Toilet Replacement

We use them everyday and some would argue it is the important appliance in the home. My Handy Neighbour replaces toilets every week in Vancouver, here are the steps we recommend for toilet replacement.

My Handy Neighbour - Toilet Replacement Steps

• Measure the distance from the center of the toilet to either wall and confirm that you have at least 15” for code

• Measure the distance from the back of the tank to the existing toilet center to make sure you can use a new toilet based on the current installation

  • If you don’t have 12 to 12 ½” you will need a plumber to move the flange location

• Turn off the water behind the toilet and remove the flex water line

  • If you have a plastic water line replace it with a flex line for durability

  • Do not use the same plastic water line for a new installation

• Drain the water from the back of the tank by flushing and removing the small amount of water with a sponge

• Remove the water in the toilet bowl with a sponge

• Remove the plastic caps that cover the fastening bolts at the base of the toilet

• Unscrew the fastening bolts

  • If the bolts spin you will need to cut them off with a reciprocal saw or small metal saw

• Detach the upper tank from the main body of the toilet to make it lighter

  • If the old toilet is a one piece get help this will be heavy

  • Once off the wax seal, dispose of the wax and the toilet at the local dump

• Install the new wax seal and install the new anchoring bolts into the black plastic flange

  • Some flanges will drop after a few years and you can purchase risers to raise up the wax seal to keep the bond on to the bottom of the toilet

• Drop the new toilet onto the bolts and use your body weight to compress the wax seal

• Fasten down the toilet with a crescent wrench and cut off the tops of the fastening bolts to install the plastic cover caps

• Connect the water line to the back of the toilet with a flex line

• Turn on the water and watch the back of the tank fill up

• Test the toilet to make sure the tank is filling and the water drains properly

  • If your installing a low flow toilet test it at least 5 times before leaving it overnight

  • Note, floats can get stuck and the water will continuously run

• This replacement should take 2-3 hour

My Handy Neighbour Toilet Replacement

My Handy Neighbour is a Vancouver based and operated company. We offer a wide range of same day handy services throughout Vancouver. Call us today at 604.245.0126 to schedule your toilet replacement service. We look forward to helping you.