How to Replace a Toilet

To replace a toilet, you don't need a professional license in plumbing, only basic tools, patience, and a few hours of free time.

By Michael Franco | Updated Aug 6, 2021 5:46 PM

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

How To Replace A Toilet

Photo: istockphoto.com

Does your toilet waste water with every flush? Perhaps it is aesthetically outdated (hello, pastel pink bathroom)? Maybe the crack or leak is beyond repair? Whatever the case, there comes a time when it’s necessary to replace the toilet and install a new one.

The idea of changing out this hefty piece might have you reaching for the phone to call the plumber, but believe it or not replacing a toilet is a DIY project that practically anyone can do. With patience, a few simple tools, and strength (toilets are heavy!), you can install a gleaming new water-efficient commode within only a few hours.

MATERIALS AND TOOLS Available on Amazon
Measuring tape
Rubber gloves
Small cup or old towels
Adjustable wrench
Putty knife
Level
Silicone caulk
Replacement toilet (with accessories)

Removing the Old Toilet

STEP 1: Measure the old toilet.

Before removing your old toilet, don’t forget to measure it to make sure the replacement toilet is the right size. Specifically, mark down the distance from the wall to the center of the bolts that attach the base to the floor. Is that distance 12 inches? You’re in luck. Your toilet is standard-sized.

If you’ve measured a distance other than 12 inches, you might need to custom-order your replacement toilet. To avoid ordering one that is too large, also measure the space you have available in the bathroom to accommodate the width of your new fixture.

Steps To Replace a Toilet

Photo: istockphoto.com

STEP 2: Drain the water.

Beneath the tank of your existing toilet is the water supply line. Adjust its knob to stop the flow of water to the tank, then flush. Most likely, there will still be some water left in the bowl and tank, so don your rubber gloves and use either a small cup (to bail it out) or some old towels (to soak it all up).

Once the toilet is empty, use your wrench to disconnect the water supply line from the toilet. Keep the small cup or towels nearby incase some water spills out.

STEP 3: Separate the tank from the bowl.

The easiest way to get your old toilet out of the bathroom is in two stages. Start with the tank and finish with the bowl. To separate the tank from the bowl, unscrew the bolts that attach the two pieces, then lift the tank off and carry it away, or set it aside on some old towels or a panel of cardboard.

STEP 4: Remove the bowl.

To remove the bowl, pop off the caps that cover the closet bolts (the ones that go into the floor). Next, unscrew the nuts from these bolts, rocking the bowl back and forth gently to break it free from the wax seal at its base.

When the bowl feels loose, lift it off. A putty knife should remove the old wax seal from the flange under the bowl. Wipe everything clean and to prevent sewer gases from entering your home, stuff a rag in the drain hole (or cover it with duct tape-secured plastic).

STEP 5: Assess the flange.

Determine if the flange (the ring beneath the wax seal) needs to be replaced. If it’s in good shape, leave it alone. If it’s cracked, you might be able to patch the damaged area with a repair tab, available at your local home improvement center. If the condition of the flange appears irreparable, then you need to replace it with a new flange.

installing new toilet

Photo: istockphoto.com

Installing the Replacement Toilet

Installing the replacement toilet involves the same process as the above, only in reverse.

STEP 1: Install new wax ring.

First, place a new wax ring (one should come with your purchase) around the hole at the bottom of the toilet, known as the water horn. Make sure the tapered side of the seal is the one facing the toilet.

STEP 2: Set the toilet.

Set the bowl onto the closet bolts. Hand-tighten the nuts back into place on the bolts, but make sure there is still plenty of play between the nuts and the toilet base. Rock the bowl back and forth to set the wax ring, then gradually tighten the bolts all the way, one side and then the other.

Use a level to make sure the bowl is not sitting on a slant. If you’re a bit off, use shims to get it right before tightening the bolts one last time. Be very careful not to over-tighten the bolts; toilet bowls have been known to crack during this stage of the process.

STEP 3: Attach the tank.

If your toilet came with a rubber gasket, place it on the bowl, setting the tank right on top. Make sure to line up the holes for the bolts that will join the bowl and the tank, then go ahead and tighten the nuts on these bolts.

STEP 4: Turn the water back on.

Finally, reattach the water supply line, put a thin line of silicone caulk around the toilet base, and turn the water back on. You’re all set!