How to Remove an Old Toilet (Step-by-Step Guide)

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How to Remove the Old Toilet

Your toilet is one of the most important fixtures in your home, but it’s also one of the most likely to break down. If your toilet is leaking, running, or simply not flushing properly, it may be time to remove the old toilet and install a new one.

Removing an old toilet is a relatively simple task, but it does require some planning and preparation. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of removing an old toilet, from start to finish. We’ll provide you with step-by-step instructions, tips, and tricks to help make the job easier.

So if you’re ready to take on this DIY project, read on!

Step Tools Instructions
1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet. – Adjustable wrench – Pliers
2. Remove the nuts holding the toilet to the floor. – Adjustable wrench – Pliers
3. Lower the toilet and disconnect the water supply line. – Adjustable wrench – Pliers
4. Remove the toilet from the floor. – Gloves – Safety glasses
5. Clean the floor where the toilet was installed. – Mop – Cleaning solution

How to Remove the Old Toilet?

1. Gather Your Tools and Materials

To remove an old toilet, you will need the following tools and materials:

  • Adjustable wrench
  • Pliers
  • Bucket
  • Gloves
  • Safety glasses
  • Plumber’s putty
  • Wax ring
  • New toilet

2. Shut Off the Water Supply

The first step is to shut 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 clockwise to shut off the water.

3. Remove the Toilet Seat

The next step is to remove the toilet seat. There will be two bolts on the back of the toilet seat that you can unscrew with a wrench. Once the bolts are removed, the seat can be lifted off of the toilet.

4. Disconnect the Water Supply Line

The next step is to disconnect the water supply line from the toilet. The water supply line is a flexible hose that connects to the bottom of the toilet. You can use a pair of pliers to disconnect the hose from the toilet.

5. Remove the Toilet Bowl

The next step is to remove the toilet bowl. There will be two bolts on the bottom of the toilet that you can unscrew with a wrench. Once the bolts are removed, the toilet bowl can be lifted off of the floor.

6. Remove the Toilet Flange

The toilet flange is a metal ring that is attached to the floor and supports the toilet. To remove the flange, you will need to use a chisel and hammer. Start by chiseling around the edge of the flange until you can get a pry bar under it. Once you have a pry bar under the flange, you can use it to lift the flange off of the floor.

7. Clean the Toilet Bowl Bolt Holes

The toilet bowl bolt holes are the holes in the floor where the toilet bowl bolts were attached. These holes need to be cleaned before you can install the new toilet. You can use a putty knife or a screwdriver to clean the holes.

8. Apply Plumber’s Putty to the New Toilet

The next step is to apply plumber’s putty to the new toilet. Plumber’s putty is a sealant that helps to create a watertight seal between the toilet and the floor. You can use a putty knife to apply the plumber’s putty to the bottom of the toilet.

9. Place the New Toilet on the Floor

The next step is to place the new toilet on the floor. Make sure that the toilet is centered over the toilet bolt holes.

10. Insert the Toilet Bolts

The next step is to insert the toilet bolts into the toilet bolt holes. The toilet bolts should be inserted through the holes in the toilet and into the holes in the floor.

11. Tighten the Toilet Bolts

The final step is to tighten the toilet bolts. You can use a wrench to tighten the bolts. Make sure that the bolts are tight enough to hold the toilet in place, but not so tight that you damage the toilet.

Now that you have removed the old toilet and installed the new toilet, you can turn the water supply back on and test the toilet to make sure that it is working properly.

3. Remove the Toilet Bowl

To remove the toilet bowl, you will need:

  • A bucket
  • A screwdriver
  • A pair of pliers
  • A wrench

1. Place a bucket underneath the toilet bowl to catch any water that may spill.
2. Remove the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor. These bolts are typically located on the back of the toilet, and they are held in place with nuts. Use a screwdriver to loosen the nuts, and then use a wrench to turn the bolts until they come out.
3. Pull the toilet bowl straight up and off the floor. Be careful not to spill any water from the toilet bowl.

Once the toilet bowl is removed, you can clean the area underneath it and inspect the floor for any damage. If there is any damage, you will need to repair it before installing the new toilet.

4. Remove the Toilet Tank

To remove the toilet tank, you will need:

  • A screwdriver
  • A pair of pliers

1. Unscrew the nuts that hold the toilet tank to the toilet bowl. These nuts are typically located on the back of the toilet tank, and they are held in place with nuts. Use a screwdriver to loosen the nuts, and then use a pliers to turn the nuts until they come out.
2. Lift the toilet tank off of the toilet bowl. Be careful not to spill any water from the toilet tank.

Once the toilet tank is removed, you can clean the area underneath it and inspect the floor for any damage. If there is any damage, you will need to repair it before installing the new toilet.

Removing an old toilet is a relatively simple task, but it is important to follow the steps carefully to avoid damaging the toilet or the floor. If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, you can hire a plumber to help you.

How do I remove the old toilet?

1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet. This is usually located under the sink or behind the toilet.
2. Flush the toilet to empty the tank.
3. Remove the caps on the water supply valves. These are usually located on the back of the toilet tank.
4. Use a wrench to loosen the nuts on the water supply lines.
5. Disconnect the water supply lines from the toilet.
6. Use a plunger to loosen the wax seal. This is the black ring around the base of the toilet.
7. Grab the toilet with both hands and rock it back and forth until it is loose.
8. Pull the toilet straight up and out of the floor.
9. Clean up any remaining water or debris.
10. Install the new toilet.

What tools do I need to remove the old toilet?

You will need the following tools to remove the old toilet:

  • A wrench
  • A plunger
  • A pair of gloves
  • A bucket

How long does it take to remove the old toilet?

It should take about 30 minutes to remove the old toilet.

What if the toilet is stuck?

If the toilet is stuck, you can try the following:

  • Spray some WD-40 or other lubricant around the base of the toilet.
  • Use a heat gun to warm up the wax seal.
  • Use a pry bar to loosen the toilet.

What if I damage the toilet when I remove it?

If you damage the toilet when you remove it, you will need to purchase a new toilet.

What do I do with the old toilet?

You can dispose of the old toilet by taking it to a local landfill or recycling center.

Can I remove the toilet myself or should I hire a professional?

You can remove the toilet yourself if you are comfortable with DIY projects. However, if you are not comfortable with DIY projects, you should hire a professional to remove the toilet for you.

In this article, we have discussed how to remove an old toilet. We have provided a step-by-step guide on how to do this safely and efficiently. We have also discussed some of the common problems that you may encounter when removing an old toilet, and how to troubleshoot them.

We hope that this article has been helpful. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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.