How to Replace a Toilet in 5 Easy Steps

Ever wondered how to replace a toilet at home without calling a plumber? This simple guide will help you step by step. Replacing a toilet doesn’t sound too difficult if it is done step by step. It is likely to work on your own with the successful use of the tools. Start by taking out the old toilet, adding the new wax seal, and placing the new toilet appropriately. Tools that are most important include the wrenches, a putty knife, a bucket or sponge, and the new parts such as a wax ring and bolts.

What You Need

Before you start learning how to replace a toilet, gather all the tools, like a wrench, a flat knife, a bucket, a sponge, and new toilet parts like a wax ring and bolts are the tools, and a source of information.

Step 1: Turn Off the Water

Hunt out the water knob behind the toilet and turn it off. Flush the unflushed toilet 2-3 times to completely drain the tank. Use a sponge to put up the water flows left in the bowl.

Dismantle the water pipe and get it out using a wrench. Place a bucket underneath to capture the drops of water.

Step 2: Take Out the Old Toilet

The first step on how to replace a toilet is to make sure the water is off and the tank is completely empty. Detach the water pipe with the help of a wrench. Position a bucket beneath it to collect the drops of water.

Locate the plastic caps at the base of the toilet and take them away. Under the caps are nuts and bolts. Forty weight wrenches remove them all.

Rock from the back towards the front once or twice. This weakens the seal under it. If there is a sealant around the base, break it with a flat knife.

Lift the entire unit steadily. Toilets are heavy, so ask someone to help you. Lay the old model out on top of the old rags or the dismantled cardboard.

Immediately a small rag has to be stuffed in the hole to prevent the unpleasant odor from escaping.

Step 3: Clean Up

A flat knife is used to remove the whole of the old wax from the floor. Examine the drain to see if it is broken. If it is in good condition, you can insert the new toilet.

Step 4: Put in the New Toilet

Insert a new bolt in the holes already drilled in the drain. Place a carotene ring on the drain and place a wax ring on top.

Gently lift the toilet upright over the bolts and give it a proper position. Press down on the toilet to prevent the wax ring from seeping out.

Put washers and nuts on the bolts that are hanging beneath the toilet. Tighten them a little bit each. Do not make the toilet too tight or it might crack.

If the toilet is two-piece, then put the bowl on the top part. By using a new set of rubber seal and bolt the ends. Tighten the nuts by hand at first and then utilize a wrench kindly.

Step 5: Connect Water and Test

Pick the water pipe up and place it back on the toilet. Open the water back up. Once the tank is filled, then area across yourself by flashing the bowl several times. Are there any water points?

Apply some caulk around the bottom of your toilet if there are no water leaks.

Changing Just Some Parts

Toilet Seat

Lets see how can you easily take off the lid. Turn off flush and remove the two screws on the backside by removing the cover. Lift off the seat this way. Place back the new lid and ask the nut to be put back. Tighten the nuts by hand, and use a wrench gently.

Parts Inside the Tank

In order to replace the parts inside the tank switch off the water first. Empty the tank. You have to remove the old part and install the new one, according to the new part’s instructions.

Small Bathrooms

Now if toilets are designed so, some of the restrooms are very small. And to get a separate toilet, you might have to send the proper detailed dimensions of the empty space from the wall to the center of the drain. The length of the most toilets are 12 inches. When you do not have enough space, you should get a special toilet that cheats.

Cost and Getting Help

The price tag on a new toilet is usually $100-$300. The cost is. When somebody else installs it for you, you will pay $300-$800 total. As an additional charge, a plumber claims about $150-$350 just for the work.

That might be true, you will pay those $80 for a plumber but think about how much you save. Of course, you should be cautious and not allow the drains to wet the floors in the case of your house. You should approach a plumber for help if you are unsure about water-related problems. Now you know how to replace a toilet easily at home, with our home improvement guides, you can do it by yourself easily. 

Questions People Ask

Can anyone change a toilet?

Yes, with proper tools and following the directive can help you through the process. If you are a non-plumber then either you can learn plumbing or simply hire a plumber.

Is this hard work?

Toilets are hard to handle, and there are many steps involved, but it is manageable. Most gainers will adjust the system and learn how to move a giant stele in less than two hours of training, after which the big deal for them is the lifting skill.

Do you need a plumber?

Plumbers have a lot of information and loads of experience. On the other hand, they can fix any problems if they arise. For example, trying to solve the problem without a plumber is just the first step in a long process of checking if the water is sufficient or slash the pipe down the drain.

Can you use any toilet?

No. The toilet has to connect to your drain and has to have enough space. A 14-inch toilet should usually work. By the first step of making a sure measurement, one will assure the fitting of the new toilet.

How much does a plumber cost?

The plumber would ask for $150-350 for the job. A new toilet could be added to that making the total cost around $300-500. Some types will be more expensive.