Confronted with a clogged or malfunctioning toilet, the prospect of having to pull it can be daunting. However, armed with the proper tools, a few simple steps, and a touch of patience, this plumbing task can be tackled successfully, even by the novice DIYer. Delving into the intricacies of toilet anatomy, this article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to pull a toilet, empowering you with the knowledge to restore your bathroom’s plumbing to pristine condition.
Before embarking on this endeavor, it is crucial to gather the necessary tools. Essential items include an adjustable wrench, a pair of pliers, a utility knife, and a bucket or large bowl. Additionally, ensuring a safe and comfortable work environment by turning off the water supply to the toilet and donning gloves is highly recommended. Once the preparatory measures are in place, the actual process of pulling the toilet can commence, beginning with the removal of the bolts that secure the toilet to the floor.
The next phase involves carefully lifting the toilet straight up from the floor, taking care not to damage the floor or the toilet itself. If the toilet is particularly stubborn and refuses to budge, a gentle rocking motion can help break the seal. Once the toilet has been successfully removed, the exposed wax ring should be thoroughly cleaned to remove any remnants of the old seal. Finally, the process culminates in the installation of a new wax ring and the reattachment of the toilet to the floor, ensuring a secure seal and restoring the functionality of your plumbing system.
Locating the Toilet’s Water Supply
Before you can disconnect the toilet from the water supply, you need to locate the shut-off valve. This is usually a small, quarter-turn valve located behind the toilet on the wall. If you can’t find it there, it may be under the sink or in the basement.
Once you’ve found the shut-off valve, turn it clockwise to close it. This will stop the flow of water to the toilet.
If the shut-off valve is old or corroded, it may be difficult to turn. You can try using a pair of pliers or a wrench to loosen it. If that doesn’t work, you may need to call a plumber.
In some cases, the shut-off valve may be located inside the wall. If this is the case, you will need to cut a hole in the wall to access it. Be careful not to damage any pipes or wires when you do this.
Once you have closed the shut-off valve, you can disconnect the water supply line from the toilet. To do this, use a wrench to loosen the nuts that connect the line to the toilet and the shut-off valve. Once the nuts are loose, you can pull the water supply line off of the toilet.
Here is a table that summarizes the steps for locating the toilet’s water supply:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Locate the shut-off valve behind the toilet, under the sink, or in the basement. |
| 2 | Turn the shut-off valve clockwise to close it. |
| 3 | If the shut-off valve is difficult to turn, use a pair of pliers or a wrench to loosen it. |
| 4 | If the shut-off valve is located inside the wall, cut a hole in the wall to access it. |
| 5 | Disconnect the water supply line from the toilet by loosening the nuts that connect it to the toilet and the shut-off valve. |
Detaching the Toilet Bowl
Now that you’ve shut off the water supply and flushed the toilet, it’s time to detach the toilet bowl from the tank. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Remove the nuts that connect the tank to the bowl: These nuts are usually located on the underside of the tank, where it meets the bowl. Use a wrench or pliers to loosen the nuts, but be careful not to overtighten or strip them.
- Lift the tank off the bowl: Once the nuts are removed, you can carefully lift the tank off the bowl. Be sure to support the tank from underneath, as it can be heavy.
- Disconnect the water supply line: The water supply line is usually connected to the tank with a flexible hose. Use a wrench or pliers to loosen the nuts that connect the hose to the tank and the water supply line. Be sure to catch any water that may drain from the hose.
- Remove the bolts that secure the toilet bowl to the floor: These bolts are typically located at the base of the toilet bowl, where it meets the floor. Use a wrench or socket wrench to loosen the bolts and remove them.
- Carefully lift the toilet bowl: Once the bolts are removed, you can carefully lift the toilet bowl off the floor. Be sure to lift straight up, as the bowl may be heavy and awkward to maneuver.
Removing the Toilet Base
Once the toilet is loosened from the floor, it’s time to remove the base. This can be a tricky process, as the base is often heavy and awkward to handle.
To remove the toilet base, follow these steps:
- Disconnect the water supply line.
- Remove the nuts that secure the toilet to the floor.
- Carefully lift the toilet up and off the base.
- Set the toilet aside in a safe place.
- Inspect the base for any damage.
- Use a wrench or pliers to tighten the bolts.
- Tighten the bolts evenly to ensure that the toilet bowl is properly sealed and doesn’t rock or wobble.
- Don’t overtighten the bolts, as this could crack the toilet bowl or flange.
- If the bolts are too tight, you can use a penetrating oil to loosen them.
- Adjustable wrench
- Screwdriver
- Putty knife
- Bucket
- New wax ring
- Turn off the water supply to the toilet. The water supply valve is usually located behind the toilet. Turn the valve clockwise to shut off the water.
- Flush the toilet. This will empty the water from the bowl.
- Disconnect the water supply line. Use the adjustable wrench to loosen the nuts that connect the water supply line to the toilet. Once the nuts are loose, you can remove the water supply line.
- Disconnect the toilet from the floor. Use the screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the toilet to the floor. Once the screws are removed, you can carefully lift the toilet off the floor. Be sure to lift the toilet straight up, as there is a wax ring that seals the toilet to the floor. If you break the wax ring, you will need to replace it.
- Clean the toilet flange. The toilet flange is the flange on the floor that the toilet bolts into. Use the putty knife to scrape away any old wax or debris from the toilet flange.
- Install the new wax ring. Place the new wax ring on the toilet flange. Make sure that the wax ring is centered on the flange.
- Set the toilet on the wax ring. Carefully lower the toilet onto the wax ring. Be sure to align the toilet bolts with the holes in the toilet flange.
- Tighten the toilet bolts. Use the adjustable wrench to tighten the toilet bolts. Do not overtighten the bolts, as this can crack the toilet.
- Reconnect the water supply line. Screw the water supply line back onto the toilet. Make sure that the nuts are tight.
- Turn on the water supply. Turn the water supply valve counterclockwise to turn on the water.
- Check for leaks. Flush the toilet and check for any leaks around the base of the toilet. If you find any leaks, tighten the toilet bolts or replace the wax ring.
- A leaking toilet
- A cracked or broken toilet
- A toilet that is not flushing properly
- A toilet that is rocking or unstable
6. Clean the base and the floor.
Once the toilet is removed, it’s important to clean the base and the floor. This will help to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
To clean the base, use a mild detergent and water. Be sure to rinse the base thoroughly and dry it completely.
To clean the floor, use a damp mop or cloth. Be sure to wring out the mop or cloth thoroughly so that the floor doesn’t get too wet.
If the floor is particularly dirty, you may need to use a stronger cleaner. Be sure to follow the directions on the cleaner label carefully.
If the base is damaged, it will need to be replaced. You can purchase a new base at a hardware store or home improvement center.
Once the base is clean, you can reinstall the toilet. To do this, simply follow the steps in reverse order.
Reattaching the Toilet Bowl
Now that the toilet flange is properly installed, it’s time to reattach the toilet bowl. To do this, you’ll need to:
1. Clean the toilet bowl flange and the bottom of the toilet bowl.
2. Apply a bead of silicone caulk around the toilet flange.
3. Carefully lower the toilet bowl onto the flange, lining up the bolts.
4. Tighten the bolts until the toilet bowl is secure.
5. Install the toilet seat and lid.
Tightening the bolts
It’s important to tighten the bolts evenly to ensure that the toilet bowl is properly sealed and doesn’t rock or wobble. To do this, use a wrench or pliers to tighten one bolt, then go to the opposite bolt and tighten it. Repeat this process until all four bolts are tight. Be careful not to overtighten the bolts, as this could crack the toilet bowl or flange.
Here are some tips for tightening the bolts:
| Tool | Use |
|---|---|
| Wrench | To tighten the bolts |
| Pliers | To tighten the bolts |
| Penetrating oil | To loosen the bolts if they are too tight |
How to Pull a Toilet
Pulling a toilet is a relatively easy task that can be completed in a few steps. Before you begin, make sure you have the following tools:
Once you have the necessary tools, follow these steps:
People Also Ask
How much does it cost to pull a toilet?
The cost to pull a toilet will vary depending on the location and the plumber you hire. However, you can expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the job.
Can I pull a toilet myself?
Yes, pulling a toilet is a relatively easy task that can be completed in a few steps. However, if you are not comfortable working with plumbing, it is best to hire a professional.
What are the signs that I need to pull my toilet?
There are several signs that may indicate that you need to pull your toilet, including:
