilet bowl with a sponge or towel
• Remove old wax ring from underneath where you will replace it (usually a square piece of plastic).

Remove nuts that hold bowl to floor, lift straight up on bowl and set aside.

To replace the toilet, you'll need to remove the nuts and washers that hold the bowl to its base. To do this:

• Remove the nuts on each side of your toilet using socket set or wrench.
• Lift straight up on the bowl and set it aside.

Remove any wax ring or putty that remain around drain collar on floor.

• Remove any wax ring or putty that remain around drain collar on floor.
• Use a putty knife to scrape off any old putty, if there is any.
• Clean the area around the drain collar with a sponge and mild detergent, then use dry paper towels to dry it thoroughly.

Install new wax ring onto new toilet base.

• Place the new toilet base on wax ring.
• Press down firmly so that it adheres to the wax ring (no rocking). Ensure a tight connection between toilet base and wax ring. If you have a leak, tighten the connection between the toilet base and wax ring by adding more plumber's putty or tightening with adjustable wrench as needed.

Set new toilet in place and press down firmly so that it adheres to the wax ring (no rocking).

Once the new toilet is in place, you must press down firmly to ensure that it is properly seated on the floor. If you see any rocking motion, then there may be an issue with the wax ring, and you should check for leaks before proceeding further.

If no leaks are present and your toilet is not leaking after pressing down firmly on it, then proceed to connect water supply lines and test operation of the new toilet.

Reattach the new and old water line, ensuring a tight connection.

To reattach the new and old water line, ensure that the water supply is turned off. Then, make sure that your new toilet is level with your old one and secure. The last thing you want is for it to start shifting around on you during installation. If need be, use a wrench to tighten the bolts so they're nice and tight.

Replace your toilet if you think it is leaking or not working well — but if leaks persist call a professional plumber

If you think your toilet is leaking or not working as well as it should, replace it. But if you are not sure and want to check if there is a leak, first check the water level in your tank. If the water level is lower than normal, check for leaks at the base of the toilet by submerging a towel under it and checking on both sides; look for wet spots under the tank lid and base.

If you think there may be a leak but are unsure how to fix it yourself (or hire someone to do so), here's how to replace a toilet:

• Turn off the power source or flush handle/valve assembly that serves as an access point for stopping wastewater flow from pipes leading from your home’s plumbing system
• Unscrew bolts holding down flange between bowl unit and floor with socket wrench; remove flange from bowl unit

You can replace your toilet and save money. The first step is to turn off the water supply, disconnect the old tank and bowl, remove the old wax ring, and set aside. Then, install a new wax ring onto the base of your new toilet (not into floor). Finally, set it in place and press down firmly so that it adheres to the wax ring (no rocking). Reattach old water line to new toilet base ensuring a tight connection before turning on water supply once again!