Whether you've decided to give your bathroom a big makeover or just happen to have a toilet that is no longer working properly, replacing it may feel like a daunting task. However, it's actually one of the easier DIY plumbing projects you can undertake. If you're willing to give it a try, here's how to replace your toilet.
Get Rid of the Water
To start, turn off the water to the toilet and flush the tank. If your tank is full, then this process may require a few flushes before you get to the point that flushing doesn’t get rid of water. At this point, you’ll need to soak up the remaining water. Many people choose to use towels and sponges but professionals may use a water pump to go from the tank directly to the toilet bowl, at which point one last flush should do the trick.
After you've soaked up any remaining water in the tank, you will likely want to clean the toilet. That way as you are removing it, you don’t have to worry about handling a dirty toilet.
Disconnect All of The Water Lines and Nuts
After you’re done cleaning it, then you can disconnect the water lines. Additionally, you can prep to move the old toilet by loosening the nuts and bolts holding the toilet bowl to the floor. Sometimes there will be a build-up of gunk on the bolts so you may need to clean the nuts and bolts before being able to unscrew them.
Remove the Old Toilet
This is the part of the process that often results in a damaged flang, which is needed for your new toilet. With that in mind, it may be ideal to recruit someone to help you lift it so you can lift it straight up and off of the hardware in the ground. When getting rid of your old toilet, look at your local regulations for how to dispose of it properly.
If you didn’t remove the tank beforehand, you should ask for assistance because it might be too heavy. Don’t put too much pressure on the tank bolts when lifting the toilet because excessive force can cause the toilet porcelain to crack. A pro tip after lifting the toilet is to put it inside a durable trash bag so that the remaining water will not drip on the floor. You can also opt to replace your old one with a compact toilet, which is perfect for small and cramped spaces.
Remove the Wax Ring and Old Wax
Now that the old toilet is set aside, remove the wax ring and old wax on the flange. Since wax rings can't be reused, you can take a putty knife to scrape off the old wax. To keep your tools or anything from falling in the drain, stuff a rag or towel inside. As an added bonus, this will also prevent foul-smelling sewer gases from filling your bathroom.
Fix the Flange
Once you remove your old toilet, chances are the flange may need some repair work. Fortunately, repair kits are readily available, and it's somewhat simple to do. Remember, the flange should be slightly higher than your floor. Otherwise, there may be rocking issues after the toilet is installed.
If, for any reason, you aren't comfortable doing this repair or run into unexpected problems, contact a local professional for plumbing services and assistance. Though professionals can handle the entire toilet replacement, they may also be willing to answer any questions you may have as you are already going through the process.
Install New Closet Bolts and Wax Ring
When you're ready to install your new toilet, begin by installing new closet bolts on the ground around the flange where the slots are. These bolts are what will hold the toilet in place. At this step, you’ll also be adding the wax ring to the bottom of the toilet. The wax ring will be what seals the toilet plumbing to the piping. To make sure the wax ring seals properly to the toilet, run it under warm water for several minutes before placing it on the toilet.
Install and Secure the Toilet
Now that it's time to install the toilet. If you placed a towel in the drainpipe, then make sure you remove it before placing the toilet. Place the new toilet straight down on the flange and secure it by tightening a nut over each closet bolt. When placing it on the flange, set it down straight instead of rocking it into place. This part may require two people, so consider recruiting someone to help you lower the toilet in a controlled manner.
Connect the Tank and Lines
Next, check the tank's valve assembly and connect the rubber gasket to the base of the toilet. You will set the tank on the bowl and secure it with its nuts and bolts. Once the tank is in place, you can connect the water lines and secure the valves.
Review the Connection Points and Check for Leaks
After everything is connected, make sure that you check all of the connection points for leaks. You can do this by slowly turning the water on. In addition to looking for leaks, you can feel for leaks with your fingers and listen for leaks with your ears. If you installed everything correctly, then you shouldn’t need to make any adjustments. However, it is worth checking every 5-10 minutes as the tank is filling to make sure it isn’t leaking and thus flooding your bathroom.
Install the Toilet Seat
Once the toilet and tank have been installed and the tank is full of water, then you can add the final touch - the toilet seat. Most seats have a screw that goes directly into the toilet base and then a plastic cover goes over the screws for a nice clean look.
While it may take some time, replacing your toilet may be easier than you anticipated. However, after you’ve done it once, it seems even easier to do for the rest of the bathrooms in your home.
