How To Replace a Toilet

3/14/2019 (Permalink)

Leaking toilet in a Sunland Villages, AZ home

How To Replace a Toilet

Toilet repair may fix a leak, but a homeowner should replace a persistently leaking toilet. Restoring water damage is far more expensive than the cost of replacing an old toilet. Here is an overview of how to replace a toilet.

Remove the Tank and Bowl

Start by removing water from the bowl and tank. There are several effective methods:

• Turn off the water supply
  
• Flush the toilet
  
• Absorb water in the tank with a sponge or solidifying gel
  
• Disconnect the water supply line
  
  

Once the bowl and tank are dry, unscrew the nuts on the base of the tank and lift off the tank. Loosen the nuts that connect the bowl to the floor and remove the bowl.

Remove the Closet Bolts and Wax Ring

Once the old toilet is gone, remove and dispose of the wax ring. Scrape excess wax off the flange with a putty knife and remove the closet bolts. This is a good opportunity to repair flange damage to avoid a new leaking toilet.

Install the New Toilet

You will need to replace all of the components removed with the old toilet. Go through the same process in reverse:

• Install new closet bolts
  
• Apply a new wax ring to the bottom of the bowl
  
• Place the bowl over bolts and install cap bases, washers and nuts
  
• Shorten bolts with a hacksaw and snap on caps
  
• Install bolts and a rubber gasket on the bottom of the tank
  
• Put the tank in place and tighten nuts
  

Once the new toilet is installed, you can reconnect the supply line. Flush the toilet and check for any signs of leaks.

Homeowners who are not familiar with basic plumbing techniques or do not have the necessary tools may want to hire a plumber. If a leaking toilet has caused damage, contact a damage mitigation and restoration service in Sunland Villages, AZ.