Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
So it's time to replace your toilet... I know, it's probably not your favorite job, but hey,
it's easier than you think.
To start, most new toilets come in standard sizes that can be easily swapped out. But,
if you're in an older home it's a good idea to check first.
Just measure the distance between the closet bolts and the wall—not the trim, the wall—to
make sure it'll fit. And for tight spaces, measure to the side walls. Take these measurements
to Lowe's to make sure you get a toilet that fits your bathroom.
Once you have your new toilet you can pull out the old one. Now we've been remodeling
this bathroom. We took out our old toilet before we removed the old tile. Here's what
to do.
Turn off the water supply. Then flush and hold the handle to drain the water from the
tank. The little bit of water left in the bowl can be removed with a plastic cup or
sponge. Next, disconnect the water supply from the tank, and remove the nuts from the
closet bolts.
Now the old toilet is ready to come out. You can set it in a garbage bag before you take
it away. With the toilet gone, place a rag in the drain to block sewer gases. Then use
a putty knife to clean off the old wax ring. If the closet *** is rusted, replace it.
Ok, now it's time to install the new toilet. Insert new closet bolts in the *** if you
haven't already. To prep the bowl, gently set it upside-down on a cloth and lightly
press a new wax ring over the outlet.
Ready for installation. Now you can remove the rag from the drain.
Line up the toilet with the bolts and lower it. Press down around the toilet to seal it
against the drain. Make sure it's square to the wall.
Place the cap base, washers, and nuts on the closet bolts. Tighten them, but not too tight,
you might crack the toilet. Alternate between each side as you go. If the closet bolts are
too long for the caps, carefully cut them with a hacksaw, then put on the caps.
Bowl's in. Now with two-piece toilets, the tank goes on in almost no time at all. Most
new toilets have the flush assembly and handle installed, but if yours doesn't now is the
time to do it. Then, install the bolts and rubber gasket. Set the tank in place and secure
it with the nuts. Just hand tighten them for now. Check that it's level, then tighten the
nuts just enough to make a watertight seal.
We're in the home stretch. Install the flush handle according to the directions. Connect
the water supply and slowly turn on the water. Check for leaks around the supply lines and
gasket, and make adjustments if you need to. Then attach the seat. Flush the toilet a few
times and look for leaks around the base. Seal around the base with latex caulk.
Set the top on the tank—and you're done. That wasn't so bad.
We've still got some work to do in this bathroom, so be sure to check out the other remodeling
videos at Lowes.com/HowTo.