How to Replace a Toilet

If history has taught you anything it’s that every royal throne eventually becomes overthrown. Sometimes a golden seat of power is not taken over, but it’s simply replaced just like the porcelain potty in your bathroom. Now it’s time to roll up your sleeves, pick up your tools, and grab ahold of that old toilet.

Step 1: Before you begin any plumbing project, head over to your main water supply valve and turn it off to avoid any leaks. Flush the toilet and keep holding down on the lever to drain all of the water from the tank.

Step 2: Grab your wrench and pliers and begin removing the caps and nuts from the base of the toilet. Removal may prove to be difficult due to a good chance of these pieces of hardware being rusted.

Step 3: Before attempting to remove the toilet, disconnect the toilet supply tube from the toilet stop. Now you can begin to shimmy the fixture until it has been lifted off of the flange. Ask for assistance when removing the toilet for a simple and clean removal. Take a rag and place it in the opening of the drain to keep odors from the plumbing line from entering your home.

Step 4: Clean off the flange, inspect it, and repair any damage it may have sustained over the years. Proceed with adding new bolts to the flange followed by a new wax seal. You want to put enough wax on the bolts so that they will be held in an upright position.

Step 5: Assemble the new toilet before placing it on the flange. Once this has been done, place the new fixture onto the bolts and wax seal, and begin tightening them. Be sure not to overtighten, otherwise, you run the risk of cracking the porcelain base.

Step 6: Finish this project by reconnecting the toilet supply tube and turning on the main water supply valve. Allow the tank to refill, adjust the water level, and give it a test flush. Make sure it works properly and that there are no leaks.

Viola! Your new toilet has been installed and you can regain your rightful place atop the royal throne! Replacing a toilet can be intimidating for those who have not done so in the past. When you need a professional to help you out, be sure to contact the experts at Lancaster Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical. To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, give us a call at (717) 207-8198.