Your Toilet Removal and Disposal Guide

We break down all the steps involved in removing and disposing of your toilet.

It is time to throw away your toilet

There is a good chance you will ask yourself this question at some time in your life: "Can I remove the toilet myself?" What do you do with the toilet once it's removed from the floor? Toilet replacement is a necessary part of homeownership. 

How to remove a toilet

Toilets are designed to last for decades but eventually will need to be replaced. 

The issues can arise from the toilet's age, wobbly, damaged parts, or inefficient flushing if you have a large family and your water bill is high, you may want to consider a water-saving toilet.

No matter what reason you have, these seven steps will help you get rid of your toilet the DIY way.

1. Gather Your Tools

It's not something you want to do while you are removing a toilet. These are the supplies and tools you will need to complete the task.

Tools

• Hacksaw
• Pliers
• Putty knife
• Motordriver
• Utility Knife
• Wrench set

Supplies

• Bucket
• Cleansing rag
• Penetrating oil
• Rubber gloves
• Spare rags, and trash towels
• Sponge
• Wire brush

2. Turn Off and Drain the Toilet Water

Before you start using the tools, make sure to locate the water shutoff valve. It is usually located below the toilet tank that goes into the floor. However, it can sometimes be mounted on the wall behind your bowl. You may have to locate the shutoff valve somewhere else in your house if you are unable to find it. Follow the pipes until you locate a shutoff valve. Turn off the water there.

After the water has been turned off, drain the toilet. This can be messy so make sure you cover the area where you are working with extra rags and towels.

How do you drain a toilet before you remove it?

• Flush the toilet until it is full.
• Get your rubber gloves on.
• To remove any water remaining in the bowl and tank, use a sponge.
• Ring the sponge into a bucket.
• Continue doing this until you empty the tank and bowl completely.

3. Disconnect the Toilet Tank from The Bowl

It is easy to get the toilet tank out of its way, but first you need to disconnect it from the water pipes. You will need to disconnect the inlet supply pipe, a threaded tube, from the toilet tank.

After that, you can start to build the tank.

Make sure you have WD-40 and a wrench on hand. You may find it helpful to have someone nearby to help you move heavy toilet tanks.

How to remove a toilet tank

• The bolts connecting the tank to the bowl should be removed. They are usually located under the tank and are usually two to three. To loosen up the nuts a little if the toilet has been used for a long time, oil like WD-40 may be needed.
• Take the toilet tank out of the bowl and place it in a separate container.

4. Unbolt Floor Fasteners

Each side of the toilet has a floor bolt. These bolts may have a cap. The cap can be removed and the nuts may then be removed with a wrench. If necessary, you can also apply the oil.

If the nuts are still refusing to move after applying penetrating oils, you might need to use your hacksaw for cutting the bolts below the nut.

5. Disconnect the Toilet Bowl

You can use a putty knife or a razor to remove the wax seal between the base of your toilet and the floor. After you have made a solid start, place your hand on the toilet and rock it gently from one side to the other to break the remaining seal.

After the seal is broken completely, lift the toilet bowl carefully from the floor bolts to remove it from your room.

6. Clean and remove the toilet flange

You should replace the toilet flange when replacing your toilet. To remove the wax layer from your flange, you may need to use a putty knives and a rag. Simply unscrew the screws once the flange is visible. The flange will lift off, leaving a hole in the floor. You do additional work if the flange is damaged or old. If you find pieces of the old Flange [when you remove it], you might need to chisel these out.

7.  Keep Going with Your Project

To prevent sewer gas seepage into your bathroom, if you are removing the toilet as part a larger project such as a bathroom remodel, make sure to put some rags in your drain hole. Flip your bucket upside-down over the hole until you are able to access the drain hole from the bathroom demo.

How to dispose of a toilet

There are four options for disposing of your toilet. They are curbside collection (recycling), donation, and renting a dumpster from https://www.dumpster-rental-miami.com/. Each option has its pros and cons, as well as possible disposal fees and restrictions. It doesn't matter which option you choose; it is best to call ahead so you are aware of all details required to properly dispose of your toilet.