How to Remove a Toilet

Granted, this is not something you're going to do on a regular basis, but if you're remodeling, or if you have a problem in the pipe under the toilet that can't be solved with a snake, it helps to know how to safely, and neatly remove the commode, so the bathroom isn't flooded.

The first thing to do, is shut off the water valve, usually found under the left side of the tank.

Next, flush the toilet to empty the bowl and tank. When it is thoroughly drained, use old rags to wipe the bowl and tank dry. If you have iron or other residue in your tank, you might want to wipe it out with newspapers first, to remove most of the gunk.

Now you'll need a ratchet wrench to remove the tank bolts, so you can lift it off the bowl section, and set it aside. When that has been done, lift your trim caps off the bolts around the base of the bowl, and undo the bolts with a wrench.

Remember, the toilet has a wax seal underneath, and will not just lift up off the sewerage pipe underneath. Straddle the bowl with your knees bent to prevent stress on the back, and rock the bowl until the seal breaks, then remove the bowl and lay it on its side, out of the way.

You'll need to remove the old wax seal from the flange (in the floor) and the horn (bottom of toilet bowl). Scrub the horn and flange with steel wool or a brush, then disinfect.

While you are preparing to set a new toilet in place, it is advisable to stuff the sewer pipe opening with old rags, and place a bucket or other container upside down over the top, to avoid gases from escaping.

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