If you’re a DIY enthusiast or want to save some cash, removing a toilet is one of the easiest things to do. A toilet is one of the most visited places in a home. Therefore, if your toilet is in bad condition, you can buy a new modern toilet and replace it yourself. You don’t require the services of a plumber as long as you follow instructions to the end. So, how to remove a toilet easily?
These 7 Steps need to Follow to Remove a Toilet.
Before replacing your old toilet with a new one, you need to remove the old one. Outdated running toilets can cause many problems. In this guide, we’ll take you through the stages you need to follow to remove your toilet successfully. These are as follows:
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Step 1: Collect the right tools
First, you need to stop your current toilet from running. Before you attempt doing anything, you should start by assembling the right tools. Also, you should have the right materials for an efficient job. Some of the tools you will need are:
- Wrench
- Hacksaw
- Flathead screwdriver
- Bucket
- Gloves
- Towels/rags/sponge
- Putty knife
With these tools, your work will be simplified. They will help you to remove your toilet quickly and correctly. Besides tools, you will also need materials, such as a new toilet, wax ring, toilet seat, bolts, and Teflon tape.
Step 2: Turn off the water
When you have all the right tools, you should proceed to turn off the toilet water supply. Locate where the water supply and water pipe meet. They are usually situated behind the toilet. Turn off the water by twisting the knob clockwise. Next, flush the toilet to empty all the water in the tank. The tank won’t refill as you’ve already disconnected the water supply line.
Some water will remain inside the tank. Take a rag or sponge to soak up the remaining water in the tank. Unscrew the water supply line from the tank. Be careful as it may have some water in it. Ensure there is no water left inside the water tank before proceeding to the next step.
Step 3: Loosen the bolts connecting to the tank
Removing the water tank from the toilet bowl is super easy. Start by removing the toilet lid from the water tank. Next, loosen the bolts that hold the tank to the bowl. Here is where you will have to use a screwdriver to loosen the bolts. However, if the bolts are rusty or stubborn to remove, use a wrench or pair of pliers to remove them.
After removing the bolts, you can now lift the tank off the bowl. Put the tank on the newspaper so that it does not crack or crush on your floor. Unfortunately, this procedure does not apply to one-piece toilets with the toilet bowl and tank merged into a one-piece. It’s only for two-piece toilets with a separate tank and bowl. After removing the tank and bowl, you now need to remove the toilet seat.
Step 4: Remove the caps and bolts
Unlike the first few steps, the rest of the steps are quite challenging and need a lot of attention. Apart from removing the bolts that connect the toilet tank and bowl, you will also have to remove bolts that hold the bowl in place. These are generally tight and may have a lot of rust. Use a flathead screwdriver to remove them. But if they prove to be problematic, use a wrench to remove them. And if it’s impossible, you can as well use a hacksaw to cut them off.
Related article: Follow these easy steps to remove hard water stains
Step 5: Remove the toilet
After successful removal of caps and bolts, the next step is to cut through the caulk. Most plumbers attach toilet bases to the floor using silicone or caulk. If that’s the case, take your putty knife and cut through the caulk or silicone. Wipe out the dirt using a towel or rag.
Now you can pull out the toilet from its base. Do this very carefully as some toilets are quite heavy. If it’s a one-piece toilet, it will be best if you have a helping hand as they are quite heavy.
Step 6: Cover the toilet hole
After removing the toilet, you should cover the toilet hole right away. You don’t want the stinky sewer smell to feel your bathroom and house. Get a large towel and put it in the sewer line. The towel should be large enough not to drop into the sewer line.
Related article: Solve toilet clog problem with some easy steps
Step 7: Scrape away the outdated wax ring and check the flange
You will remain with the old wax ring that had sealed the toilet in place with the toilet removed. Take a putty knife and scrape it off. The wax ring is very sticky; thus, it should be removed effectively. When you’re done, check the flange. If the flange is in poor condition, unscrew it and replace a new toilet flange.
Voila! You’ve managed to remove your toilet and can now go ahead and install a new toilet. Ensure to dispose of your old toilet properly. Follow the municipal guidelines in your area so that you don’t lock horns with law enforcement.
Bottom line
With the above steps, you will only take a few hours to remove your outdated or damaged toilet. All you require are the ideal tools and follow the instructions to the latter. Don’t waste cash hiring a plumber, as the procedure is easy and straightforward.
Make your bathroom a place that you would be proud of visiting by removing your old or damaged toilet and replacing it with a new, modern, and efficient toilet.
Hi, this is Robert Crossan, the owner of this website, has 17 years of experience in the installation, maintenance, and repair of toilets and plumbing systems. After completing the Level 2 Basic Plumbing course in 2005, I started working in both domestic and commercial buildings as a professional plumber. So I can figure out the core difference between different toilet models and brands. It also helped me monitor their work performance and setbacks.
