What You Need
An adjustable wrench, a putty knife, a sponge and bucket, old towels, gloves, a rag to plug the drain, and a helper if you can get one. A standard toilet weighs 60 to 100 pounds.
Step by Step
1. Shut off the water. Turn the supply valve behind the toilet clockwise until it stops. 2. Empty the tank and bowl. Flush and hold the handle down to drain as much as possible, then sponge out the rest into the bucket. 3. Disconnect the supply line. Loosen the nut where the supply line meets the tank. Keep a towel underneath for drips. 4. Remove the tank (optional but easier). Unscrew the bolts that hold the tank to the bowl and lift the tank off. Two lighter pieces are easier to carry than one. 5. Take off the floor bolt caps and nuts. Pop off the caps at the base and unscrew the nuts. If they are rusted, a little penetrating oil or a small hacksaw blade helps. 6. Rock the toilet loose. Gently rock the bowl side to side to break the wax seal, then lift it straight up and set it on towels. 7. Plug the drain. Stuff a rag into the open floor drain right away. It keeps sewer gas out and stops tools or bolts from falling in. 8. Scrape off the old wax. Use the putty knife to clear the flange so it is ready for a new wax ring and toilet.
Before You Install a New Toilet
Check the flange for cracks or rust. A broken flange should be repaired or replaced before the new toilet goes on, or it will leak. Always use a new wax ring (or a wax-free seal): never reuse the old one.
How to Get Rid of the Old Toilet
- City bulk pickup: many cities collect toilets on bulk-trash days.
- Recycling: some areas crush porcelain toilets for road base or aggregate. Ask your local transfer station.
- Plumber or installer haul-away: if a pro installs the new toilet, ask them to take the old one.
- Dumpster: if the toilet is part of a bigger bathroom remodel, it can go in with the rest of the debris. A 10 yard dumpster starts at $495 all-in.
