How to Remove a Toilet in 8 Steps—Without Calling a Plumber

Dec 23, 2023

By Jennifer Beck Goldblatt

Knowing how to remove a toilet is one of those life skills that you likely won't attempt or learn how to do until it becomes a necessity. Sometimes no amount of bathroom cleaning can polish off an old toilet. Though, if you know how to clean a toilet properly, it could potentially extend it's life. Whether you’re replacing a dated commode for a new toilet that's a high water-efficiency model, swapping out an old toilet bowl that has seen better days (think avocado green toilets from the 1970s), or perhaps you need to to remove a toilet as you overhaul the bathroom tile, know that this is one home improvement job most DIY’ers can handle themselves. Though, it's a good idea to have a strong buddy when it comes to lifting the old toilet out.

Here, Frank Decker, program coordinator at the Hamden, Connecticut–based Porter and Chester Institute, which offers trade courses on how to become a plumber, gives AD the lowdown on how homeowners can learn how to remove a toilet in a cinch.

Depending on the toilet's location, it can be one of the most used fixtures of your home. And while they can last for decades, some old toilets begin to show signs of wear after 10 or so years. If your toilet bowl or tank has visual cracks, or you notice water leaking onto the floor, getting a new toilet is likely your best bet, Decker says. Take a peek inside the toilet tank too, as the mechanisms like the flush valve gasket, float cup, and fill valve could all use repair. Or the bottom of the tank looks excessively dirty.

Even if you don't need a new toilet, you still may want one. "Technology continues to develop so fast with focus on water conservation and efficiency, it is always a good idea to update fixtures," Decker explains. Look for 1.28 GPF high-efficiency toilets—meaning you use 1.28 gallons per flush as opposed up to seven in much older models—which could curb water consumption by 20% and 60%. That's because, unlike the outdated old toilet, new models rely on faster flush velocity as opposed to an abundance of water to remove waste. A toilet from 1994 can guzzle down almost four gallons of water per flush.

Yes, this is a job that some people can do on their own. But it will be much easier to lift and move an old toilet with an extra set of hands. Decker points out that a one-piece toilet (one with the tank and bowl connected) can weigh as much as 120 pounds. Two-piece models will weigh a bit less but will still be a heavy lift for most DIY homeowners.

Most homeowners who have already tackled a few DIY projects should have many of the necessary tools on hand. Here's what you should grab to put in a new toilet:

Once you have the supplies in order, you’re ready to begin. Here, a step-by-step guide to how to remove a toilet.

Place a drop cloth on the floor around the old toilet to help catch any drips. If you had just added a new toilet seat and want to reuse it, now it the time to disconnect it from the toilet bowl area.

Turn off the water with the toilet shutoff valve to prevent a big mess.

No need to turn off the main water shutoff valve to the entire house. There is a smaller shutoff valve is typically located on the wall behind the tank but may also be on the floor.

No splish-splash: remove water from the toilet tank before you remove the old toilet.

By Dan Avery

By Sam Cochran

By Dan Avery

Flush the toilet to send the water remaining in the bowl and toilet tank down the drain. Then, take the lid off the tank. Put on rubber gloves and use a sponge to absorb any remaining water from the bottom of the tank or in the toilet bowl. Squeeze the excess out into a nearby bucket. Professionals often use a wet/dry vac or a handheld pump to get the job done, Decker admits.

You'll need tools to disconnect the water supply line.

Have a bucket ready, then use channel lock pliers to disconnect the water supply line that runs from the toilet tank to your wall or floor. Some water is likely to drain out, so be ready to catch it or wipe away.

Don't just yank—work the bolts that hold everything in place.

By Dan Avery

By Sam Cochran

By Dan Avery

If you have a two-piece toilet, you’ll want to separate the tank from the bowl first. Use a wrench to loosen the mounting bolts from the bottom of the tank that hold it and the bowl together. Most toilets have two mounting bolts, but some may have three. If you have a one-piece toilet, you can skip that step and move right down to the floor bolts. Most toilets have two floor bolts, often covered by plastic caps, that help secure the toilet to the floor. Use a putty knife or screwdriver to loosen and remove the caps and then a wrench to loosen and remove the washers and bolts.

Separate the toilet bowl from the toilet tank for easy removal.

If you have a two-piece toilet, you can now lift the tank away from the toilet bowl and transfer it to a heavy-duty garbage bag. You may be tempted to leave the tank on the toilet bowl, but that can make it more difficult to move. Furthermore, any strain on the bolts can cause the porcelain of the toilet tank or bowl to crack, which has the potential to turn into a much larger mess. If you have a one-piece toilet, skip this step.

Most old toilets have caulk at the base—use a utility line to keep it from adhering to the floor.

By Dan Avery

By Sam Cochran

By Dan Avery

You’re likely to have a line of caulk where the base of the toilet meets the floor. Carefully use a utility knife to score the caulk, being careful not to damage the floor below (unless this is part of a remodeling project). Gently rock the toilet back and forth until the bottom of the toilet free from the floor and transfer to the garbage bag.

The old toilet bowl is now officially garbage.

Now that the caulk is no longer keeping the toilet bowl down, you are ready to remove the entire toilet. Almost done!

Use a putty knife to remove the old wax ring from the flange, a pipe fitting that connects the toilet to the drainage area without leaking. If you’re installing a new toilet, you’ll want a new wax ring, so you can discard the old one. Inspect the flange for damage. A broken flange will need to be replaced when installing a new toilet. If your house was built before 1960, the flange may contain lead. If you suspect this is the case, you should call in a professional plumber to handle removal and replacement.

Yes, you should always get a new wax ring when you remove an old toilet. Chances are, once you see the old wax ring, you’ll want to replace it no matter what. This wax seal, which looks like a gummy donut, not only ensures that the water won't leak out as the toilet drains, but it also helps prevent the overgrowth of mold and bacteria.

Before you remove an old toilet, find out how to dispose of it in your area. Some cities have Public Works centers that allow garbage drop-off. Other waste management companies allow you to schedule a large item pickup. If your old toilet is in decent shape, you can also reach out to junkyards and upcycling stores that may accept this donation.

Though it makes sense to install a new toilet right away, you don't have to do all your home improvement projects in one day. If you choose to wait a bit before putting in a new toilet, don't just leave the flange open—especially if you’re a homeowner with little kids. Decker suggests using an old rag to plug the drain hole and spraying the area with a disinfecting cleaner to prevent any mold growth.