How to Replace a Toilet

The whole job can be done in about one hour from taking out the old toilet to installing the new one.

In fact depending on where you live, it may take longer to go to the hardware store and buy a new one then it will to install it. You will only need a few tools. Those are a putty knife, adjustable wrench, screw driver, and tape measurer.

Before you purchase your new toilet, you will have to do a little measuring.

First measure from the center of the closet bolts (the bolts holding the toilet to the floor) to the wall in back of the toilet. This measurement is called the ‘off set’. You will need to check the off set listed on the new toilet to be sure it is the same or less then this measurement. The off set is normally listed on the box for the base of the toilet. Also if you are putting your new toilet in a small space, you should measure from the sides of closet bolts to the side walls or other objects that may be along side the toilet. Now that you have your measurements, it’s off to get your new toilet and the additional materials you will need.

Traditional toilets come in two boxes, one for the tank and one for the bowl. To be sure you are getting the right pieces either match the make and model numbers or have a sales associate help you choose the right ones. You will also need a new wax ring, closet bolts, and silicone caulk. The flush valve assembly comes already installed in the tank, but ask to be sure. You may want to replace your toilet seat at this time also.

The first thing you need to do is get rid of the water in the bowl and the tank. Shut off the water using the shut off valve in the supply line. Next take the top off the tank and flush the toilet. Hold the stopper on the flush valve up so as much water as possible will drain out of the tank when you flush. Using a cup and bucket get as much of the water that is left in the bowl out, you may want to use a sponge to get all that you can.

Now disconnect the water supply line from the tank, if you are replacing the line disconnect it from the shut off valve. You will find two screws holding the tank to the base. Using a screwdriver and adjustable wrench remove the screws. Lift the tank off the base and either place it outside or lay it on some newspaper away from where you are working. Don’t lean it against anything or place it where it can be in your way. Next using your adjustable wrench, remove the nuts on the closet bolts. Lay out some newspaper or cardboard to set the toilet base on and lifting straight up remove the toilet base. You may need to wiggle it around a little to loosen it from the wax ring. Place it on the newspaper or just bring it outside. Be sure you stuff a rag into the opening to prevent sewer gases from coming back into the room. With your putty knife remove all of the wax ring from the flange it is on. You want to be sure and remove all of it leaving the flange clean. This is important so that you get a good seal with the new wax ring. Finally slide the old closet bolts out of the flange.

Installing the new toilet is just a matter of replacing everything in the reverse order that you took them out. First install the new closet bolts in the flange, you will have noticed they go into a slot on each side of the flange. Place them in the wide end of the slots and slide them over to the narrow end. Laying the new toilet bowl on its side, place the wax ring on the waste horn with the tapered end facing the toilet. Unplug the drain hole and position the toilet base on the flange of the waste pipe. Secure the bowl down with the washers and nuts from the closet bolts. Tighten the nuts down until the bowl is secure and tight to the floor, being careful not to over tighten the bolts. Now it’s time to place the tank on the bowl.

You start by placing the large rubber gasket which is supplied by the toilet manufacturer over the water outlet on the bottom of the tank. Next insert the mounting bolts with the rubber washers through the mounting holes going from the inside of the tank. Place the tank on the bowl and tighten the nuts on the mounting bolts, alternating till the tank is tight to the bowl. Do not over tighten.

Now you can install the toilet seat and connect the water supply line. Turn on the water and check for leaks as the tank fills up. Flush the toilet to check for leaks at the drain. If you find any leaks you should be able to correct them by just tightening the bolts where the leaks are. If you haven’t any leaks then apply the silicone caulk around the base of the toilet where it meets the floor, smoothing it with your finger. All that’s left to do now is dispose of the old toilet and you are done.