Replacing a toilet

Whatever the reason is for replacing a toilet, it is a simple enough task that you can do it yourself at almost no time and with minimal effort. Before you start, besides the new toilet, you will need a new wax ring and replacement bolts. Because of the awkward size and weight of most of the toilets, it might be a good idea to have someone to assist you with lifting.

Here are the steps in replacing a toilet:

• Turn off the water valve. The valve is usually located on the wall right next to the toilet. Flush the toilet several times to make sure most of the water is gone from the tank. Use a sponge to get rid of the rest of the water.
• Disconnect the tank from the water supply. Unscrew bolts that hold toilet to the floor.
• You don’t necessarily have to disconnect the water tank from the bowl. If you have a helper, you can easily lift both the tank and the bowl together. Watch for the dripping water, as even after flushing, there will be some water left in the bowl.  
• Scrape old wax ring from the floor. It’s not always necessary to replace the old flange. In case you do need to replace it, use plumber’s putty on the bottom. Insert new bolts in the flange.
• Flip the new toilet upside down. Push new wax ring over the designated hole. Carefully turn the toilet the right way up and set it over the flange so that the new bolts go through the designated whole in the base of the toilet. Tighten the washers and nuts into the bolts.
• Attach the tank to the bowl. Line up the tank and the bowl and use the bolts, washers and nuts that came with the toilet.
• Reconnect the water valve. Turn the water on. Check for leaks. Flush several times. Check for leaks again.