How to change my toilet?
Shut off the water, drain and unbolt the old toilet, scrape the flange, set a new wax ring, lower the new toilet onto the bolts, tighten gently, reconnect the supply, check for leaks and caulk the base. It is an afternoon's work with the right tools. If you would rather not, our licensed plumber does it.
Changing a toilet is a manageable DIY project if you have the right tools and follow the steps. You will need: a new toilet, a wax ring, an adjustable wrench, a screwdriver, a hacksaw or PVC cutter, a bucket, a sponge or rags, silicone caulk and a putty knife.
- Turn off the water. Turn off the supply valve behind the toilet and flush to empty the tank and bowl.
- Disconnect the supply. Disconnect the water supply line from the bottom of the tank with an adjustable wrench.
- Remove the old toilet. Remove the nuts holding the base to the floor bolts, then lift the toilet straight up and off.
- Clean the flange. Scrape off the old wax from the flange, the ring in the floor the toilet sits on.
- Replace the bolts. Remove the old flange bolts and fit new ones if needed.
- Set the wax ring. Place the new wax ring on the flange, centred and level.
- Set the new toilet. Lower the new toilet carefully onto the flange bolts so they pass through the holes in the base.
- Tighten gently. Tighten the nuts with the wrench, but do not overtighten: that can crack the porcelain.
- Reconnect the water. Reconnect the supply line to the tank and turn the water back on.
- Check for leaks. Let the tank fill and check the supply line and the base for leaks.
- Caulk the base. Run a bead of silicone caulk around the base for a watertight seal.
- Trim and tidy. Trim the excess bolt length with the hacksaw or PVC cutter, then clean up any wax, caulk or water.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for your model and take care lifting: toilets are heavy. If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, a licensed plumber is the safe choice. Our licensed plumber replaces toilets across Stouffville and York Region under one free estimate.