How to remove a toilet

There’s nothing quite as daunting as tackling a home improvement project, especially when it involves one of the least glamorous areas of the house. Imagine looking at your old, stained toilet, dreaming of a fresh, new upgrade, but feeling overwhelmed by the idea of removing it yourself. You might be wondering: is this a DIY job I can realistically handle? With the right guidance and tools, the answer is a resounding yes. Here’s how to tackle this task with confidence.

To remove a toilet, start by turning off the water supply at the shutoff valve. Next, flush the toilet to empty the tank and bowl. Use a sponge or towel to soak up any remaining water. Disconnect the water supply line from the bottom of the tank and remove any bolts securing the tank to the toilet bowl. If the toilet is one piece, remove the screws holding the base to the floor. Finally, carefully lift the toilet off its flange and set it aside.

Removing a toilet may seem intimidating, but with a methodical approach, it can be straightforward. Begin by gathering the necessary tools: an adjustable wrench, a sponge or towel, a bucket, and perhaps a putty knife. First, locate and turn off the water supply valve, usually located on the wall behind your toilet. Next, flush the toilet to empty both the tank and the bowl. Use a sponge to soak up any residual water, then disconnect the water supply line that connects to the bottom of the tank. Make sure to have a bucket handy, as there may still be some water in the line.

Once the water supply is disconnected, you’ll need to remove the tank if it’s a two-piece toilet. Unscrew the bolts at the base of the tank using your wrench, and carefully lift it off the bowl. For a one-piece toilet, you might need to remove a different type of fastener. After the tank is off, check for any screws or bolts securing the toilet base to the floor. If present, remove those as well.

With everything disconnected, it’s time to carefully lift the toilet off the flange. You might need to wiggle it a bit to break the seal made by the wax ring at the bottom. Once the toilet is free, place it on a towel or other soft surface to prevent damage. Remember to clean up the wax ring residue from the flange, and if replacing the toilet, install a new wax ring on the flange before setting the new toilet in place. Make sure to reconnect everything back, and you’ll have successfully removed the old toilet and made way for the new one!