Don’t you think its high time to get rid of that old, inefficient toilet? How long will you depend on it?
If you are a homeowner – it doesn’t matter whether you are a guy or a gal – you can easily learn how to remove an old toilet. No need for plumbers!
So, let’s see how to!
Steps Required:
Step 1:
Remove the water. Begin by shutting off the water supply line’s cutoff valve. Then flush the toilet to get rid of any remaining water in the tank and bowl. Disconnect the water supply line at both the cutoff valve and the toilet tank.
Little tip: You want the toilet and tank to be as dry as possible before removing it, so use a sponge to soak up any water that remains after you flush.
Step 2:
Unplug the cable. Using a wrench, disconnect the supply line. You might wish to use this chance to change the line. If you want to maintain the line, merely disconnect it where it connects to the toilet.
Step 3:
Remove the tank. Remove the nuts from the mounting bolts that secure the tank to the bowl with a ratchet wrench or a basin wrench. There will be one on each side of the tank, and maybe a third in the center. Lift the tank gently away from the basin.
And, remember, remove the tank from the bathroom or place it to the side or wherever it won’t be in the way until it’s turned off.
Step 4:
Take off the floor bolts. Remove the trim caps from the floor bolts. Remove the nuts from the floor bolts with an adjustable wrench. If you are unable to remove the nuts, try spraying them with penetrating oil. If you’re still having trouble, you may need to use a nut splitter or a hacksaw to cut the bolts.
Step 5:
Remove the seal. Under the toilet, a wax ring seals the bottom of the bowl to the end of the drainpipe (called the toilet flange). To break the seal, straddle the toilet and gently rock it from side to side. After that, lift the bowl and set it nearby on its side.
Step 6:
Clean up after yourself. Scrape away the old wax off the toilet flange and the toilet’s bottom using a putty knife. Put the old wax in a bucket and line it with a plastic bag. Using a firm wire brush, clean the flange.
Step 7:
Close the hole. To prevent sewage gases from entering the bathroom, place a cloth inside the toilet flange/drainpipe. Place an upside-down bucket over your rag.
Great! Now, that you’ve finally uninstalled your old toilet, you go to think of how to get rid of it. Yeah, that’s another problem you’ve got to resolve.
Why don’t I help you with that?
Curbside Trash Pickup
To find out if your local solid trash collection provider accepts toilets left on the curb, call or visit their website. Certain providers demand advance warning before carting away an old toilet, while others will just remove it if it is left out on garbage day.
Check to see whether your city offers a program where you can swap in your old, inefficient toilet for a modern, high-efficiency toilet. Some cities also provide subsidies to encourage residents to make the switch.
If necessary, remove all non-porcelain elements. Some services need you to remove all metal and plastic components from your toilet.
Check with the firm ahead of time to determine whether this is required in your location. If this is the case, the non-porcelain pieces include the toilet seat and cover, the tank’s inner plumbing, the handle, and any nuts or screws.
However, if your city does not provide curbside service, transport the toilet to a dump. You may also be requested to transport it to a transfer station, which is a facility that organizes trash before moving it to landfills and frequently handles huge and awkward things that aren’t picked up curbside.