Mr. Rooter tech repairing toilet.

Few things in a home are as important as a toilet. When yours stops working well and nothing seems to fix it, you need to get a replacement. But if you haven’t done much plumbing work on your own, something as big as installing a toilet can be intimidating.

Fortunately, we can help you with a toilet replacement project. In this article, we’ll walk through some common reasons to replace a toilet and explain how toilet replacement works:

Reasons to Replace or Install a Toilet

There are plenty of signs that your toilet is on its way out. Here are a few signs that it’s time to replace your existing toilet:

  • Frequent clogs: Clogs are annoying no matter the cause. But if you’re constantly dealing with a stopped up toilet, then something may be wrong with your appliance. If your toilet clogs more than once a week, especially when it seems it shouldn’t, it’s time for a new one.
  • Wobbling: A wobbling toilet may not seem like a big deal, but it can quickly lead to problems. Before deciding to replace it, check to make sure the screws still fit tightly. If they are loose, screw the toilet back into the floor. If that still doesn’t fix the problem, then you need to replace the toilet before more damage occurs.
  • Cracks in the toilet: Cracks in your toilet can let wastewater and other contaminants make their way into your bathroom. If you notice any cracks, you can test to see if the bowl is leaking by putting dye in the water and seeing if it comes through the cracks. A crack may not require immediate attention but should be dealt with quickly.
  • Extreme age: If you moved into an older home with the original toilet, then it might be time to upgrade. Older toilets tend to be less comfortable and lack the flushing power of modern toilets. Additionally, modern toilets may have different flush settings that can help you save on your water bill.
  • Poor flushing performance: Toilets that don’t flush well are a huge nuisance. If yours lacks flushing power, or you notice that it’s causing your water bill to go up significantly, then it’s time to swap in a new toilet.

Toilet Replacement: DIY or Hire a Pro?

It’s no surprise that many people wonder if they can install the new toilet themselves. While it is technically possible, installing a toilet on your own can lead to serious problems down the line, like leaks. You can even break your new toilet while attempting to install it.

In general, we strongly recommend hiring a professional when you decide to replace your toilet. They can ensure it gets installed correctly and in one piece.

How to Replace a Toilet

If you are planning to replace a toilet on your own, here are the basic steps you’ll need to do:

  1. Remove water from the existing toilet by turning off the water supply line and then flushing out the tank. Absorb any leftover water in the tank with a sponge.
  2. Disconnect the water supply line, unscrew the nuts from the bottom of the tank, and remove the tank from the bowl.
  3. Remove the bowl by loosening the bolts that hold the toilet bowl to the floor. 
  4. Remove the old wax ring with a putty knife. Place a rag in the exposed hole to prevent sewer gasses from rising into your home.
  5. Replace or repair the old flange by removing any leftover wax and then using a repair kit to ensure the flange sits just a little higher than the floor. 
  6. Add new closet bolts into the slots on the flange.
  7. Add the new wax ring by setting the toilet upside down on a towel. Run warm water over the wax ring to soften it then press it onto the toilet outlet.
  8. Remove the rag from the drain and place the toilet bowl upright. Slide the closet bolts through the holes in your toilet base. Avoid tilting and rocking the toilet into place as this can damage the wax ring and the bowl.
  9. Add cap bases, washers, and nuts to the exposed portion of the closet bolt. Alternate tightening them on each side to avoid uneven pressure and be careful not to tighten so much that the toilet cracks. Once the toilet is in place, remove the excess bolt portion with a hacksaw.
  10. Install the bolts that will affix the tank to the bowl, then install a rubber gasket onto the base of the tank.
  11. Set the tank in place and use a wrench to tighten the nuts on the bolts until the tank is firmly secured. Make sure not to overtighten the nuts as that can crack the toilet.
  12. Hook up the water supply line and turn it on.
  13. Flush the toilet to ensure it does not leak in any place.
  14. Install the seat using a screwdriver.

Call Neighborly for Help with Your Toilet Work

Installing a new toilet or replacing an old toilet takes a lot of work. If you’re not confident in your ability to install a new toilet, there’s no need to fret. Neighborly service providers have years of experience helping people with all their home projects. When you need to hire someone to remodel your bathroom, turn to us!

Call (855) 217-8437 to learn more about our network of home service providers and how they can help you maintain, repair, and enhance your home today!