Part One: Replacing the Toilet

Changing out a toilet is a simple home improvement project. You don’t have to be a master handyman to get the job done. To replace a toilet, you need to allow a minimum of two and a maximum of four hours. Whatever kind of toilet you’re installing as a replacement, strictly adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

I will presume that you’ve found a suitable toilet for your home and bought it by now. First, you’ll need to switch off the water supply to the toilet and flush it several times to empty the tank. Keep pressing the button until the last drop of water has been drained. To prevent water from leaking out of the tank, dry it off using towels or a small container.

For the next step, get a small bucket or bowl. Using a wrench on the coupling nut, disconnect the water supply from the toilet tank. I’m assuming that the water line there is flexible rather than made of copper. Put the water that drips out into the bucket.

The old toilet may be taken out of the house now. Find out if your model requires removing the tank before removing the bowl. Remember that toilets are heavy, so a handyman knows when to ask for help. Two lengthy bolts are typically used to secure the toilet tank to the bowl. The fastener nuts for these screws can be found underneath the flange at the back of the bowl. These are not always convenient to access. Once you’ve got the bolts out of the way, lifting the toilet bowl tank is a breeze.

The next step is to take the bowl out of the toilet. Two hold-down bolts and nuts are typically used to secure the bowl to the floor, and snap-off plastic covers typically conceal them. There can be as many as four fasteners inside a toilet bowl. First, pry off the plastic covers and loosen the bolt nuts. To break the bowl’s seal with the floor, gently shake it back and forth and to the side. When working with porcelain or ceramic, exercise caution.

After the bowl has been loosened and the seal has been broken (the seal can be cut with a knife), the bowl can be removed from the flange and the screws and taken outside or wherever it is temporarily stored. Hold the bowl at a level angle to prevent any remaining water from splashing out. A pair of extra hands (or assistance) may be needed if the tank is or remains linked to the bowl when the toilet is in use. You may hurt your back lifting these.

To prevent water from leaking out of the toilet, store towels, or anything similar in the flange opening. This will prevent sewer gases from entering the home and debris from entering the soil pipe. You should also think about donning some disposable gloves.

First, this is the first installment of a two-part series on replacing a toilet. Disclaimer: Always exercise caution when working near running water or live wires at home. Avoid costly harm by checking in with a pro as necessary; your scenario may call for a different approach than outlined here.

The author of this piece has written for a wide range of publications. You can see more of his work at [http://www.nosetrimmerreviews.com/Panasonic-Wet-Dry-Nose-and-Ear-Hair-Trimmer-ER421KC.php], where you can also read a review of a Panasonic nose trimmer.

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