When it comes time to replace a toilet, you may be tempted to hire a plumber. Resist this urge! Toilet replacement may seem like a messy or tedious job, but it doesn't need to be. If you go step-by-step, replacing a toilet is a simple process that can easily be completed in an afternoon! This guide will show you how to replace a toilet and what parts you will need.
Parts Needed for Toilet Replacement
Before you start removing the old toilet, make sure you have everything you need to put the new one in. If you are missing anything, you could have to go several days without use of that bathroom. Some of these parts may be included with the new toilet, but we have included links just in case you need them! Below are some parts for toilet replacement/repair.
- Closet Bolts
- Closet Bolt Covers
- Wax Bowl Ring
- Closet Flange Extension Ring
- Toilet Flapper
- Toilet Tank Lever
- Oatey Liquilock (optional)
Now that you have all the necessary parts, you are ready to get started with the replacement! Make sure you have an adjustable wrench on hand to help with the bolts.
Step 1: Remove the Tank
A toilet consists of two parts: the tank and the body. The tank is on top, so you must remove it before the body.
A. Turn off the water supply leading to the toilet. You are trying to remove all water from the toilet before removing it, which would not be possible with the water on. The valve that controls the water supply is usually behind the toilet on the wall. Turn it right (tight) until it stops.
B. Remove the toilet's lid and drain water from the tank. To do this, you will need to remove the refill tube from the overflow pipe and flush the toilet until all of the water has drained out. No new water will be entering the tank, since the water supply is off.
C. Soak up any remaining water. It is impossible to drain it all by flushing, but any water left in the tank will make a mess when you remove the tank. You could use a rag to soak up water or pour in some Oatey Liquilock Gel to solidify any remaining water. It sets in 4 minutes and won't leave you with any nasty rags to wash or throw away.
D. Disconnect the water supply line and unscrew the bolts that hold the tank in place. This allows you to easily lift and remove the tank from the rest of the toilet's body. The picture to the right shows where the water connects to the toilet tank and one of the bolts that connects the tank to the body.
Step 2: Remove the Toilet Body
A. Remove nuts from the closet bolts. These are the bolts that hold the toilet onto the floor and keep it from rocking. They are usually covered by white caps, which must be lifted off first. Use a flat head screwdriver to remove the caps and an adjustable wrench to unscrew the nuts on the closet bolts. The bolts may be rusty and need replacing, so purchase some new ones if necessary. Our PlumbPerfect closet bolts are made of glass-filled nylon, so they will not rust!
B. Loosen the base of the toilet by rocking it back and forth. The wax ring on the bottom may try to hold on at first, but after a few rocks of the toilet, it will come loose. Lay the toilet body on a towel to avoid any dripping and water damage.
C. Remove the remnants of the wax floor ring from the floor and toilet. This can be done by scraping it off with a putty knife. Wax rings must always be replaced with a new toilet, since they mold to the shapes of the toilet and flange during installation.
The picture to the right shows what the old wax ring may look like. As you can see, it is not fit to be used again. Be sure to completely remove it before installing the new toilet!
Step 3: Install the New Toilet
The final step in how to replace a toilet is installing the new one. This is actually very simple, as it is basically the reverse of removing the toilet!
A. Make sure the closet flange, which is what the closet bolts connect to, is at floor level. If it is below floor level, add a closet flange extension ring. This is important to ensure that you will have a tight seal and strong connections.
B. Place a new wax ring on the base of the new toilet and carefully lower it onto the drain hole. Be sure you place it right over the opening, because you only have one shot to get it right. The wax ring will loose shape as soon as the toilet is placed on the ground. If you miss the first time, you will need another ring. Luckily, they are not expensive!
C. Install the hardware of the new toilet. This will be easy for you, as you will just need to assemble everything in the reverse order you disassembled it. If the toilet needs new internal hardware, we carry a handy toilet repair kit that includes everything needed to get your new toilet working! Once the toilet is connected to the water supply, turn it back on and check for leaks.
Now that you know how to replace a toilet, you are ready to get started! Home plumbing projects such as this are usually not as difficult as they seem, and doing them yourself can save a lot of money! Find all the best home plumbing supplies at the lowest prices right here at PVC Fittings Online!
