How to Remove and Install A Toilet
If your worn-out toilet has seen better days, it might be time to finally replace it with an updated one. This is something you can tackle yourself, but if you don't trust your DIY skills, contact your local Roto-Rooter plumber for professional assistance.
5 steps for removing a toilet
Step 1: Turn off the water supply
Completely cut off the water supply by turning the shutoff valve that is located either on the wall or on the floor near the toilet. Give the toilet one final flush to drain the water from the tank and bowl.
Step 2: Disconnect the supply line
Remove the supply line from the valve by unscrewing it with a wrench. Know that a small amount of water will drip out once you remove the supply line. Have a bucket on hand to catch the water so it doesn't drip all over the floor (or you!)
Step 3: Remove the tank
Take the tank top off and place it somewhere out of harm's way. To detach actual tank from the bowl, simply use an adjustable wrench to remove the bolts that are located at the bottom of the tank. Lift straight up and twist.
Step 4: Remove the toilet
To remove the toilet, loosen the bolt caps that are on the base of the appliance. With a partner, rock the bowl back and forth to free it from its wax gasket.
Step 5: Clear the old putty
There is going to be a lot of gunk where the toilet once sat. To remove it, use a putty knife to scrap the wax off the base. Be sure to clean and level the mounting surface before you proceed with the installation of the new toilet.
Before you remove the old toilet, be sure to turn off the water supply.
7 steps for installing a toilet
Step 1: Set the bowl
Prepare for the bowl to be in place by inserting closet bolts on either side of the base. This will help keep the toilet in place.
Step 2: Lodge in the wax ring
To install the wax ring, completely turn the toilet bowl upside down. Place the ring on the waste horn with the tapered end facing the toilet. For your reference, the waste horn is the knob located on the base of the toilet. For a quick and easy ring installation, heat it up before you secure it. A warm ring is easier to work with than a cold one.
Step 3: Position the toilet
Flip the toilet over and place it onto the base. Gently press down against the wax ring. Rock the bowl back and forth a couple of times to make sure it's secure.
Step 4: Secure the toilet
Once the bowl is in place, secure it by tightening the nuts on the closet bolts that are located on either side of the base of the toilet. Next, place bolt caps on the closet bolts so nothing sharp is sticking out. Apply waterproof sealant to the base of the appliance.
Step 5: Attach the tank and seat
With the closet bolt and sealant in place, it's time to attach the tank. First, slide the tank bolts through the opening at the bottom of the tank. Once they're aligned, slowly drop the tank down. Secure the tank in place by tightening a nut onto each bolt. The installation of the actual toilet seat may vary depending on brand, so consult the manufacturer's guide for proper instructions.
Step 6: Install the water-supply line
You want to install the water-supply line just how you removed it. Simply use a wrench to screw the supply line back onto the valve that is located underneath the toilet bowl.
Step 7: Turn on the water supply
Turn the water supply back on and test your DIY skills by giving your toilet a flush. Congratulations! Your toilet is officially installed.
Once again, while it seems textbook easy there are many outside factors to count in. If you're a novice to plumbing DIY this one is best left to your local Everett Roto-Rooter professional.