Listen, folks, replacing a toilet might seem like one of those jobs you’d rather hire out. But let me tell you something—it ain’t rocket science. In fact, it’s a lot easier than you think, especially when you’ve got the right guide, like this one. And I’m not talking about some overly technical manual that’ll leave you scratching your head. We’re gonna walk through it like two New Yorkers talking shop—straightforward, practical, and maybe even a little fun. And hey, if you’re in the market for more serious home improvements, America Green Builders is your go-to crew.
Now, let’s get into it. We’re going to cover everything you need to know about how to replace that old clunker of a toilet with something newer, shinier, and much more efficient.
What Tools Do You Need to Replace a Toilet?
First things first, we gotta get prepped. Just like you wouldn’t go to Coney Island without your sunscreen, you don’t tackle a toilet job without the right tools. Here’s a checklist to keep it all together:
- Adjustable wrench
- Hacksaw (just in case)
- Level
- Utility knife
- Sponge or a wet/dry vacuum
- Bucket (trust me, you’ll need this)
- Rubber gloves (no explanation needed)
- New toilet (obviously)
- Wax ring (comes with most new toilets)
- Bolts and washers (usually included)
- Caulk and caulking gun
| Tool/Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Adjustable Wrench | Loosen nuts and bolts |
| Hacksaw | Cut through stubborn bolts |
| Level | Ensure your toilet sits properly |
| Utility Knife | Cut old caulk around the base |
| Sponge/Wet-Dry Vac | Remove remaining water from bowl |
| Bucket | Catch any water spills |
| Rubber Gloves | Keep it sanitary |
| New Toilet | The star of the show |
| Wax Ring | Creates a proper seal |
| Bolts and Washers | To secure the toilet to the floor |
| Caulk and Gun | For a clean finish around the base |
Got all that? Great! Now let’s move on to the nitty-gritty—getting rid of the old toilet and installing the new one.
Step-By-Step Guide
Step 1: Shut Off the Water and Empty the Toilet
You don’t want to start ripping a toilet out with water still in it, so first thing’s first—shut off the water supply. You’ll find the valve behind the toilet. Turn it clockwise. After that, flush the toilet to get as much water out as possible. If there’s still water lingering in the tank or bowl, use that sponge or wet/dry vacuum to suck it up.
Use a bucket to catch any remaining water when you disconnect the water supply hose. You’d be surprised how much could still be in there.
Step 2: Disconnect the Water Supply Line
Next, you’ll want to disconnect the water supply line from the bottom of the toilet tank. Grab your adjustable wrench and loosen the nut where the supply line connects to the tank. Now, move that bucket underneath—because water could still be trapped in the line. Once that’s done, you’re ready to tackle the toilet itself.
Step 3: Remove the Old Toilet
Now comes the part everyone dreads, but trust me, it’s not so bad. Locate the bolts on the base of the toilet—there should be two, one on each side. Pop off the caps covering the bolts, then use your wrench to remove the nuts. If these bolts are rusty or stuck, use a hacksaw to cut through them. Once the nuts are off, give the toilet a little wiggle to break the wax seal at the base, then carefully lift the toilet and set it aside.
Warning:
That wax ring is gross. Gloves are your best friend here. You’ll need to scrape away the old wax with a putty knife or something similar.
Step 4: Install the New Wax Ring
Before setting your shiny new toilet in place, you need to install a new wax ring. The wax ring creates a watertight seal between your toilet and the drainpipe. You’ll position the ring either on the bottom of the toilet or over the drain hole in the floor—either works.
Step 5: Place the New Toilet
Now, with the new wax ring in place, carefully lower the new toilet onto the flange (that’s the hole where the toilet connects to the drain). Make sure you align it with the bolts sticking up from the floor. Press down slightly to ensure the wax ring is properly seated.
Check with a level to ensure the toilet isn’t leaning to one side—it’s gotta be straight. When you’re happy with the alignment, fasten the bolts to secure the toilet to the floor. Be careful not to overtighten—you don’t want to crack the porcelain.
Step 6: Reconnect the Water Supply
With the new toilet firmly in place, reconnect the water supply line to the bottom of the tank. Use that adjustable wrench to tighten it up—just don’t go too crazy, you want it snug, not overtightened.
Once you’ve got that connected, it’s time to turn the water back on. Slowly turn the valve counterclockwise and let the tank fill up. Test it by giving it a flush—if everything works, you’re in business!
Step 7: Finish It Off with Caulk
Now, for the final touch—grab your caulking gun and run a bead of caulk around the base of the toilet. This isn’t just for aesthetics; it’ll also keep water from sneaking under the toilet and prevent odors. Smooth it out with your finger, and you’re done!
Steps to Replace a Toilet
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. Shut Off Water | Turn off water and drain toilet. |
| 2. Disconnect Water Supply | Use wrench to remove water supply line. |
| 3. Remove Old Toilet | Unbolt and remove the old toilet carefully. |
| 4. Install New Wax Ring | Place a new wax ring for a watertight seal. |
| 5. Place New Toilet | Set the new toilet in place and secure the bolts. |
| 6. Reconnect Water Supply | Tighten the water supply line to the new toilet. |
| 7. Apply Caulk | Seal the base with caulk for a finished look. |
In-Depth Questions
1. What should I do if my toilet flange is damaged?
If you notice that your flange is cracked, rusted, or otherwise damaged, you’ll need to replace it before installing your new toilet. A damaged flange won’t provide a good seal, leading to leaks. There are flange repair kits available at most hardware stores, and they’re pretty easy to install.
2. How do I know if I need a new wax ring?
Wax rings can’t be reused, so you’ll always need a new one when replacing a toilet. If your old toilet was leaking at the base or if you smell sewer gas, that’s a good sign the wax ring failed. When in doubt, go with a new wax ring.
3. Should I use shims when installing my toilet?
If your toilet wobbles after you’ve set it in place, you can use plastic shims to level it out. Just slide the shims under the base of the toilet and tighten the bolts evenly. Once the toilet is stable, trim the excess shim material.
4. Is it better to replace my toilet or just repair it?
It depends. If you’re dealing with constant issues like leaks, clogs, or poor flushing, it might be worth upgrading to a more efficient model. Older toilets are often less water-efficient and more prone to problems. Newer models use less water and can save you money in the long run.
Conclusion
There you have it—the ins and outs of replacing a toilet in your bathroom. Whether you’re tired of dealing with that old, leaky commode or just want to upgrade to something more modern, this guide’s got you covered. If you’re still not up for doing it yourself or thinking about a more extensive remodel, reach out to America Green Builders. They’ve got you covered on everything from beach bathroom decor to figuring out how much it costs to demo a bathroom.
Need help with a toilet or planning a major renovation? Contact us today for all your home improvement needs!
