How To Replace a Leaking Toilet

6/27/2022 (Permalink)

How do you know when it’s time to replace a leaking toilet?

How do you know when it’s time to replace a leaking toilet? If you see water stains on the floor around the base of your toilet, or if you experience an open-drain smell or a moving seat when you sit, you may need to replace the toilet.
This is a simple toilet repair, and anyone can do it. Local water damage restoration experts in Medical District, NV, recommend fixing water leaks promptly to prevent expensive repairs to your home’s floors and ceilings.

Five Steps To Replace a Toilet

You’ll need a few tools: a wrench, a putty knife, an old towel, a sponge and a bucket. Gather your tools, then follow these simple steps to replace your toilet.

1. Shut Off Water
Usually, there is a shut-off valve next to the leaking toilet. If not, there will be one in the basement.

2. Drain Water 
Flush the toilet to empty the bowl and the tank. There will be residual water in the tank; use a sponge to soak it up. Get the tank as dry as possible.

3. Remove Toilet
Closet bolts hold the toilet in place. They’re under those little plastic caps by the floor. Remove the covers, then remove the nuts from the closet bolts.
Rock the old toilet back and forth to break the seal underneath. Lift the leaking toilet up off the bolts and set it aside on your old towel.

4. Set New Seal and Toilet
Remove the old wax gasket from the flange (the metal ring around the drain), and scrape off as much of the residual wax as possible.
Place a new wax gasket down, centered on the flange. Set the new toilet on top of the gasket and press down. Replace the nuts on the closet bolts. Sit on the toilet and shift your weight to settle the toilet into the wax seal. Tighten the bolts again.

5. Reconnect Water Supply
Attach water supply line to new toilet, turn the water back on and test for leaks.