3 Easy Steps To Replace A Leaking Toilet

6/28/2022 (Permalink)

How to Replace a Leaking Toilet

When you have a leaking toilet in your Chesterfield, MO, home, you want to replace it before there is severe damage done to the floor around it. Replacing a toilet can quickly be done when following these three easy steps. 

1. Turn Off the Water
Turn the water valve behind the toilet clockwise until it can't turn anymore. Next, flush your toilet multiple times to get as much water out of the tank and bowel as possible. Remove the tank's lid and use a small cup, sponge or wet/dry vacuum to get the rest of the water out. Once the water has been removed, disconnect the water supply line from the toilet. 

2. Remove the Old Toilet
To remove the leaking toilet, take off both nuts on the bolts on either side of the toilet's base. Gently wiggle the toilet to help loosen it from the wax ring. When the toilet starts to have more give, lift it directly up and move it out of the way. Placing it on a tarp or cardboard can help keep any water or dirt from getting on the floor. After removing the toilet, inspect the ground underneath where it was seated. If you notice any soft spots or rotting areas, call some water damage professionals to address the issue before replacing the toilet. 

3. Replace the Seal and Replace the Toilet
Most experts on toilet repair recommend using a silicone seal for a toilet instead of a wax one because wax seals are so temperamental. Clean the flange on the floor and replace the seal with your new silicone one. Position your new toilet over the seal, ensuring the holes in the base line up with the bolts on the floor. Lower the toilet and have a friend apply pressure to it while you tighten the nuts on the bolts. Reconnect the water supply line and turn the water main back on. Allow the toilet tank to fill, and the toilet is ready to be used. 
Replacing a leaking toilet is quick and easy to do when you know the right steps to follow.