Replacing a Toilet? Avoid Costly Mistakes & Do It Right!

Replacing a toilet might seem simple until you’re standing over a shut-off valve, staring at a heavy porcelain tank, wondering what to do next. Maybe your old toilet is leaking, cracked, or just not flushing right. Whatever the reason, getting it done right matters—because one small mistake can lead to water damage, leaks, and extra costs.

The good news? Replacing a toilet isn’t as hard as it sounds if you know the steps. From removing the old unit to installing the new one without leaks, it’s all about doing it in the right order. But before you grab a wrench and start unscrewing bolts, there are a few things you need to know.

This guide will walk you through the process step by step. Whether you’re doing it yourself or looking for a reliable plumber, you’ll learn how to avoid common mistakes, save money, and make sure your new toilet works perfectly. Let’s get started!

Replacing a Toilet – Where Should You Start?

Replacing a toilet isn’t something you think about until problems start piling up. A small leak might seem like nothing at first, but over time, it can lead to water damage and high repair costs. If your toilet is showing signs of wear, it might be time to stop fixing and start replacing.

Signs It’s Time for a New Toilet

Leaks that keep coming back: If you’ve repaired it multiple times and it still leaks, the issue could be deeper than just a loose bolt or a worn-out seal.
Cracks in the porcelain: Even tiny cracks can cause hidden leaks, leading to mold, water stains, and expensive floor repairs.
Wobbling or shifting: A toilet should sit firmly on the floor. If it moves when you sit down, the problem could be with the bolts, the wax ring, or even the subfloor.
Weak flush or constant clogs: Older toilets often struggle to flush properly, leading to frequent clogs and double-flushing.
Rising water bills: Older toilets use more water per flush than modern models, costing you more every month.

What to Know Before Buying a New Toilet

Not all toilets are the same. Before replacing a toilet, make sure you pick one that fits your space and meets your needs.

Choose the right type: Standard toilets, dual-flush, and high-efficiency models all offer different benefits.
Check the rough-in size: The rough-in is the distance from the wall to the floor bolts. Measure this to ensure the new toilet fits properly.
Consider the flushing system: Some toilets use gravity-fed flushing, while others use pressure-assisted systems for stronger performance.

Making the right choice before replacing a toilet saves you time, money, and hassle in the long run. If you're unsure, getting expert advice can help you find the best option for your home.

How to Remove Your Old Toilet Safely

Replacing a toilet starts with removing the old one. It might seem simple, but doing it wrong can lead to leaks, water damage, or even cracked flooring. Taking your time and following the right steps will make the process smooth and mess-free.

Shut Off the Water First

Before anything else, you need to stop the water supply.

Find the shut-off valve: Usually located on the wall behind or beside the toilet.
Turn it clockwise to stop water flow: If it’s stuck, use a wrench but don’t force it too hard.
Flush the toilet: This will drain most of the water from the tank.
Use a sponge or towel: Remove any remaining water to avoid spills.

Removing the Old Toilet Step-by-Step

Once the water is off, it’s time to take out the toilet.

Disconnect the water supply line: Use a wrench to loosen the nut connecting it to the toilet tank.
Unscrew the bolts at the base: These bolts hold the toilet to the floor. If they’re rusted, use penetrating oil.
Carefully lift the toilet: Toilets are heavy, so lift with your legs, not your back.
Place the old toilet on a towel or cardboard: This keeps your floor clean and prevents damage.
Scrape off the old wax ring: A putty knife works best for this. Make sure the area is clean before installing the new toilet.

Taking these steps ensures that replacing a toilet is safe, clean, and hassle-free. With the old toilet out of the way, you're ready for the next step installing the new one properly.

Installing Your New Toilet the Right Way

Replacing a toilet is more than just putting a new one in place. If done incorrectly, you could end up with leaks, wobbles, or weak flushing. Taking your time and following each step carefully will make sure your new toilet is secure and works perfectly.

Replacing a Toilet

Place the new wax ring: The wax ring creates a seal between the toilet and the drain. Position it evenly on the flange to prevent leaks.
Lower the toilet onto the ring: Carefully align the toilet with the floor bolts and press down firmly so the wax ring seals properly.
Secure the bolts: Tighten the bolts on each side, but don’t overtighten, or you could crack the base.
Check for stability: If the toilet wobbles, use shims to level it before fully tightening the bolts.

Connecting and Testing

Attach the water supply line: Connect the hose from the shut-off valve to the toilet tank, making sure it’s secure.
Turn the water back on slowly: This prevents pressure buildup that could cause leaks.
Test the flush: Flush the toilet a few times to make sure water flows correctly and refills properly.
Check for leaks: Look around the base and behind the toilet for any signs of water. If you see drips, tighten connections slightly.

A properly installed toilet should sit firmly, flush efficiently, and have no water leaks. If anything seems off, double-check your connections before sealing the base with caulk. Replacing a toilet the right way ensures long-term performance without headaches. If you’re unsure about any step, getting professional help can save time and prevent future issues. Finding an expert for replacing a toilet is easy with the right service, so make sure you get it done right the first time.

Common Problems & How to Fix Them

Replacing a toilet should be a simple process, but sometimes things don’t go as planned. Leaks, wobbles, or a weak flush can turn a quick install into a frustrating problem. The good news is that most of these issues have easy fixes. Here’s what to watch for and how to solve them.

Water Leaks After Installation?

If you see water pooling around the base or dripping from the tank, something isn’t sealed properly. Common causes include:

Loose bolts: If the toilet isn’t tightened evenly, it can cause small gaps where water seeps out.
Wax ring issues: A misaligned or damaged wax ring won’t create a proper seal, leading to leaks.
Loose water supply connection: If the hose isn’t tightened enough, water can drip from the tank area.

To fix it, tighten all connections carefully and check that the toilet sits evenly on the floor. If the wax ring was misaligned, you may need to remove the toilet and replace it.

Toilet Wobbling? Here’s How to Fix It

A toilet should sit firmly on the floor. If it moves when you sit, it could lead to leaks or even damage to the plumbing. Causes include:

Uneven floor or flange: If the floor isn’t level, the toilet won’t sit properly.
Loose bolts: Over time, bolts can loosen, causing the toilet to shift.
Missing or damaged shims: Shims help stabilize the toilet on an uneven surface.

To fix this, tighten the bolts evenly without over-tightening. If the problem persists, add shims under the base to create a level fit before tightening the bolts again.

Weak Flush? Troubleshooting Common Issues

A weak flush is frustrating and can make replacing a toilet feel like a waste of time. Common reasons include:

Low water pressure: If your home’s water pressure is low, the flush won’t be strong enough.
Float height set too low: The float in the tank controls how much water fills before a flush. Adjusting it can increase power.
Clogged rim holes: If the small holes under the toilet bowl rim are blocked, water flow is restricted.

Check the float height and clean any clogged holes to improve flushing power. If nothing works, the issue could be with the toilet design, and you may need a different model.

Fixing these issues ensures that replacing a toilet goes smoothly, preventing long-term problems. If you’re unsure about a fix, calling a professional can save time and ensure the job is done right.

When to Call a Pro Instead of DIY

Replacing a toilet can be a straightforward job, but not every installation goes smoothly. Some problems require expert handling, especially when hidden plumbing issues are involved. Knowing when to stop and call a professional can save you from costly mistakes and unnecessary frustration.

Here’s When You Need an Expert

While basic toilet installation is manageable, some situations call for professional help. You should call a plumber if:

There are hidden plumbing issues: If the drain line is clogged, corroded, or misaligned, installing a new toilet won’t fix the problem.
Your home has old pipes: If your plumbing system is outdated, replacing a toilet could lead to unexpected leaks or pipe damage.
The toilet flange is damaged: A cracked or broken flange won’t hold the toilet securely, leading to leaks or instability.
Water pressure problems: If your toilet isn’t filling or flushing properly, the issue could be with the supply line, not the toilet itself.
You see water damage on the floor: If the floor around your toilet is soft or discolored, there could be water damage that needs professional attention before installing a new toilet.

Ignoring these issues could lead to leaks, water damage, and expensive repairs. That’s when finding a professional through Billy.com makes all the difference.

How Billy.com Helps You Find Trusted Plumbers

If you’re dealing with any of these issues, Billy.com makes replacing a toilet easier by connecting you with experienced plumbers in your area. Instead of searching for hours, you can:

Find licensed and insured professionals: Get connected with plumbers who have the right skills and experience.
Compare multiple quotes: See pricing from different plumbers and choose the best one for your budget.
Get fast service: Whether you need emergency repairs or same-day installation, Billy.com helps you find reliable experts quickly.
Avoid scams or overpriced services: Every plumber in our network is vetted for quality and fair pricing.

If your toilet replacement involves more than just swapping out an old unit, hiring a professional is the best way to ensure a safe and long-lasting installation. Instead of risking costly mistakes, let Billy.com help you find the right expert for replacing a toilet the right way.

Replacing a Toilet? Get It Done Right with Billy.com

Replacing a toilet seems simple until something goes wrong. A small mistake can lead to leaks, unstable installation, or hidden plumbing issues that cost more to fix later. Instead of guessing your way through the process, finding a trusted professional ensures the job is done right the first time. Whether it's a standard replacement or a more complex plumbing issue, having an expert handle the work saves time, money, and stress.

Billy.com makes it easy to find the best plumber for replacing a toilet without endless searching. With just a few clicks, you can compare multiple quotes from licensed professionals in your area. No hidden fees, no unreliable services, just experienced plumbers who get the job done efficiently. Avoid the hassle and the risks of DIY mistakes. Let Billy.com connect you with the right expert today!