Replace a Toilet Step-by-Step
FAQs
Replacing a toilet is well within the DIY category, however, keep in mind any time you adjust any plumbing there are risks of creating leaks/flooding. If you are concerned in your abilities it is always recommended to consult hiring a professional.
Removing a toilet consists of: Turning off water supply, flushing and draining all remaining water, cutting caulking around toilet base, loosening toilet bolts and removing old toilet. Making sure to clean any excess toilet wax leftover.
Tools required to replace a toilet include but not limited to: putty knife, box cutter, adjustable wrench, adjustable pliers, wax or synthetic ring, bolts, toilet flange, gloves and bucket
Depending on your area, prices may vary, but on average around $300. With labor and materials you can expect to pay between $250-$500. Providing your own materials you can expect $150-$250 for labor costs.
Replacing a toilet by yourself with no previous experience will take around 2-3 hours. A professional can replace in around 1-2 hours.
Table of Contents
Steps:
1. Gather-Materials
2. Turn Off Water Supply
3. Empty Tank And Bowl
4. Disconnect Water Supply Line
5. Remove Toilet
6. Remove Old Wax Ring
7. Clean The Flange
8. Install The New Wax Ring
9. Reinstall Toilet
10. Secure Toilet
11. Reconnect Water Supply Line
12. Turn On Water Supply Line
13. Test For Leaks
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1: Gather Materials
Materials You’ll Need To Replace A Toilet:
- New Toilet
- Adjustable Wrench
- Adjustable Pliers
- Plunger
- Putty Knife
- Box Cutter
- Wax Ring
- Closet Bolts
- Screwdriver
- Level
- Bucket
- Towels
- Gloves
2: Turn Off Water Supply
- Locate the shut-off valve and turn it clockwise to stop the water supply to the toilet.
3: Empty Tank and Bowl
- Flush the toilet and hold down the handle to drain as much water as possible from the tank and bowl.
4: Disconnect Water Supply Line
- Using an adjustable wrench, disconnect the water supply line from the bottom of the tank.
5: Remove Toilet
- Unscrew the nuts that secure the toilet to the floor bolts.
- Rock the toilet gently to break the seal with the wax ring.
- Finally, lift the toilet straight up and place it on old towels or newspapers because the old wax ring can be stuck to the bottom of toilet and create a mess.
6: Remove Old Wax Ring
- Use a putty knife to carefully scrape off the old wax ring from the flange and the bottom of the toilet.
7: Clean the Flange
- Ensure the flange is clean and free from any debris or remnants of the old wax ring.
- If any debris remains, use a putty knife to remove any remnants of leftover wax ring.
8: Install the New Wax Ring
- Place the new wax ring over the flange, making sure it is centered and properly seated.
- For beginners, using a rubber gasket is far more forgiving as if the seal is not perfect on the first attempt, it can be reused and seated again.
- With a wax ring you only get one attempt to get it correct, otherwise you must replace with another wax ring.
9: Reinstall Toilet
- Lower the toilet back onto the flange, ensuring that the closet bolts protrude through the holes in the base of the toilet.
- Press down firmly to compress the wax or synthetic ring ensuring to create a good seal.
10: Secure Toilet
- Hand-tighten nuts onto the closet bolts, alternating sides until snug.
- Use a wrench to further tighten the nuts, being careful not to overtighten and crack the porcelain.
- If your toilet has plastic nuts as shown, secure down tightly over nuts and place plastic caps over top.
11: Reconnect Water Supply Line
- Reattach the water supply line to the bottom of the tank.
12: Turn On Water Supply
- Turn the shut-off valve counterclockwise to restore water supply to the toilet.
13: Test for Leaks
- Flush the toilet and check for any leaks around the base.
Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to replace a toilet! If you need further clarification or have any questions, feel free to consult with a professional plumber. Or if you are located in Charleston, South Carolina please contact us and we would be happy to install it for you!
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