It is not a job for a professional to replace a toilet.Many people can do this project with the right tools and planning.The instructions below will show you how to remove your old toilet and install a new one.
Step 1: Get rid of all the water.
At the supply valve turn off the water.Hold down the flusher for as long as possible to remove most of the water from the toilet.If you want to get rid of the remaining water from the bowl, you have to force it down with a plunger and use a sponge.The sponge should be used to remove the remaining water from the tank.
Step 2: The line should be disconnected.
The supply line should be disconnected using a wrench.You may be able to replace the line.Attach the line to the toilet if you keep it.
Step 3: The bolts have to be removed.
The bolts at the base of the toilet need to be removed before the caps can be taken off.Remove the bolts that connect the tank to the seat.
Step 4: The tank should be removed.
Straddling the bowl, place a hand on either side of the tank's base and lift it off, making sure to bend with your knees.It's a good idea to put it somewhere out of the way as there may be residual water.
Step 5: The seat needs to be removed.
The rest of the toilet can be removed.Lift the toilet off the bolts by breaking the wax seal underneath it.If the bolts are badly rusted and the toilet is getting caught, you may need to cut off as much of them as you can see using a hacksaw.Put the toilet out of the way.
Step 6: Plug the hole.
Plug the hole using an old rag balled up, as you will want to prevent gases from rising into your home and keep tools from disappearing into the floor!When you put the new toilet in place, make sure to remove the rag.
Step 7: The bolts need to be removed.
You will need to pull the old bolts to the side, as they are placed like a nail hanging a picture frame.Remove the old bolts in an appropriate manner.
Step 8: The wax seal needs to be removed.
The old wax seal needs to be removed.A rag, a putty knife, and any other tools can be used.When you are done, wipe it clean.
Step 9: Make sure to inspect the part.
The round plastic or metal circle was under the wax.If it looks damaged, it may need to be replaced.If the original is cracked or damaged, you can buy a new one.
Step 10: The bolts should be replaced.
You can put new bolts into the flange now that it's in good shape.The same way you hang a picture frame, they should go in the long channels.
Step 11: The wax seal needs to be placed.
On top of a towel or padded surface, place the new toilet.The wax seal should be placed over the hole with the plastic or rubber facing out.To get it to stick in place, push it hard into place.
Step 12: The rag needs to be removed.
This is very important.Don't forget to remove the rag.
Step 13: Put the toilet in place.
Attach the anchor bolts to the base of the toilet by lifting it and placing it there.If the toilet came pre-assembled, it will be easier to remove the new tank and put it in the base.
Step 14: The wax ring should be sealed.
If you want to press the bowl downwards, you can either rock it back and forth or sit on the toilet.The new wax ring will be sealed with this.
Step 15: The nuts and washers need to be replaced.
Put the washers and nuts at the base of the toilet.Don't put them on tight right away.To make sure the toilet is level, place a level across the seat and use wood shims underneath the base.Then, tighten the nuts on each side, alternating between the two sides, to make sure the toilet is level.You don't want to crack your new toilet if you tighten the nuts too much.This will cause the seal on the toilet to break if you move it too much.
Step 16: The caps need to be placed.
The caps should be placed on the anchor bolts.You can trim them down with a hacksaw if they are too high.
Step 17: Attach tank bolts and gasket.
Take the new tank and put it on the side.Attach the bolts and washers from the inside of the tank to the gasket at the base.
Step 18: Put the tank in place.
Put the tank on the main part of the toilet to make sure the bolts fit.Attach washers and nuts and tighten them, like you did with the toilet base.Don't make it too tight.
Step 19: The valve assembly needs to be installed.
If the valve assembly is not pre-installed, you will need to install it.You can ask your local hardware store employee for advice if you don't get the right instructions on the packaging.
Step 20: The toilet seat lid and ring needs to be installed.
They need to be secured to the toilet with the appropriate bolts if they weren't already installed.
Step 21: The supply line needs to be connected.
If the water supply line is in good shape, connect it to the new line.
Step 22: The water should be turned back on.
Once the water is on, try to flush a few times.
Step 23: The base of the toilet needs to be caulked.
Carefully caulk around the base of the toilet.You are done once this is dry.You may want to skip this last step.Water can be trapped under the base of the toilet if you have a leaking wax seal or wax ring seal.If the sub-floor is wood it will eventually rot and cause a lot of problems.