Removing a Toilet; Home Improvment

When your toilet is out of date or your updating your bathroom, replacing the toilet can be huge barrier for the do-it-yourself home improver. This particular bathroom is in desperate need of an update.

Step 1: You Will Need...

The tools you need...
-crescent wrench/pliers

Optional tools...
-gloves (promoting cleanliness)
-plastic grocery bags
-paint scraper (for scraping wax seal)

Comments

[adambrow]

Make life much easier. Get some LiquiLock from home depot. It solidifies the water in the bottom of the toilet so you can remove it without the water spilling all over. when done with repairs it flushes down! great product!

[carnivalesque]

Thanks for this! And thanks to the commenter below who suggested plunging the excess water out.

We're doing this tomorrow and while I know the other folks helping know more or less how it goes, it's good not to feel totally useless. :) Replacing with a high efficiency American Standard (I can't remember what model)!

[PaleoPunk]

Good Luck! High efficiency toilets are good.

[glenm]

if you use a plunger you can push all the water down the toilet. there is no need to scoop the water out or use a sponge. just place the plunger in trying to create a seal then push it down quickly. repeat untill all the water is gone.

[PaleoPunk]

Thanks! That is so much more sanitary!

[dchall8]

Since you started this topic, I'd like to put in a plug for the new designs in high efficiency toilets. I believe it was Toto who started this with their high efficiency designs. Since then they have been left in the dust by American Standard, Kohler, Gerber, and many others. Check this resource, for details of the hundreds of high efficiency models on the market today.  You can find them at the big box stores if you know what you're looking for. 

I have had an American Standard Cadet 3 model since 2007 and am very happy with it.  Back then it cost me $150 including the seat.  It flushes in 3 seconds, and the tank refills in 30 seconds. There is no swirling like old designs.  The flush is not the quietest in the world, but it is not bad at all.  In fact the flush is over so fast you don't notice if it was noisy or not. 

I suggest that if you have a toilet that might require a plumber visit this year, you'll save money if you get a new one (follow this Instructable). 

[PaleoPunk]

Thanks for the reference! I am definitely going to replace the old toilet with a high efficiency model.

[paleotool]

Great start! I can't wait to see the new installation.

[bruc33ef]

Excellent! Eagerly awaiting the next installment.