Tools & Materials
Adjustable wrench, bucket & sponge/towels, utility knife, flat putty knife, hacksaw (if bolts are stuck), new closet bolts, new wax ring or wax-free seal, optional shims, new braided supply hose, caulk & caulk gun, gloves.
1) Shut Off & Drain
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Turn the shutoff valve clockwise.
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Flush to empty the tank and bowl. Sponge out remaining water into a bucket.
2) Disconnect Water
- Unscrew the supply hose from the tank (keep the bucket under it).
3) Remove the Old Toilet
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Pop the bolt caps at the base; loosen nuts. If corroded, cut bolts with a hacksaw.
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If it’s a two-piece toilet, lift the tank off first (two bolts underneath), then the bowl.
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Gently rock the bowl to break the wax seal and lift it straight up.
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Stuff a rag in the drain to block sewer gas and dropped hardware.
4) Clean & Inspect the Flange
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Scrape off all old wax with a putty knife.
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Check the flange: replace broken closet bolts; use a repair ring if cracked or not level.
5) Dry-Fit & Level
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Set the new bowl in place without the seal to check alignment and see if shims are needed. Mark positions. Lift it back off.
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Place new closet bolts in the flange slots at 3 and 9 o’clock.
6) Set the Seal
- Press a new wax ring (or wax-free seal) onto the bowl outlet (“horn”).
Tip: Warm wax slightly for better compression.
7) Set the Bowl
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Remove the rag from the drain.
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Lower the bowl straight down, guiding bolts through the holes. Sit and press firmly to compress the seal—don’t twist.
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Insert shims as needed to eliminate wobble.
8) Secure the Bowl
- Add washers/nuts and tighten alternately, a little at a time until snug. Don’t over-tighten (porcelain can crack). Trim bolt excess; snap on caps.
9) Install the Tank (for two-piece models)
- Fit the tank-to-bowl gasket, set the tank, insert bolts with rubber washers inside the tank, and tighten evenly until stable (hand-snug + a bit).
10) Connect Water
- Attach a new braided supply hose from valve to tank. Open the valve slowly and let the tank fill.
11) Test & Tweak
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Flush several times. Check for leaks at: base, supply connections, and tank bolts. Slightly tighten if needed.
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If you must lift the bowl again, use a brand-new wax ring—never reuse.
12) Caulk & Finish
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Run a bead of caulk around the base leaving a small gap at the back (leak detection).
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Install the seat and tidy up.
In Conclusion
Replacing a toilet is more about patience than muscle: shut off water, keep things clean and level, and tighten gently. With a fresh seal, solid bolts, and careful leak checks, you’ll have a rock-steady, drip-free toilet that looks and works like new—plus the quiet pride of knowing you did it yourself.
et pride of knowing you did it yourself.
