Do-It-Yourself Plumbing Tips from a Master Plumber

Nine Steps on How to Replace a Toilet

Step 1: Shut off the water supply valve.

Step 2: Remove the lid and place it in a safe area (we recommend placing it on a towel or rug on the floor and out of the way as Porcelain toilet lids are very fragile).

Step 3: Flush the toilet, holding the flush lever down until water stops draining from the toilet tank.

Step 4: Pump out the remaining water in the toilet tank and bowl with the transfer pump.

Step 5: Remove the toilet supply line, bolt covers, nuts, and washers.

Step 6: Pull the toilet and place it in a heavy-duty trash bag.

Step 7: Scrape wax off the flange and inspect it for cracks. If it is cracked, the flange needs to be repaired or replaced.

Step 8: Follow the instructions that came with the new toilet to assemble the new toilet, tank gaskets, and seat. 

Step 9: Install a wax ring on the bottom of the toilet around the drain.