How to Reseat a Toilet (Step-by-Step Guide)

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How to Reseat a Toilet

A toilet that is not properly seated can leak, causing water damage and a foul smell. It can also be difficult to flush, and the toilet may not sit level. If you are experiencing any of these problems, it is likely that the toilet needs to be reseated.

Reseating a toilet is a relatively simple task that can be completed in about an hour. However, it is important to follow the steps carefully to avoid damaging the toilet.

In this article, we will walk you through the process of reseating a toilet, step-by-step. We will also provide tips on how to prevent future leaks and problems.

So if you are ready to learn how to reseat a toilet, read on!

How To Reseat A Toilet?

| Step | Task | Tools |
|—|—|—|
| 1 | Turn off the water supply to the toilet. | Adjustable wrench |
| 2 | Remove the toilet tank lid. | Pliers |
| 3 | Loosen the nuts that hold the toilet to the floor. | Adjustable wrench |
| 4 | Lift the toilet up and away from the floor. | Helper |
| 5 | Remove the old wax ring. | Putty knife |
| 6 | Apply a new wax ring to the bottom of the toilet. | Wax ring |
| 7 | Lower the toilet back onto the floor. | Helper |
| 8 | Tighten the nuts that hold the toilet to the floor. | Adjustable wrench |
| 9 | Turn on the water supply to the toilet. | |

A toilet is one of the most important fixtures in your home, and it’s important to make sure that it’s working properly. If your toilet is leaking, running, or making strange noises, it may be time to reseat the toilet. Resetting a toilet is a relatively simple task that can be completed in about an hour.

This guide will walk you through the steps of how to reseat a toilet. We’ll provide detailed instructions and images to help you along the way.

Gather the necessary tools and materials

To reseat a toilet, you will need the following tools and materials:

  • Toilet flange
  • Wax ring
  • New toilet bolts
  • Penetrating oil
  • Adjustable wrench
  • Pliers
  • Tape measure
  • Level

Remove the old toilet

The first step is to remove the old toilet. To do this, you will need to:

1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
2. Flush the toilet to drain the water.
3. Remove the nuts holding the toilet to the floor.
4. Pull the toilet up and away from the flange.
5. Inspect the flange for damage.

Install the new toilet

Once you have removed the old toilet, you can install the new toilet. To do this, you will need to:

1. Apply a thin coat of plumber’s putty to the bottom of the toilet.
2. Place the toilet on the flange.
3. Insert the bolts through the holes in the toilet and tighten them until they are snug.
4. Apply a new wax ring to the toilet flange.
5. Lower the toilet onto the wax ring.
6. Tighten the bolts until the toilet is secure.

Reconnect the water supply

Once the toilet is installed, you can reconnect the water supply. To do this, you will need to:

1. Turn on the water supply to the toilet.
2. Flush the toilet to check for leaks.

Test the toilet

Once you have reconnected the water supply, you can test the toilet. To do this, you will need to:

1. Flush the toilet.
2. Check for leaks.
3. Make sure the toilet is working properly.

Resetting a toilet is a relatively simple task that can be completed in about an hour. By following the steps in this guide, you can easily replace your old toilet with a new one.

Here are some additional tips for reseeding a toilet:

  • Make sure the toilet is level before you tighten the bolts.
  • Use a new wax ring every time you replace a toilet.
  • Tighten the bolts until they are snug, but not too tight.
  • Test the toilet before you use it.

How To Reseat A Toilet?

1. Remove the old toilet

1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
2. Flush the toilet to drain the water from the tank.
3. Remove the caps from the bolts on the bottom of the toilet.
4. Use a wrench to loosen the bolts and remove the toilet from the floor.
5. Carefully lift the toilet off of the flange and set it aside.

2. Inspect the flange

The flange is the metal ring that the toilet bolts to. It is located in the floor, directly underneath the toilet.

Inspect the flange for damage. If the flange is cracked or broken, it will need to be replaced.

To replace the flange, you will need to remove the toilet and the subfloor. Once the subfloor is removed, you can install a new flange.

3. Install the new toilet

1. Apply a thin coat of penetrating oil to the bolts on the new toilet.
2. Center the toilet over the flange.
3. Insert the bolts through the holes in the toilet and into the flange.
4. Tighten the nuts until the toilet is secure.
5. Connect the water supply line to the toilet.
6. Flush the toilet to test the seal.

4. Refinish the toilet

If desired, you can refinish the toilet bowl and tank.

1. Apply a coat of primer to the toilet.
2. Apply a coat of paint to the toilet.
3. Allow the paint to dry completely.

Reseating a toilet is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few hours. By following these steps, you can easily replace a broken toilet or give your old toilet a new look.

Here are some additional tips for resealing a toilet:

  • Use a new wax ring when resealing a toilet.
  • Make sure the toilet is level before tightening the bolts.
  • Tighten the bolts evenly to prevent the toilet from rocking.
  • Flush the toilet several times after resealing to make sure the seal is good.

    How do I know if my toilet needs to be reseated?

There are a few signs that your toilet may need to be reseated. These include:

  • The toilet is leaking from the base.
  • The toilet is wobbly or unstable.
  • The toilet bowl is not aligned properly with the toilet tank.
  • The toilet is making a loud noise when flushed.

If you notice any of these signs, it is a good idea to have your toilet reseated.

How do I remove the toilet from the toilet bowl?

To remove the toilet from the toilet bowl, you will need:

  • A pair of channel locks
  • A putty knife
  • A bucket
  • A towel

1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
2. Flush the toilet to empty the bowl.
3. Place the bucket under the toilet bowl.
4. Use the channel locks to loosen the nuts that connect the toilet to the floor flange.
5. Once the nuts are loose, use the putty knife to carefully pry the toilet away from the floor flange.
6. Be careful not to damage the floor flange.
7. Once the toilet is free, lower it into the bucket.

How do I install the new toilet seat?

To install the new toilet seat, you will need:

  • A new toilet seat
  • A screwdriver
  • A putty knife
  • A bucket
  • A towel

1. Remove the old toilet seat by unscrewing the two bolts that hold it in place.
2. Clean the toilet bowl with a cleaning solution and a rag.
3. Apply a thin layer of plumber’s putty to the underside of the new toilet seat.
4. Position the new toilet seat on the toilet bowl and align the holes in the seat with the bolts in the bowl.
5. Insert the bolts through the holes in the seat and tighten them with the screwdriver.
6. Be careful not to overtighten the bolts.
7. Once the bolts are tight, wipe away any excess plumber’s putty.

How do I adjust the toilet so that it is level?

To adjust the toilet so that it is level, you will need:

  • A level
  • A wrench
  • A screwdriver

1. Place the level on top of the toilet tank.
2. If the toilet is not level, use the wrench to adjust the nuts that connect the toilet to the floor flange.
3. Once the toilet is level, use the screwdriver to tighten the nuts.
4. Be careful not to overtighten the nuts.

How do I fix a toilet that is leaking from the base?

To fix a toilet that is leaking from the base, you will need:

  • A new wax ring
  • A putty knife
  • A bucket
  • A towel

1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
2. Flush the toilet to empty the bowl.
3. Place the bucket under the toilet bowl.
4. Use the putty knife to carefully pry the old wax ring out of the toilet flange.
5. Clean the toilet flange with a cleaning solution and a rag.
6. Apply a thin layer of plumber’s putty to the toilet flange.
7. Position the new wax ring on the toilet flange.
8. Lower the toilet onto the wax ring.
9. Turn on the water supply to the toilet.
10. Flush the toilet to test for leaks.

How do I prevent my toilet from leaking?

To prevent your toilet from leaking, you can:

  • Make sure that the toilet is properly installed.
  • Check the toilet for leaks regularly.
  • Replace the wax ring every 5-10 years.
  • Tighten the nuts that connect the toilet to the floor flange every few years.
  • Repair any cracks or damage to the toilet bowl or tank.
  • Be careful not to overtighten the bolts that hold the toilet seat in place.

    Resetting a toilet is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a matter of minutes. However, it is important to follow the steps carefully in order to avoid damaging the toilet or causing a leak. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily reset your toilet and have it working properly in no time.

Here are the key takeaways from this guide:

  • Before you begin, make sure you have the necessary tools and materials.
  • Turn off the water supply to the toilet and flush the toilet to drain the water.
  • Remove the old toilet seat by loosening the nuts that secure it to the toilet bowl.
  • Apply a thin coat of plumber’s putty to the bottom of the new toilet seat.
  • Position the new toilet seat on the toilet bowl and tighten the nuts that secure it in place.
  • Turn on the water supply to the toilet and flush the toilet to test the new seat.

By following these steps, you can easily reset your toilet and have it working properly in no time.

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.