If your toilet is old or damaged, replacing it may be necessary. The process is straightforward and can usually be completed within a few hours.
Begin by taking out the old wax ring. Place a new one over the flange, then drop the toilet onto it and secure it to the floor using new toilet bolts.
Table of Contents
1. Remove The Old Toilet
Before replacing your toilet, it is essential to ensure it is free from water and sewer gases. To do this, drain the existing toilet and eliminate any remaining water from its tank or bowl.
To remove an old toilet, first shut off the water to its tank and flush it to empty out as much water as possible. Some water may still be in the bowl; cleaning it out with a cup or sponge is recommended.
Next, inspect the two bolts that attach the toilet to the floor. These are usually hidden under plastic caps on either side of the toilet base. If these flange bolts are in good condition, you can usually loosen them with a wrench; however, if they’re corroded, you may have to cut them off.
2. Remove The Old Wax Ring
The wax ring in your toilet creates an airtight seal to prevent water and sewer gas from escaping. However, when this ring fails, you could experience major plumbing problems.
Before installing a new toilet, you’ll need to scrape away the old wax ring with a putty knife. Use this tool for scraping away stubborn deposits of wax.
If the old wax ring is hard and sticky, try softening it with mineral spirits. Wipe away any remnants with a cloth before applying the new wax.
Alternatively, you can replace your old wax ring with a foam gasket for an easier and mess-free solution that’s also more affordable than purchasing a traditional wax ring.
Replacing a toilet
3. Remove The Old Bolts
Before you can begin taking out the old toilet, it is necessary to shut off the water supply and flush it until empty. Doing this makes it easier to loosen bolts without spilling water onto your floor.
If your bolts are rusted, spraying them with lubricating oil may help them loosen. Be sure to wait 10 minutes before trying this as the oil needs time to penetrate into the rust.
Another option is to use a mini hack saw, which will provide access beneath the rusted head of the bolt. This solution works best if the head of the bolt hasn’t crumbled and swollen; however, if it is highly rusted then this may break your toilet.
4. Remove The Old Bowl
Before you can begin installing your new toilet, it is necessary to first remove the old one from your bathroom. Doing this will make the process much smoother.
To begin, shut off the water supply and take out the cistern lid. Next, mop up any excess water from both tanks and bowls with a sponge and bucket.
Next, locate the closet bolts holding your toilet to the floor. You may need to use a basin wrench to grab these nuts underneath the tank.
Once the toilet is taken from the floor, gently lay it on its side or back on a protective surface (such as an old rug) to protect both the floor and the bowl. Be sure to inspect any damage on or around the closet flange on your floor.
5. Install The New Toilet
If your old toilet has cracked, developed a leak, or uses more water than desired, replacing it may be necessary. Fortunately, this task can be completed quickly and easily by any reasonably competent homeowner with basic DIY skills.
First, if you haven’t already, shut off the water in your bathroom. Keep a bucket nearby to catch any excess liquid that may seep out.
Next, unscrew the closet bolts attaching your toilet to the floor. This should take some time, but not more than an hour if you are a confident DIY-er with plenty of experience with plumbing jobs.
With a wrench, loosen both nuts and bolts on each side of the closet flange that holds your toilet to the floor. Gently lift up and slip your toilet onto these slots in the flange, making sure it is level.
