Replace Toilet - Home Improvement Project Plan

• Before performing the task of toilet removal, make sure the water supply is shut off. The water supply tap is normally located in the line leading to the underside of the tank. If your toilet does not have such a tap, you will have to shut off the main water line in the house. Turn the tap clockwise to close.

Supplies for Plumbing Home Improvement to Replace Toilet

Home Improvement Instructions to Replace Toilet

1. Once the water supply is shut off, flush the toilet to drain the water out of the tank.


2. The next step is to disconnect the water supply line from the tank. You will see a nylon or brass fitting connecting the line where it enters the bottom of the tank. Using a wrench of the right size, undo the fitting turning counter clockwise. When loose you should be able to turn the fitting by hand. When the fitting is unthreaded from the tank, gently pull down on the line separating it from the bottom of the tank.


3. You are now ready to remove the tie down nuts at the base of the toilet bowl. Looking at the base of the bowl, you will see two ceramic or plastic caps located one on each side. Using a flat screwdriver gently pry up on the caps and remove.


4. Using a wrench, remove the exposed nuts. Once the nuts are removed you can now remove the toilet from the floor. With the tank lid off, lift up on the toilet detaching it from the floor. When lifted, try to hold the toilet level to prevent water trapped inside from spilling out and remove toilet from the bathroom.


5. When installing a new toilet, it will have to be assembled and instructions are included with the product. Following the instructions, you will mount the toilet tank to the base using a rubber seal, two bolts with wing nuts, four metal washers and four rubber washers (these should be included with the new toilet).


6. To mount the tank, place the rubber seal around the hole on the bottom outside of the tank. The seal is flat on the tank side.


7. Place the tank on the toilet base. Now put one metal washer and one rubber washer on each bolt. The rubber washer must be against the ceramic of the toilet. Insert the bolts through the inside of the tank and down through the base. Install the rubber washers, metal washers and wing nuts from underneath. Tighten the wing nuts alternately, being careful not to over tighten them as you could break the toilet.


8. Inspect the floor flange making sure it is free from all wax from the previous seal. A putty knife is a good tool to use for removing the old wax. Check to ensure the flange is tight to the floor. Tighten or replace loose or rusted flange screws. Install new flange bolts and position the new wax ring center on the flange, narrow side up. Some wax rings come with a rubber boot that fits downward into the flange. You can also warm the wax ring before installation making it easier to work with. Make sure not to over heat it as it is wax and it will melt.


9. Now carefully lower the toilet down onto the flange, guiding the bolts up through the holes in the base.


10. Before installing the flange nuts, you will have to seat the toilet. Do this by pushing down on the toilet with one hand on each side of the bowl.


11. Install the washers and nuts tightening by hand. Using a wrench, tighten the nuts alternately giving each side a few turns being careful not to over tighten them. As the nuts are tightened, the wax seal compresses and the gap between the base of the toilet and the floor will close.


12. Install new caps to cover the exposed bolt ends. You may have to cut the bolts off if they are too long.


13. Next, reconnect the water line to the bottom of the tank and tighten the fitting.


14. Turn the water supply on and when the toilet fills with water, flush and check for any leaks.


15. As a finishing touch you can run a bead of caulking around the base of the toilet where it meets the floor.

Now you know how to replace a toilet!.