Easy Toilet Replacement - A Pictorial Guide
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Replacing Your Toilet is Easy
I'm embarrassed to say, but I went almost 6 months between realizing that the toilet in the en-suite bathroom needed to be replaced and actually doing it. This meant navigating down the hall in the dark, tripping over the dogs, and just overall inconvenience. I was convinced that it would be harder and be more expensive than it was to replace my toilet. Well, today while in Costco I saw a toilet for sale and I thought today is the day!
I also decided to document my success (or failure) for you, so I took a few pictures along the way. This lens shows you how I did it, step-by-step. I add a few hints as well (some of which I only considered afterwards)
I also decided to document my success (or failure) for you, so I took a few pictures along the way. This lens shows you how I did it, step-by-step. I add a few hints as well (some of which I only considered afterwards)
Contents at a Glance
- Plan Your Project
- Consider Your Options and Plan
- Make Sure You Have All The Parts
- Remove the Tank from the Old Toilet
- Take the Old Tank Outside
- Turn Off the Water Supply and Disconnect...
- Remove the Bolts Holding the Base Down
- Clean Up the Floor and Drain Hole
- A Tip to Remove the New Toilet From its...
Plan Your Project
and think beyond the job
When you are doing something like replacing a toilet, the first thing you should do is to consider the entire room. Is it time to paint the room? Does the floor need replacement? Is the water supply appropriately placed so that when the new toilet is seated it will be unobstructed? Do you want to consider changing other plumbing components?
The reason for this is that many of these jobs are interlinked. You'd feel pretty foolish to replace the toilet, only to have to go back in a few months to try to redo the wallpaper or paint behind the toilet. Getting access behind the toilet may involve removing the toilet again and you'll be back at square-one! Similarly for the flooring - this is a job to do when the toilet is removed.
The reason for this is that many of these jobs are interlinked. You'd feel pretty foolish to replace the toilet, only to have to go back in a few months to try to redo the wallpaper or paint behind the toilet. Getting access behind the toilet may involve removing the toilet again and you'll be back at square-one! Similarly for the flooring - this is a job to do when the toilet is removed.
Consider Your Options and Plan
Do you need to replace the toilet?
If your toilet is not working well, there may be several causes. The water supply might be constricted, the toilet might be blocked, or various other reasons. In my case, the darned thing was not flushing well, and there was an occasional dripping from the tank. I knew for sure that this one needed to be replaced. There was a slight crack on the base, a chip inside the bowl, and I found out from a date stamp inside the lid that this one was about 52 years old (made Jan 15, 1959)!!!The model being replaced was a two piece unit, the tank and base being separate. The new model is a one-piece. I foolishly went to the store solo, and wrestled the new toilet into my van. Then when I got home, no one was there, and I had to get it into my house alone. DON'T DO THIS. My new toilet weighed over 45Kg (more than 100 lbs), and is bulky and hard to move. I used ramps to move it around, but it would have been much nicer with some more hands, or a good dolly.
Make Sure You Have All The Parts
When you open the box, make sure you have all the parts. Most toilets will come with a listing of what is included. Check carefully and make sure nothing is missing. Some toilets some with everything you need, some do not - so make sure to check. You should also buy a tube of clear silicone sealant to put around the toilet (usually the next day to allow the toilet to settle properly). One other step I would do at this point is to measure the position of the water feed and shut-off valve. In my case I found out that the new toilet barely had enough room to fir where the old one was. I had to bend the pipe a little (and may end up adding a new corner to this pipe when I get the chance. ( a project for another day) Remove the Tank from the Old Toilet
(if it is a two piece unit)
Most older toilets are two piece units. The tank that holds the water, bolts onto the lower section. This is a mixed blessing, it is one more joint that you had to make sure was sealed, but it also made the units a lot easier to move around. If you are replacing a two piece unit you will be pleased because you will be able to carry it out of the house in parts (much more manageable). When I had to bring the new toilet inside today, it was really hard. I needed to use a plank of wood up the stairs as a ramp, and had to slide the box from the van to the steps. Do try to get help at this stage or use a moving trolley. Take the Old Tank Outside
you don't want any leakage or grime you don't need.
The old tank will easily lift right off the base once the bolts are removed. Make sure that the door is easy to open and you have slip-on shoes handy. Then lift the tank and take it right outside. You will now be left with only the base as shown in this photo. Turn Off the Water Supply and Disconnect from Toilet
Some sloppy plumbing jobs do not have a shut-off valve near the toilet. In this case (or even if you do as an added safety measure), turn off the main water supply to the whole house. Once I do this, I flush one of the other toilets to empty some water out of the system and leave a tap in the on position. If you do have a shut-off valve leading to the toilet, turn it off now. By the way, if your toilet does not have a shut-off valve, now is a great chance to put one in. With the main water turned off, you'll need to cut the pipe with a hacksaw and add this piece (available at any hardware store). Disconnect the old water supply flexible tube. Remove the Bolts Holding the Base Down
There will be two bolts holding the bowl to the floor. First pry off the caps that cover the bolts and remove any gunk (mine had silicone sealant all over them) to you can access the nut below. Undo these nuts and make sure there is nothing holding the base down. TIP: Now is a good time to run a blade all the way around the bottom of the base. Make sure to slide it right under so you are sure that any seal that is there is broken. This is a lesson I learned. For me, a bit of the flooring did crack when I pulled up the bowl. Don't make the same mistake.Now, gently rock the base back and forth. Check that the seal is broken and use your blade again to slide underneath. When you are ready to lift it up, make sure the door is ready to easily open and you have slip on shoes you can use. Take the old bowl right outside.
Some Handy Items to Help You
Clean Up the Floor and Drain Hole
So now the tank is gone. You will be left with a very messy area that is likely covered in goopy wax, dirt and grime. Scrape off as much as you can, making sure not to let any of it fall down the hole. I used a liquid called "Goo-Gone" that does a great job cutting the grease and getting off sticky marks. Also take this opportunity to wash the baseboards and wall around where the new toilet will go. If I had planned better, I would have taken this opportunity to remove the old faded wallpaper and repaint the bathroom too.... but baby-steps, I'll get back to this another day.You should now remove the old floor bolts and put the new ones in place. This may involve rotating the collars that are in place until the bolt lines up with a slot and can be removed/replaced. Be sure to rotate the rings back again.
TIP: this is a great time to use a plumbers snake to clean hair and blockages from the pipe below. I used a 7.6 meter snake and was able to remove a chunk of hair and goop about the size of a gerbil from the drain (no we did not lose a gerbil)
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A Tip to Remove the New Toilet From its Box
Since I found the new toilet to be so heavy, I just cut the box away until it would slide right out. Get the Wax Ring Ready
Now it is time to get the wax ring ready. The wax ring is what will give you a good seal between the toilet and the drain pipe. Place a soft cloth or bathmat on the floor, and turn the new toilet upside down. Remove the wax ring from its wrapping and "stick" if over the hole on the bottom of the toilet, with the flange (or cone) side facing up. Now here is where you will need two people.With one person lifting the toilet over the hole and another guiding the bolts into the holes on the base, place the toilet in its new position. Once it is lined up, you can rock the toilet back and forth and apply weight to it, to push it down to the floor. Use the washers (plastic one next to the base and metal one next to the bolt) and nuts to tighten the base, but do not over tighten (in case the base cracks).
You may need to cut the bolts with a hack-saw before you can place the bolt covers over the exposed bolt.
You Are Almost Done
Now install the toilet seat (instructions will be with your toilet), open up the water valve, and fill up the bowl. The bowl should fill up to the line indicated on the back of the tank. Perhaps the most important steps here are to put everything back, put the tools away, throw away the garbage and get the box ready for recycling. There is nothing worse than a handyman/person that leaves a mess behind (o.k. there is lots worse, but you know what I mean) What are your favorite plumbing secrets?
lets flush out the good products
American Standard 2829.128.020 Cadet-3 FloWise Round Front Two-Piece High Efficiency Toilet, White
Finish:White Smarter design for higher performance more...1 point
Basic Plumbing With Illustrations Revised Edition by Howard C. Massey
This completely-revised edition brings this comprehensive more...0 points
Decor Star BRG01-TB Euro Modern Contemporary Bathroom Lavatory Vanity Vessel Sink Faucet Tall Brushed Nickel
Brand new Euro modern contemporary brushed nickel faucet more...0 points
Contemprary Single Handle Waterfall Bathroom Vanity Faucet, Chrome
The chrome finish of this faucet not only creates more...0 points
Fluidmaster 400C Toilet Tank Repair Kit
Adjustable Toilet Tank Repair Kit With Bullseye Fl more...0 points
Amazing Goop All-Purpose Household Goop, 3.7-Ounce Tube #130012
Amazing Goop is an all purpose contact adhesive an more...0 points
More Bathroom Ideas
Follow-up
Well a few weeks later, and I am amazed at how little water this toilet really needs. Not only that, but it flushes more easily and more completely. I think that the other two toilets in the house will be replaced fairly quickly when I find the time, energy and spare budget to do it. That being said, I am a "master procrastinator" - so we'll see when I get to it!
I did get around to replacing the bathroom vanity to finish off the project. Having the right tools really helped!
I did get around to replacing the bathroom vanity to finish off the project. Having the right tools really helped!
Plumbing Tools Make a Difference
The right tools make the job easier!
American Standard Speed Connect Faucets
So after replacing the toilet, the vanity was next. I dreaded doing this because of the difficulties I had in the past with installing the faucets and drains. So when I came across the speed connect system while browsing - I almost did not believe it.
American Standard 7074F Ladonia 4-Inch Centerset Lavatory Faucet with Speed Connect Drain, Polished Chrome
Amazon Price: $39.00 (as of 06/03/2012)
As well as looking great, my American Standard Speed Connect was a breeze to install. It was over before I knew it. I kept looking for more parts to fall out of the box - but there were none. I love when good engineering makes your life easier!
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What Tips or Experiences Can You Share?
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amythomson187
May 15, 2012 @ 8:41 pm | delete
- Great step by step guide... Most people might not think they could do such a thing, but if you follow this guide and take your time you will be fine. Just go to the toilet before hand hehe :D Amy x
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JDWheeler
May 8, 2012 @ 11:24 am | delete
- It's all about the wax ring!
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Anahid
May 5, 2012 @ 10:45 am | delete
- oh what an interesting lens very clever to do that my self i will not do it alone i don't like to see the drain pipe and all that. I want to tell you thank you for visiting my lens, Al the best Thanks. Anna
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JaguarJulie Apr 14, 2012 @ 2:21 pm | delete
- Well, I have not replaced a toilet personally, but I can tell you that I watched my plumber replace both of my toilets recently. It was a lot easier than I thought. I think we women can accomplish this ourselves ... but it is more fun, for me anyways, to watch an attractive plumber install that toilet! argh argh argh
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TransplantedSoul
Apr 14, 2012 @ 3:01 pm | delete
- Ahh so Julie has specific criteria to choose a plumber... sounds like a whole other topic for a lens!
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About The Author
by TransplantedSoul
Hi from Canada! I like to write about things I find interesting or useful. I am a self professed geek, and love internet tips, technology tips, but also... more »
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