Removing an Old Toilet

Although that pink toilet might have been the epitome of style back in 1955, these days it just stands out like a sore thumb. What’s worse, these old toilets use much more water than newer toilets, costing you money in water bills. Luckily, removing an old toilet is easier than you think and, best of all, you don’t even need to call a plumber. Read more about how to replace toilet seat and how to replace toilet wax ring.

Turn off The Water

An obvious step, but still nonetheless missed by some newbie plumbers. The water for your toilet is provided by a water supply valve, either mounted on the floor or the wall behind your toilet. Rotate the knob on the end of the supply valve to the right in order to cut the water supply.

Remove the Water from the Old Toilet Tank

Removing the toilet tank at this point would result in a bathroom floor full of water. Get rid of the water in the tank by pressing down on the handle to flush the toilet. Continue holding on the handle as you flush to allow all the water inside to exit. Use a sponge and towel to wipe up any water remaining inside.

Remove the Tank

Place another dry towel on the floor underneath the tank. Unscrew the tank nuts from the underside of the tank with an adjustable wrench. Locate the inlet on the underside of the tank where the water supply valve or hose is connected. Loosen the coupling at this end with a pair of pliers. Some water may run out of the tank, but that’s what the towel is there for. You can read more about toilet tank repairs here.

Loosen the Bowl

Pry off the two plastic caps at the base of the toilet to reveal the flange bolts. Loosen the nuts with the adjustable wrench. Pull off the flange washers and set aside.

Take a sharp utility knife and run it around the edge of the caulk holding the bowl in place on the floor. Rock the bowl back and forth gently to release it from the caulk and wax seal. Lift the bowl up and off the flange.

Final Steps

Stuff a rag or old newspaper into the flange opening. This will help prevent sewer gases from escaping. Open a window or turn on the extractor fan. Remove the old flange bolts by sliding them out of the flange. Scrape up any old wax with a putty knife. Clean up the wax remnants with a rag and isopropyl alcohol.