Photo by Edgardo Lagmay on Unsplash
Nothing dates a bathroom like an old toilet. Not only have toilets advanced significantly in the past 10-15 years. Older toilets often develop hard water stains and porcelain scratches that show their age.
Fortunately, replacing a toilet is one of the most straightforward home improvement projects you can do. And it's relatively inexpensive for a DIY toilet replacement. Here's how it's done.
Some of these items will come with a toilet. So see what's in the box before you buy separately.
Before you do, turn off the water supply on the wall behind the toilet. Flush the toilet to empty the remaining water. Then while wearing gloves, use your sponge and towel to sop up any liquid left behind in the bowl and the tank behind the bowl.
If the toilet's tank can separate from the bowl, remove it first for a lighter lift. You only need the hack saw if the bolts are rusted solid. Otherwise, you just need a wrench.
Put the dirty toilet in a big plastic bag and take it outside for now.
Stick an old hand towel gently into the mouth of the hole left behind to block sewer gasses floating into your house. *Pro tip* Don't use a washcloth. You may lose it. If it falls down your drain, you may need a plumber to get it out.
Next, use your putty knife to carve out the old wax around the hole in the floor. It's soft, so this is easy on the hands, but it may take a little while to dig it all out.
Remove the old closet bolts and the flange if needed. They're cheap to replace.
Lay down your new flange and place your bolts pointing up. These will secure the base of your toilet. Tightening down washers over the bolts holds the bolts in place, so it will be easier to slide your toilet over the top.
Next, soften the wax ring with warm water. And then fit it around the drain on the underside of the toilet. Don't forget to remove the towel from the pipe before going further.
Carefully lower the bowl of the toilet over the bolts. Press down firmly to strengthen the wax seal. Then fasten the bolts on the bowl and tank. Hook up the water, tighten, and watch as the tank fills ready to shut it off the hose leaks. Tighten it.
And you've just replaced your toilet. Don't forget to follow our blog for more helpful home tips.
“I sell your home like it's mine”
A licensed real estate salesperson since 2016, Rob is affiliated with the Briarcliff Manor office of Corcoran Legends Realty. He serves buyers, sellers, renters, in Westchester, Rockland, and Putnam counties. Rob, a native of New York and Westchester County for most of his life, brings an extensive local knowledge of both residential and commercial properties to the table. His experience includes a wide range of property types – single-family, multi-family, condos and mixed use. “Hard to sell” properties is where Rob really excels. “There’s no problem that cannot be solved.”
Rob is certified for many different disciplines in real estate. Cartus Relocation Network Agent, AARP Agent, National Tenants Network (NTN) Agent, Green certified and Pricing Strategies Master. In addition, Rob has completed the Leader’s Edge Advanced training to better serve his clients. Rob has been both associate of the month and top closed dollar agent.
When you work with Rob, you get the feeling you’re his only client. Numbers don’t count, you do. Clients always come first. Each transaction is handled as if it were his own home. Rob strives to make the process as seamless as possible and takes care of all the details, no matter how small. His clients rave about his above-and-beyond service and prompt informative communication. Rob is easy going, friendly, and patient. However he can be a determined and aggressive negotiator when the need arises.
When not out actively working on behalf of his clients, Rob spends time with his wife and two teenage daughters. A devoted supporter of community he sits on several local boards and volunteers for numerous locale nonprofit organizations. He enjoys cycling, hiking, kayaking and winter skiing.
“May your price be right, and your sale be swift!”