How to Remove a Toilet

Toilet removal might sound like a challenging task — even for a DIY plumber who’s tackled numerous at-home jobs in the past. However, with the right tools and clear instructions, there's no reason you can't remove a toilet or replace it on your own. Learn more about how to remove a toilet so you can get your bathroom back in working order.

When Should You Remove a Toilet?

There are several reasons you might need to remove a toilet. Common ones include:

• Persistent leaks
• Visible cracks in the porcelain
• A foreign object lodged in the drain trap that requires removal from the bottom
• Remodeling projects that require a new fixture
• Upgrading to a water-efficient or dual-flush toilet

You might be able to repair some of these problems, but in most cases, you’ll probably need a toilet replacement. If you’re still uncertain whether you should remove your toilet, learn more about the signs that you need to replace your toilet.

What Do You Need to Remove a Toilet?

Before you can start taking out a toilet, gather the necessary tools and supplies to make the process smoother.

• Adjustable wrench
• Bucket
• Sponge or towels
• Putty knife
• Utility knife
• Hacksaw (if needed for stubborn bolts)
• PB Blaster or WD-40 for rusty nuts and bolts
• Rags
• Rubber gloves
• Plumber’s tape
• Newspaper or cardboard (to place the old toilet on)

Having everything ready will help you avoid unnecessary delays once you start working.

Step-by-Step: How to Remove a Toilet Safely

Ready to learn how to uninstall a toilet? Here are the main steps you’ll need to follow.

Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply and Drain the Tank

First, turn off the toilet's water supply. You can do this by:

• Locating the shut-off valve near the base of the toilet
• Turning it clockwise

Next, flush the toilet several times to remove the standing water from the bowl and tank. Scoop out any remaining water, and sponge both the tank and the bowl dry. If you have a wet-dry shop vacuum, you can use it instead to remove any remaining water.

Step 2: Disconnect the Water Supply Line

Using an adjustable wrench, carefully unscrew the water supply line from the bottom of the tank. Place a towel underneath to catch any residual water. If the line is old or damaged, consider replacing it while the toilet is removed.

Step 3: Unbolt and Remove the Toilet

Removing a toilet from the floor involves these steps:

• Remove the decorative caps covering the flange bolts at the toilet’s base.
• Use a wrench to loosen and remove the nuts. If they are rusted or stuck, penetrating oil can help. You may need to use a hacksaw to cut the bolts if that doesn’t work.
• Gently rock the toilet back and forth to break the wax seal.
• Lift the toilet straight up and place it on the prepared newspaper or cardboard.

Step 4: Remove the Wax Ring and Clean the Flange

Scrape wax from the broken seal on the toilet flange (which is on the floor). Do this quickly, as the toilet flange connects to the sewer pipe, which emits gas.

Once the wax is gone, use a stiff wire brush to clean the flange. This ensures your new toilet will have a good seal.

Step 5: Cover the Drain Opening

To prevent sewer gas from smelling up your home, stuff an old, oversized rag into the opening of the pipe but don’t let it fall into the pipe. Cover it with an inverted bucket until you're ready to install your new toilet.

How to Get Rid of a Toilet After Removal

Disconnecting your toilet was just the beginning. Now you have to get rid of the toilet after you remove it. Depending on your location, options include:

• Curbside bulk pickup: Some municipalities offer this service.
• Recycling centers: Many accept porcelain toilets for repurposing.
• Donations: If your toilet is still in good condition, consider donating it to a local charity or reuse center.

Always handle an old toilet with care to avoid injury.

Planning to Replace Your Toilet? Here’s What to Know

If you're replacing your toilet, you have many different types of toilets to consider. If you’re seeking efficiency, two of the most popular ones include:

• Dual-flush toilets. These provide two flushing options — one light flush for liquid waste and a stronger flush for solids — to conserve water. Other benefits are that they’re affordable and easy to install.
• Low-flow toilets. They meet EPA WaterSense standards at just 1.28 gallons-per-flush (vs. the standard 1.6 gpf), saving thousands of gallons per year. These are well-engineered toilets with a surprisingly powerful flush.

Before purchasing and installing a new toilet, measure the rough-in distance. This is the space from the wall to the center of the drainpipe. An accurate rough-in measurement ensures your new toilet will fit properly and is crucial to know if you want to move your toilet at all. Standard rough-in distances are 12 inches, but some older homes may have 10 or 14-inch rough-ins. When installing a new toilet, be careful not to overtighten the bolts. One of the most common mistakes DIYers make is cracking the porcelain by overtightening the flange bolts or the bolts that connect the tank to the bowl. 

Taking Off a Toilet Is Easier With Professional Help

While removing a toilet is a doable DIY project, installing a new one requires careful alignment and sealing to prevent leaks. You’ll need to make sure you have all your supplies, disconnect the water supply correctly, and unbolt the toilet without causing damage. It’s also important to be careful when lifting heavy porcelain — you could damage your bathroom, or worse, hurt yourself.

If you're unsure about removing a toilet yourself, Roto-Rooter plumbing professionals are available to help with expert toilet removal, repair, and installation — even for commercial customers. Contact us today for reliable service!