How to Replace a Standard Residential Toilet

There are many homeowners (and perhaps renting tenants) who need to replace their bathroom toilet but are greatly intimidated by the task. But to ignore a leaky, damaged, or malfunctioning toilet can lead to greater problems later. Here is a tutorial illustrating just how easy it is to replace that problematic or unsightly toilet.

The Signs of Trouble

The basic operation of toilet plumbing is easy to grasp. The toilet is seated upon a drain pipe in the floor. This is wear waste is taking away upon flushing and sent to your home's sewer system or septic tank. A water inlet (usually with a valve attached to it for turning incoming water on and off) is connected to the bottom of the tank and provides fresh water.

Any number of problems can come about with your toilet. One of the biggest problems is when leaks arise from the drain pipe. This is especially dangerous because this pipe carries away waste and when a leak occurs here it can be not only disgusting but unhealthy. When a toilet is installed a wax ring measuring about six inches in diameter is placed around the drain pipe (which is located in the floor) and the toilet rests upon this. Over time the wax can wear away slowly thus allowing leakage. If this moisture becomes trapped underneath the toilet and is allowed to sit then damage to the flooring can occur as well as mold or other water damage.

Another problem that would require the replacement of a toilet is damage to the integrity of the toilet's structure. Cracks or breakage on the bowl, tank, or base of the toilet can lead to leaks and would require toilet replacement.

Remove the Old Toilet

Toilet removal is a simple process but may require some brute force so if possible have an able-bodied helper to assist you. Also have a pipe wrench, a pair of pliers, and a rag handy (the rag will be stuffed into the top of the drain pipe upon removal of the toilet to prevent odors from entering the room from the drain pipe).

Begin by turning off the water valve connected to the tank. Once it is turned off flush the toilet a few times in order to remove as much water as possible. If there is still some water in the bottom of the fill tank then use some rags or paper towels to soak up the excess. This will cut down on weight as well as prevent spilling as you remove the toilet from your home. Next unscrew the hose from the bottom of the fill tank. You may have to empty the use of your wrench or pliers depending on how tight the nut is. Now check to see if your old toilet's tank is removable by looking at the bottom of the fill tank and see there are nuts holding the tank on to the bowl. If so, remove these and have an assistant hold the tank as you do so. Once they are off, the tank should simply lift off the fill tank and carry it away.

Next begin removing the bowl from the floor by unscrewing the wing nuts that are on either side of the base. Once these are removed the toilet may or may not become immediately loose. It depends on how worn the drain pipe wax ring is (because this wax gasket creates a very strong seal). Also any sealant or caulking that has been put around the base of the bowl can create difficulty in lifting the bowl from the floor. With the help of an assistant, began twisting the toilet bowl while pulling up. Eventually the wax ring's seal will be broken and the toilet will lift off of the floor. When it has then remove it from the area. Stuff a large rag into the drain pipe hole to prevent odors from entering your home.

Install the New Toilet

Before installing the new toilet remove the old wax ring from around the drain pipe. clean the area where the old toilet once sat. Remove all dirt, debris, and was before installing the new bowl. Remove the rag from the drain pipe hole. Now place the new wax ring onto the drain pipe that is protruding through the floor. Using your hands press the wax in around the drain pipe and mold it to insure that the toilet will get a good seal on the drain when it is put in place (see wax ring packaging for further instructions and details).

After the wax ring is securely in place lower the new bowl onto the floor lining up the drain hole in the bottom of the toilet bowl with the drain hole in the floor. At this point press down firmly on the top of the bowl while slightly twisting the new toilet so as to properly "seat" it onto the wax ring. Press it down until the toilet sits properly on the floor. If problems occur and the toilet must be taken up again, just reform the wax ring with your hands.

Next install the bolts that hold the base of the toilet to the floor. As you probably noticed when removing them, the bolt heads will slip into grooves that are located on the top of the drain pipe. Simply put the new bolt heads in the same way. Now attach the included nuts to the bolt. Be careful not to crack the porcelain by over tightening. Once the bowl is in place then attach the tank to the bowl with the included nuts (if necessary). Once it is in place reattach the water inlet hose securely and turn the valve to the "on" position.

At this point the fill tank will begin to fill with water. Take this opportunity to check all connections and seals to be sure they are not leaking from anywhere. After the fill tank is full of water, test the new toilet by flushing it and allowing it to refill. Do this one or two times all the while checking for leakage or other problems.

Finish off the job by caulking all the way around the base of the toilet where it meets the floor. You are now ready to begin putting your new toilet to use. I hope that this tutorial has helped you and has answered some questions and put some doubts to rest about this simply procedure. So whether you are replacing a broken toilet or updating an outdated bathroom, good luck!