How to Relocate a Toilet: A Step-by-Step Guide

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How to Relocate a Toilet

Moving a toilet is a daunting task, but it’s one that many homeowners will face at some point. Whether you’re remodeling your bathroom, expanding your living space, or simply want to change the location of your toilet, relocating a toilet is a relatively straightforward process that can be completed in a few hours.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of relocating a toilet, from disconnecting the old toilet to reinstalling the new one. We’ll also provide tips on how to make the process easier and more efficient.

So if you’re ready to take on this DIY project, read on for all the information you need to know!

Step Instructions Image
1 Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
2 Disconnect the water supply line from the toilet.
3 Disconnect the toilet from the floor flange.
4 Remove the toilet from the floor.
5 Install the new toilet in the desired location.
6 Reconnect the water supply line and the toilet to the floor flange.
7 Turn on the water supply to the toilet.
8 Test the toilet to make sure it is working properly.

Preparing to Relocate a Toilet

Before you can relocate a toilet, you need to prepare the area by gathering the necessary tools and materials.

Tools and Materials

  • Adjustable wrench
  • Pliers
  • Pipe wrench
  • Tape measure
  • Level
  • Bucket
  • Putty knife
  • Caulk gun
  • Silicone sealant
  • New wax ring
  • Toilet bolts
  • New toilet flange
  • Plumber’s putty

Turn Off the Water Supply to the Toilet

The first step is to turn off the water supply to the toilet. This is usually located behind the toilet, near the floor. There will be a valve that you can turn to the off position.

Remove the Toilet Tank Lid

The next step is to remove the toilet tank lid. This is usually held in place by two screws. Once you have removed the screws, you can lift the lid off of the tank.

Flush the Toilet to Drain the Water from the Tank

Now that you have access to the inside of the toilet tank, you need to flush the toilet to drain the water from the tank. This will make it easier to remove the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor.

Remove the Bolts that Hold the Toilet to the Floor

The last step is to remove the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor. These bolts are usually located on the back of the toilet, near the floor. You will need to use an adjustable wrench or pliers to loosen the bolts.

Once you have loosened the bolts, you can carefully rock the toilet back and forth until it is free from the floor. Lift the toilet out of the bathroom and set it aside.

Removing the Toilet

Now that you have prepared the area, you can remove the toilet.

Place a Bucket under the Toilet to Catch Any Water that May Leak Out

The first step is to place a bucket under the toilet to catch any water that may leak out. This is because the wax seal around the toilet may break when you remove the toilet.

Use a Plunger to Loosen the Wax Seal around the Toilet

The next step is to use a plunger to loosen the wax seal around the toilet. This will make it easier to remove the toilet from the floor.

Carefully Rock the Toilet Back and Forth until it is Free from the Floor

Now that you have loosened the wax seal, you can carefully rock the toilet back and forth until it is free from the floor. Be careful not to damage the toilet or the floor.

Lift the Toilet out of the Bathroom and Set it Aside

Once you have removed the toilet from the floor, you can lift it out of the bathroom and set it aside.

Installing the New Toilet

Now that you have removed the old toilet, you can install the new toilet.

Position the New Toilet over the Flange

The first step is to position the new toilet over the flange. The flange is a metal ring that is installed in the floor to support the toilet.

Mark the Location of the Bolt Holes

Once you have positioned the toilet, you need to mark the location of the bolt holes. This will help you to align the toilet with the bolts when you install it.

Drill Holes for the Bolts

Now that you have marked the location of the bolt holes, you need to drill holes for the bolts. You can use a drill with a masonry bit to drill the holes.

Install the New Toilet

Now that you have drilled the holes, you can install the new toilet. You will need to use new bolts to install the toilet.

Apply Plumber’s Putty to the Bolts

Before you install the bolts, you need to apply plumber’s putty to the bolts. This will help to create a seal between the toilet and the floor.

Tighten the Bolts

Now that you have applied plumber’s putty to the bolts, you can tighten the bolts. Be careful not to overtighten the bolts, as this could damage the toilet.

Install the Toilet Seat

Now that you have installed the toilet, you can install the toilet seat. You will need to use new bolts to install the toilet seat.

Flush the Toilet to Test the Installation

Once you have installed the toilet seat, you need to flush the toilet to test the installation. This will ensure that the toilet is installed correctly and that there are no leaks.

Relocating a toilet is a relatively simple task, but

3. Installing the New Toilet

Once you have removed the old toilet, you can begin installing the new one. Here are the steps involved:

1. Place the new toilet in the same location as the old toilet. Make sure that the toilet is level and that the bolts that hold it to the floor are in the same holes as the old toilet.
2. Apply a new wax ring to the bottom of the toilet. The wax ring is a gasket that helps to seal the toilet to the floor and prevent leaks.
3. Carefully lower the toilet onto the wax ring. Make sure that the toilet is seated properly on the wax ring and that the bolts are aligned with the holes in the floor.
4. Insert the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor and tighten them. Make sure that the bolts are tight enough to hold the toilet in place, but not so tight that you damage the toilet.
5. Connect the water supply line to the toilet. The water supply line is usually located on the back of the toilet. Connect the water supply line to the toilet and turn on the water supply to the toilet.
6. Flush the toilet to check for leaks. If there are any leaks, tighten the bolts or replace the wax ring as needed.

4. Finishing Up

Once the new toilet is installed, you can finish up the project by replacing the toilet tank lid and cleaning up any mess that was made during the project.

Relocating a toilet is a relatively straightforward project that can be completed in a few hours. By following these steps, you can easily replace your old toilet with a new one.

Here are some additional tips for relocating a toilet:

  • If you are not comfortable working with plumbing, you may want to hire a professional to do the job for you.
  • Make sure that you have all of the necessary tools and materials before you begin the project.
  • Take your time and work carefully to avoid damaging the toilet or the floor.
  • Flush the toilet several times after you have finished the project to make sure that there are no leaks.

    How To Relocate A Toilet?

Q: What do I need to do before I start relocating my toilet?

A: Before you start relocating your toilet, you will need to:

  • Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
  • Flush the toilet to drain any remaining water.
  • Remove the toilet seat.
  • Disconnect the water supply line and the drain line from the toilet.
  • Remove the toilet bolts from the floor flange.

Q: How do I remove the toilet from the floor flange?

A: To remove the toilet from the floor flange, you will need to:

  • Place a bucket under the toilet to catch any water that may spill.
  • Apply a penetrating oil to the toilet bolts.
  • Use a wrench to loosen the toilet bolts.
  • Carefully lift the toilet off of the floor flange.

Q: How do I install the new toilet on the floor flange?

A: To install the new toilet on the floor flange, you will need to:

  • Apply a thin layer of plumber’s putty to the bottom of the toilet.
  • Center the toilet over the floor flange.
  • Insert the toilet bolts through the holes in the toilet and into the floor flange.
  • Tighten the toilet bolts until the toilet is secure.
  • Connect the water supply line and the drain line to the toilet.
  • Replace the toilet seat.

Q: What are some common problems that I might encounter when relocating my toilet?

A: Some common problems that you might encounter when relocating your toilet include:

  • The toilet may not be level.
  • The toilet may leak.
  • The toilet may not flush properly.

If you encounter any of these problems, you may need to adjust the height of the toilet, tighten the toilet bolts, or replace the toilet gasket.

Q: How can I prevent problems when relocating my toilet?

To prevent problems when relocating your toilet, you can:

  • Make sure that the toilet is level before you install it.
  • Tighten the toilet bolts securely.
  • Use a new toilet gasket.
  • Flush the toilet several times after you have finished relocating it.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your new toilet is installed properly and that you will not experience any problems.

Relocating a toilet is a major project, but it is one that can be completed by a DIYer with some time and effort. By following the steps in this guide, you can successfully relocate your toilet and have a new bathroom that is both functional and stylish.

Here are the key takeaways from this guide:

  • Before you begin, make sure you have the proper tools and materials.
  • Carefully disconnect the toilet from the water supply and sewer line.
  • Remove the toilet from its current location.
  • Level the new toilet flange and install the toilet.
  • Connect the toilet to the water supply and sewer line.
  • Test the toilet to make sure it is working properly.

By following these steps, you can successfully relocate your toilet and create a new bathroom that you will love.

Author Profile

Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell is the owner of toiletty.com. She is a mom of two and is very passionate about home improvement.

Liana has ten years of home improvement experience, and in her own words, she said: “I love improving the home, and I’m very passionate about keeping the home in the best possible condition. I love it!”

Liana Farrell balances beauty and functionality when she goes about her home improvement jobs.