Featured Image: Image of a toilet being removed from a bathroom floor
Tired of your old, outdated toilet taking up valuable bathroom space? Ready to upgrade to a sleek, modern model that will make your bathroom an oasis of relaxation? If so, it’s time to learn how to remove a toilet. Don’t let the thought of plumbing work intimidate you; with the right tools and a little know-how, you can tackle this DIY project in a few hours. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process, from gathering the necessary materials to detaching the toilet from the floor, removing the old wax ring, and installing your new throne. So, grab your toolbox and let’s get started on transforming your bathroom!
Before you begin, it’s essential to gather all the necessary tools and materials. You’ll need a toilet wrench, adjustable wrench, utility knife, bucket, sponge, toilet wax ring, new toilet bolts, and a new toilet. Additionally, if your toilet is connected to a bidet, you’ll also need a bidet supply line. Once you have everything you need, it’s time to prepare the bathroom for the task ahead. Spread out old towels or plastic sheeting around the toilet to protect the floor from water and debris. Shut off the water supply to the toilet by turning the valve behind it clockwise. Flush the toilet to drain the tank and bowl. Finally, disconnect the water supply line from the toilet’s fill valve.
Now that the preparatory steps are out of the way, it’s time to detach the toilet from the floor. Start by unbolting the toilet bolts using the toilet wrench. Hold the nuts in place with the adjustable wrench while loosening the bolts. Once the bolts are loose, carefully lift the toilet straight up and off the flange. Be mindful not to damage the floor or the toilet itself. If the toilet is stuck, gently rock it back and forth while pulling up. Once the toilet is removed, you can clean the flange surface with a sponge and utility knife to remove any old wax ring residue. Finally, apply a new wax ring to the flange and position the new toilet on top, ensuring the bolts align with the holes in the flange.
Disconnecting the Water Supply
Before beginning any work on your toilet, it is crucial to disconnect the water supply to prevent water from flowing into the bowl and causing a mess. Follow these steps to safely disconnect the water supply:
Materials You’ll Need:
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Wrench or adjustable pliers | For turning the shutoff valve |
| Cloth or towel | For absorbing any water |
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Locate the Shutoff Valve:
Identify the water shutoff valve, which is typically located underneath the toilet near the floor or behind the toilet tank. The valve will usually have a handle that can be turned by hand. If you cannot locate the shutoff valve, check the main water supply valve for your home, which is usually found in the basement, utility room, or under a sink.
If your toilet has two supply lines, one for the toilet tank and one for the bidet (if applicable), you will need to turn off both valves.
2. Turn Off the Water Supply:
Use a wrench or adjustable pliers to slowly turn the handle of the shutoff valve clockwise until it stops. Do not overtighten the valve. You should feel some resistance as the valve closes.
If the valve is difficult to turn, apply a cloth or towel around the handle for better grip. Avoid using excessive force, as you could damage the valve.
3. Flush the Toilet:
Once the water supply is turned off, flush the toilet to drain the water from the tank and bowl. This will help prevent any remaining water from causing a mess during the removal process.
Flushing and Emptying the Toilet Bowl
Before removing the toilet, it’s crucial to flush and empty the toilet bowl to prevent any spills or messes during the process. Follow these steps to do so:
Step 1: Flush the Toilet
Press the flush lever down and allow the toilet to flush completely. This will drain the water from the bowl.
Step 2: Stop the Water Supply
Locate the water supply valve, which is usually behind the toilet near the floor. Turn the valve clockwise to shut off the water supply to the toilet.
Step 3: Drain the Tank
Press the flush lever again to drain any remaining water from the tank. If the tank doesn’t empty completely, use a wet/dry vacuum to remove the rest of the water.
Step 4: Use a Plunger
If there’s any water remaining in the bowl, use a plunger to extract it. Place the plunger over the drain hole and pump it several times to create suction and force the water out.
Step 5: Dry the Toilet Bowl
Use towels or a wet/dry vacuum to dry the toilet bowl completely. This will prevent any water from spilling out during the removal process.
| Hazard | Precaution |
|---|---|
| Heavy weight | Lift with a partner or use a dolly. |
| Sharp edges | Wear gloves and safety glasses. |
| Water damage | Shut off water supply and drain the toilet. |
| Hazardous waste | Dispose of old wax ring and gaskets properly. |
Lifting the Tank
To safely lift the toilet tank, follow these steps:
- Turn off the water supply: Locate the water supply valve behind the toilet and turn it clockwise to shut off the water flow.
- Disconnect the water supply line: Using a wrench, loosen the nut that connects the water supply line to the tank. Allow the remaining water to drain out.
- Remove the tank bolts: The toilet tank is secured with two bolts that run through the base of the tank and into the base of the toilet bowl. Using a wrench, loosen and remove the bolts.
- Lift the tank: Carefully lift the tank straight up and off the toilet bowl. Avoid tilting or jolting the tank, as it may break or damage the toilet base.
Tips:
-
If the tank is heavy, ask for assistance from another person.
-
Place a towel or cloth on the floor below the toilet base to protect it from scratches.
-
If the bolts are rusted or stuck, apply penetrating oil to loosen them.
Disconnecting the Fill Valve
Step 1: Turn off the water supply. Locate the water shutoff valve behind the toilet and turn it clockwise to shut off the water supply. If there is no shutoff valve, you will need to turn off the main water supply to the house.
Step 2: Flush the toilet to empty the tank. Hold down the flush lever until all the water drains from the tank.
Step 3: Disconnect the water supply line. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the nut that connects the water supply line to the fill valve. Once the nut is loose, you can pull the water supply line off the fill valve.
Step 4: Remove the fill valve nut. The fill valve nut is located on the underside of the fill valve. Use a wrench to loosen the nut and then remove it by hand.
Step 5: Remove the fill valve. Once the fill valve nut is removed, you can pull the fill valve straight up to remove it from the tank. Be careful not to damage the fill valve o-ring when removing it.
Fill Valve O-Ring Replacement
The fill valve o-ring is a small rubber gasket that seals the fill valve to the bottom of the tank. Over time, the o-ring can become worn or damaged, which can cause leaks. If you are experiencing leaks from the bottom of the fill valve, you may need to replace the o-ring.
To replace the fill valve o-ring, simply remove the old o-ring and replace it with a new one. The new o-ring should be the same size and shape as the old o-ring.
| Fill Valve O-Ring Sizes |
|---|
| 1/2 inch |
| 3/4 inch |
| 1 inch |
Removing the Seat and Lid
To remove the toilet seat and lid, follow these steps:
- Locate the bolts: The bolts that hold the seat in place are typically located at the back of the toilet bowl, on either side of the hinges.
- Loosen the nuts: Using a wrench, turn the nuts that secure the bolts counterclockwise to loosen them.
- Lift the seat: Once the nuts are loose, lift the toilet seat straight up and off the bowl.
- Remove the lid: If the toilet lid is separate from the seat, simply lift it straight up to remove it.
- Inspect the bolts and washers: Check the bolts and washers for any signs of damage or rust. If they are damaged, they should be replaced.
- Clean the hinges: Use a damp cloth to clean the hinges where the seat was attached. This will help prevent corrosion and make it easier to reattach the seat later.
Reattaching the Seat and Lid
To reattach the toilet seat and lid, simply follow the steps above in reverse order:
- Align the seat and lid with the hinges.
- Place the bolts through the holes in the hinges.
- Tighten the nuts by hand until they are snug.
- Use a wrench to tighten the nuts further, but be careful not to overtighten them.
- Once the nuts are tight, double-check that the seat and lid are secure.
Unbolting the Toilet Base
Unbolting the toilet base is a crucial step in the removal process. Here’s a detailed guide on how to proceed:
1. **Locate the Base Bolts:** They are usually located at the base of the toilet, under the flange. Check for two bolts about 6 inches apart.
2. **Gather Tools:** You’ll need a wrench or adjustable pliers for loosening the bolts.
3. **Disconnect the Water Supply:** Turn off the water valve behind the toilet and flush the tank to remove any remaining water.
4. **Apply Lubricant:** Spray a penetrating oil or lubricant onto the bolts to loosen any rust or corrosion.
5. **Unscrew the Bolts:** Use the wrench or pliers to loosen the bolts by turning them counterclockwise. If they’re stuck, apply more lubricant and try again.
6. **Remove the Bolts:** Once loosened, completely unscrew the bolts by hand and dispose of them.
7. **Advanced Tip for Stubborn Bolts:
| Situation | Solution |
|---|---|
| Bolt head rounded off | Use locking pliers or a hack saw to remove the bolt head. |
| Bolt snapped in half | Drill out the remaining bolt and replace it with a new one. |
| Bolts rusted beyond repair | Cut the bolts with a hacksaw and use a chisel to pry off the toilet base. |
Gently Rocking the Toilet
To gently rock the toilet and loosen it:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Position yourself in front of the toilet, facing the tank. |
| 2 | Hold both sides of the toilet bowl near the base, just behind the tank bolts. |
| 3 | Grip the bowl firmly and gently rock it back and forth, side to side. |
| 4 | Increase the pressure and force slightly over several rocking motions. |
| 5 | Continue rocking the toilet until it begins to move. |
| 6 | Once it starts to move, gradually increase the rocking force to loosen it further. |
| 7 | If the toilet remains stuck, try using a penetrating lubricant to the base of the bowl. |
| 8 | Apply the lubricant to both sides of the bowl, near the base, and let it penetrate for a few minutes.
Tip: Use a lubricant specifically designed for bathroom fixtures to avoid damaging the toilet. |
| 9 | Resume rocking the toilet after allowing the lubricant to penetrate. |
| 10 | Repeat steps 3-7 until the toilet is loose enough to remove. |
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Remove the nuts from the bolts holding the toilet to the floor. |
| 2 | Grasp the toilet bowl on both sides and lift it straight up. |
| 3 | Set the toilet down on a piece of cardboard or a towel to protect the floor. |
If there is any damage, you will need to repair it before you can install a new toilet.
Cleaning the Toilet Flange and Floor
1. Gather necessary tools and materials:
- Toilet bowl cleaner
- Sponge or cloth
- Bucket
- Plunger
- Gloves
2. Shut off water supply and flush toilet:
- Locate the water supply valve behind the toilet and turn it clockwise to close.
- Flush the toilet to empty the bowl.
3. Remove toilet bowl:
- Grip the toilet bowl firmly and rock it gently to loosen it from the flange.
- Lift the toilet straight up and away from the flange.
- Dispose of the bowl properly.
4. Clean the toilet flange:
- Scrub the toilet flange thoroughly with the toilet bowl cleaner and sponge.
- Remove any debris or mineral buildup.
5. Clean the floor:
- Use a bucket of warm water and a mop or sponge to clean the floor around the flange.
- Scrub any stains or debris thoroughly.
6. Check flange for cracks or leaks:
- Inspect the toilet flange for any cracks or leaks.
- If cracks are found, apply a sealant to repair them.
7. Replace flange if necessary:
- If the flange is damaged beyond repair, replace it with a new one.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation.
8. Lubricate the flange:
- Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or wax to the flange to reduce friction and prevent leaks.
9. Install new wax ring:
- Place a new wax ring on the flange, aligning it with the bolt holes.
- Press the ring firmly into place.
10. Reinstall toilet bowl:
- Carefully lower the toilet bowl onto the flange, aligning the bolts with the holes.
- Hand-tighten the bolts and use a wrench to secure them further.
- Do not overtighten the bolts as this can damage the flange or bowl.
| Tip | Reason |
|---|---|
| Wear gloves when handling chemicals. | Protect your hands from irritation. |
| Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove large amounts of water. | Speed up the cleaning process. |
| Allow the floor to dry completely before reinstalling the toilet. | Prevent water damage or mold growth. |
How to Remove a Toilet
Removing a toilet is a relatively simple plumbing task that can be completed in a few hours. By following these steps, you can safely and effectively remove your old toilet and prepare for the installation of a new one.
Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Materials
Before you begin, gather the following tools and materials:
- Adjustable wrench
- Plumber’s putty knife
- Bucket
- Sponge or rags
- New wax ring (if replacing)
Step 2: Turn Off the Water Supply
Locate the water supply valve behind the toilet and turn it off. Flush the toilet to drain the remaining water from the tank and bowl.
Step 3: Disconnect the Water Supply Line
Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the nuts connecting the water supply line to the fill valve and the toilet tank. Carefully remove the line.
Step 4: Remove the Toilet Tank
Locate the bolts connecting the toilet tank to the bowl. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the bolts, then carefully lift the tank off the bowl and set it aside.
Step 5: Remove the Toilet Bowl
Loosen the nuts connecting the toilet bowl to the floor flange. Carefully rock the toilet bowl back and forth until it loosens, then lift it straight up and remove it.
Step 6: Clean the Toilet Base
Use a plumber’s putty knife to remove any old wax ring or sealant from the toilet base and floor flange. Clean the surfaces thoroughly to ensure a proper seal for the new toilet.
Step 7: Install the New Toilet
Place a new wax ring on the toilet base. Carefully lift the new toilet bowl and set it on the floor flange, aligning the bolts with the holes in the base.
Step 8: Reinstall the Toilet Tank
Lower the toilet tank onto the bowl and tighten the bolts to secure it. Reconnect the water supply line to the fill valve.
Step 9: Turn On the Water Supply
Turn on the water supply valve behind the toilet. Check for any leaks around the toilet base or tank.
People Also Ask
How do I remove a toilet that is bolted to the floor?
Follow the steps outlined in this guide, including loosening the bolts connecting the toilet bowl to the floor flange.
Can I remove a toilet myself?
Yes, you can remove a toilet yourself with the right tools and materials. However, if you are not comfortable with plumbing tasks, it is always advisable to consult a licensed plumber.
What is a wax ring and why is it used?
A wax ring is a water-resistant sealant that creates a leak-proof seal between the toilet base and the floor flange. It helps prevent water from leaking out and causing damage.
