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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Replace Your Leaking Toilet in 3 Simple Steps

1/12/2021 (Permalink)

Plumber replacing broken toilet in a washroom Installing a new leak-free toilet

Follow The Steps Below and Avoid Mishaps

A leaking toilet can result in structural damage to your home; sometimes, they even require a water damage restoration specialist. But that doesn't have to happen. Tackling the problem early can help you avoid damage and more extensive repairs later on. Luckily, it only requires a few tools and some basic DIY skills to replace an old toilet.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Toilet repair is something that pretty much every homeowner will have to handle at some point, so you will want to have the right tools for the job. Here's what you'll want to have on hand to replace a leaking toilet:

  • Adjustable wrench
  • Both Phillips and slotted screwdrivers
  • Small hacksaw
  • Putty knife
  • Bucket
  • Large rag or piece of cardboard

Step 2: Remove the Existing Toilet
Once you have the right tools together, you can begin to address the offending toilet. Using the shut off valve, turn off the water. Flush the toilet to drain most of the tank and scoop whatever remains into a bucket or nearby drain.
Carefully uncover the bolts attaching the bowl to the floor. Using the adjustable wrench, loosen and remove the nuts. Lift the bowl straight up and off the bolts, then scrape the excess wax from the bottom. Place it off to the side on a large piece of cardboard or a heavy towel. Remove any wax remaining around the toilet flange.

Step 3: Install the New One
Now comes the fun part: Installing your new leak-free toilet. Install an appropriate replacement wax ring onto the flange. Note that the closet bolts are installed into the gasket. Place the bowl of your toilet over the bolts and press gently to seat it. Tighten the nuts evenly until it is firmly secured and trim off the excess bolt length with the hacksaw. Now you can install a new water supply line to the shutoff valve and toilet supply, then flush the toilet a few times to check for leaks.
Replacing a leaking toilet is a straightforward process that many homeowners in Palmer Township, PA, can accomplish. Be sure to use patience and follow the steps carefully to avoid any mishaps.

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