by Joe Brooks

Created on: November 20, 2010

Is it time to replace the toilet in one of your bathrooms? Perhaps the toilet is cracked, or stained to the point of unsightliness by hard water. Or maybe the old toilet is a shade of baby pink or powder blue that just does not match your decor any longer. You also may wish to replace the old toilet with a modern high efficiency low water usage toilet. If you have the time, a few tools, and a strong back or a sturdy helper, you can replace that toilet without calling a plumber.

You should have your new toilet ready before you begin, and make sure you have the new wax seal ready as well. It is good to have everything available and eliminate emergency trips to the hardware store if possible. You will need to measure the space from the mounting of the toilet to the wall behind it. Your new toilet must fit in the space you have, unless you are planning an extensive bathroom remodeling job.

The first requirement is to have the water shut off, either at the local shutoff or at the supply point to the house. Next you need to dry the toilet as much as possible. You can flush several times, then use rags or sponges to sop up the remaining water in the tank or bowl. Before you loosen the attachments and remove the tank and bowl it would be a great idea to have a temporary holding area prepared. A piece of old carpet or a stack of newspapers will work. With the water off and the tank and bowl as dry as possible, it is time to begin removing the fastenings and the water connection.

You will need to remove the water connection to the tank, then remove the tank from the bowl. Being perhaps too many years in place, and in a wet environment, you can expect corrosion. Try lubricant spray, penetrating oil, and a bit of judicious tapping to loosen the connection. You can then remove the tank from the base, and set it over onto your prepared absorbent and disposable holding area. Now move on to the toilet base or bowl. The fasteners may be covered with plastic or other type of caps, which you remove before attempting to loose the nuts. Be prepared for more anti-corrosion procedures. You may also wish to cut the caulk around the toilet base with a knife or chisel to further loosen and prepare for lifting.

This is the point where your strong back or sturdy helper gets involved. The base is a bit heavy and awkward to handle. Lift it from the seal and place it on your prepared holding area. Now take up the old wax seal and make sure the flange under it is in good shape. If not, you will need to undertake more drastic measures or reach for the phone to dial the plumbing professional of your choice. If the closet flange is in good shape, you are ready to replace the wax seal and mount the new toilet base.

It is important to remember that the new wax seal needs to be at room temperature before seating the new toilet, so that it is soft enough to form a watertight seal. In the reverse order of removal, replace the toilet bowl and seat well on the new wax seal. Attach the new tank and the water supply line. Caulk around the base of the new toilet to protect the floor, then turn on the water again and you are ready to go.

If you encounter problems like a bad closet flange under the seal, or if you are simply not up to the task, you may wish to call your local plumbing professional. As long as you are replacing the toilet, it might be a good time to consider a partial or complete bathroom remodel. Your local licensed and experienced plumber can help you plan a bathroom upgrade that will serve you well for years to come.

Learn more about this author, Joe Brooks.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.