How to Replace a Toilet
Replacing a toilet is a manageable DIY project that can significantly refresh your bathroom. This guide walks you through the safe removal of your old unit and the precise installation of a new one.
Shut off the water supply
10 minutesTurn the shut-off valve behind the toilet clockwise until it is fully closed.
Flushing the toilet after closing the valve will drain most of the water from the tank and bowl. Use a sponge or small bucket to remove any remaining water.
Failing to drain the water completely will cause a mess when you lift the toilet.
Place an old towel on the floor to catch any drips during the process.
Disconnect the supply line
5 minutesUse an adjustable wrench to unscrew the water supply line from the tank.
Hold the tank-side connection steady while loosening the nut. Have a bucket ready to catch the small amount of water that will drain from the hose.
Check the condition of the supply line; if it looks old or corroded, replace it with a new flexible braided line.
Remove the old toilet
15 minutesUnscrew the floor bolts at the base and lift the toilet off the flange.
Remove the plastic bolt caps, unscrew the nuts, and gently rock the toilet to break the wax seal. Lift straight up to avoid damaging the flange.
Do not pull the toilet sideways, as this can crack the flange or cause a spill.
Ask a second person to help lift the toilet, as it is heavy and awkward to handle.
Clean the flange and install the wax ring
10 minutesScrape away the old wax ring with a putty knife and place a new wax ring on the flange.
The surface must be clean and dry for the new seal to hold. Center the new wax ring firmly over the floor drain opening.
Ensure no debris falls into the open drain pipe during cleaning.
If the flange is damaged or sits too low, use a flange extender kit.
Set the new toilet
10 minutesAlign the toilet base with the floor bolts and press down firmly.
Lower the toilet squarely onto the wax ring. Apply steady pressure to compress the wax and create a watertight seal.
Do not rock the toilet back and forth once set, or the wax seal will be compromised.
Use a level to check for stability; if it wobbles, use plastic shims under the base.
Secure and seal the toilet
20 minutesTighten the floor nuts, connect the water supply, and apply caulk.
Tighten the nuts hand-tight plus a quarter turn with a wrench—do not overtighten to avoid cracking the porcelain. Apply a bead of silicone caulk around the base.
Overtightening the bolts is the most common cause of cracked toilet bases.
Leave a small gap in the caulk at the back of the toilet so you can spot any future leaks.
Pro Tips
- ●Always place the old toilet on a piece of cardboard to protect your floor from leftover water or wax.
- ●If your new toilet comes in two pieces, attach the tank to the bowl before mounting the unit to the floor.
- ●Double-check the 'rough-in' measurement (distance from the wall to the floor bolts) before purchasing your new toilet.
- ●A new wax ring is a single-use item; never attempt to reuse an old one.