So unless you have someone else to help, it’s easier to disconnect the tank from the bowl and remove each piece separately. While toilets can be removed in one piece, they can be heavy and awkward to handle. Remove Toilet Flange Bolts: After the penetrating oil has been given time to work, remove the toilet flange nuts by turning them counterclockwise with a ratcheting socket or closed end wrench.If you plan to replace the supply line, use a wrench to disconnect the supply line from the shutoff valve as well. Have a pan or small bucket handy to catch any water in the supply line. Disconnect Water Supply Line: Use an open end or adjustable wrench to unscrew the supply line fitting from the tank by turning the supply line coupling nut counterclockwise.

Spray the flange nuts and bolts with penetrating oil and allow the oil to soak in. Use a flathead screwdriver to remove the caps on the toilet flange bolts. Lubricate Toilet Flange Bolts: The toilet flange bolts, which hold the toilet to the floor, often become corroded and frozen over time.The next step is to disconnect the water supply line and remove the bolts holding the toilet to the floor. If your idea of a good time isn’t sponging water out of a toilet bowl, you can drop a packet of LiquiLock (available at home centers) in the bowl to turn the remaining water into a gel. Remove Remaining Water: Wear rubber gloves and use a sponge and bucket to remove any remaining water in the bowl and tank. Watch our video on How to Drain a Toilet to see how it’s done.

The fast movement of the water down the drain creates a partial vacuum that sucks most of the water in the bowl down with it. If your toilet doesn’t have a shutoff valve, you will need to turn off all the water to the house where the water line enters the house or at the water meter.įlush Toilet: After turning off the water, flush the toilet and hold the handle down to remove as much of the water in the tank as possible.ĭrain Bowl: Fill a bucket up with water, and pour it rapidly into the bowl. Turn off Water: Find the water line shutoff valve located below the toilet and turn it to the right (clockwise) as far as it will go.

Start by draining as much water as possible out of the toilet tank and bowl, then sponge out the rest.

How to install toilet tank bolts