TOILET INSTALLATION – PART 1 – REMOVING THE OLD ONE
Topics:
– Before getting a new toilet, take measurements
– Drain water and close water supply
– Remove the closets bolts and seal
– Remove the old toilet
– Deal with the closet flange
HOW TO INSTALL / REPLACE TOILET
Replacing an old toilet can be messy and hard. If you do not feel comfortable working with a plumbing tools and equipment leave it to professionals. SUPER MARIO PLUMBING Specialists can do provide you professional service regarding this and other plumbing jobs, call us we will be happy to help you or provide you with more information.
Before getting a new toilet, take measurements
If you want to replace your old toilet, it is obvious you need to get new toilet. But be aware, not all the toilets are same dimensions. Make sure to check dimensions of toilet base and its distance from the back wall. Also based on dimensions of old toilet make sure that new toilet will give you enough clearance on the left and right hand side. Only after this, you go to store to buy new toilet.
Drain water and close water supply
Remove top lid form the water tank.
Turn off the water supply valve.
Flush the toilet by holding down the handle, till water drains completely.
Little bit of water will be left in the closet, remove it with small cup or sponge.
Disconnect water supply line from the toilet tank and drain rest of the water and hose (between valve and toilet) into bucket.
Remove the closets bolts and seal
We do not suggest to separate tank from the closet because there are rusty and if possible, its better idea to remove them all together. Before that remove closet bolts. First remove bolt caps on the closet base.
Remove nuts form the closet bolts.
Some closet might be sealed to the floor, so use utility knife to cut away the seal.
Remove the old toilet
Now the old toilet is ready to come out. First gently rock the toilet to free it from the sealing then pull it out verticaly first to come off the bolts and then remove it.
It is better if you have someone to help you because toilet is made of ceramic and it is quite heavy and not easy to manipulate alone. Also if you accidentally drop it, it can make quite a mess.
Deal with the closet flange
After removing a toilet, plug the drain with the old towel or rag to block suwer gases.
Remove old wax ring with a putty knife. If the closet flange is rusted and deteriorated, replace it. In such case you will need to have a higher level of skills so, maybe its better to call the professionals in.
