Buy Parts for Replacing Your Toilet
First, choose a day to begin your project when plumbing stores are open. You don't want to find a part needs to be replaced and all the stores are closed. Plumbing emergencies always seem to happen on a Sunday, for some reason. Here are essential parts to buy beforehand:
- A new shut-off valve. Odds are the old one will leak. If you don't know the size (3/8ths or 1/2-inch) buy one of each.
- A braided supply connector that will fit your shut-off valve on one end and the toilet on the other.
- A wax ring or flexible ring. I prefer the flexible because they are virtually indestructible.
Removing the Old Toilet
Get plenty of rags to wipe up spilled water. Assemble all your tools, and secure pets in another room. You don't want them poking their noses into the hole in the floor, huffing methane (it's toxic to pets and humans).
- Turn off your water at the main, and turn off the shut-off valve.
- Flush the toilet to drain the tank.
- Remove excess water from the toilet bowl (a turkey baster works great for this!)
- Remove the toilet tank by unscrewing the bolts holding the tank to the bowl.
- Unscrew the connector from the shut-off valve.
- Remove the bolts holding the toilet to the floor.
- Lift the toilet and set it upside down on towels (the living room is an excellent place).
- Clean leftover wax from the hole in the floor.
If you're replacing the floor or otherwise not installing your new toilet right away, stuff a rag in the hole in the floor. This will prevent sewer gas from escaping.
Installing the New Toilet
If your new toilet is one piece, there is nothing to attach but the lid and toilet seat. If it's a two-piece, it's easier to assemble the parts in place.
- Remove the old shut-off valve, wrap a piece of teflon tape around the pipe and screw on the new shut-off valve. Tighten an extra 1/4 turn with a wrench.
- Flip the toilet over and install the wax ring or the flexible ring. Flexible rings may come in two sizes, so check that it fits.
- Set the toilet in place. Use a level and shims, if necessary. Rock it or sit on it until it is snug.
- Replace the bolts through the toilet base to the floor. Do not over-tighten or you may crack the china.
- Put a small amount of plumbers putty inside the bolt caps and push them into place.
- Wrap teflon tape around the shut-off valve and attach the flexible connector to the shut-off valve.
- If it's a tank and bowl system, attach the tank using washers, bolts and nuts. Do not over-tighten.
- Attach the flexible connector to the tank and hand-tighten. Do not over tighten.
- Connect the chain to the flapper and handle inside the tank.
- Turn the main water on and slowly turn on the shut-off valve to let the toilet fill with water. Check for leaks and tighten if necessary.
- Caulk the bottom of the toilet to the floor, leaving the back exposed. This will ensure that you will notice future leaks, if any.
Tip: Sometimes the bolts are rusted on older toilets. You may need to saw them off.
