Your Guide for Removing and Disposing of a Toilet

A home renovation can be an exciting opportunity to bring new energy and style into your space. However, the process is often much less glamorous than the outcome. When you renovate a room in your home by yourself, you will inevitably get your hands dirty. There will definitely be sweat, hopefully, no blood, and possibly tears. This is especially true for bathroom renovations. You want a new throne to feel like royalty, but first, you must get rid of your old toilet. Don’t worry– this handy guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.

Tools and Materials Required

Removing a toilet on your own is doable for many able-bodied people. Grab a friend for some extra help if needed. In addition, you’ll need a few specific tools and materials.

Before getting started, collect the following items.

• Hacksaw
• Pliers
• Screwdriver
• Utility knife
• Wrench
• Putty knife
• Bucket
• Rags and sponges for cleaning
• Penetrating oil, like WD-40
• Rubber or disposable gloves
• Wire brush

Once you’ve assembled your supplies, follow these step-by-step instructions.

1. Turn Off the Water and Drain the Toilet

Before removing the toilet, you must turn off the water supply at the shut-off valve. Typically, you can find this on the wall behind the toilet. Turn the knob clockwise until it tightens, and then flush the toilet. Continue flushing until the toilet bowl and tank are empty. Then, with a gloved hand, use a sponge or rag to clean up any spilled water.

2. Separate the Tank from the Bowl

Once the water has fully drained, it’s time to remove the tank from the bowl. However, this step is applicable only if you have a two-piece toilet. If you have a one-piece, you can skip ahead to step 3.

In a two-piece toilet, the tank and bowl are often connected with mounting bolts on the side and middle of the tank. Use a ratchet wrench to remove the bolts and, with caution, lift the tank off of the bowl.

3. Unbolt the Toilet from the Floor

For safety, most toilets are securely bolted to the floor. Locate the bolts, which are typically on either side of the toilet’s base. Using a wrench if needed, unscrew the floor bolts. If you or the previous homeowners installed the toilet long ago, these bolts might not have easily come unfastened. In this case, consider using a handy penetrating oil like WD-40. Apply a modest amount of lubricant to the bolt. After a few minutes, it should unscrew easily.

4. Remove the Bowl

There may also be a wax seal around the bottom of your toilet. Wax or caulk typically helps keep everything clean, dry, and free from damage. If applicable, cut the seal between the bowl and the floor for smooth removal. You can use a box cutter, knife, or other sharp tool. Then, stand over the bowl and gently rock the toilet side to side to fully break the seal. The bowl should now be completely disconnected from the floor and wall and ready to move.

5. Clean and Remove Flange

Many experts believe that if you’re replacing your toilet, you should also replace the flange. The flange is the pipe connecting the bottom of the bowl to the drainpipe and onto the sewer. Whether you choose to replace it or not, you should at least inspect and clean it before installing a new toilet. Use a putty knife to remove the wax layer covering the flange. Then, unscrew and lift the flange from the drain for examination, cleaning, or replacement.

6. Install New Toilet, if Applicable

Voila! You can haul away your old toilet and install your shiny new throne. Suppose you aren’t quite ready to install a new toilet. Stuff a few rags in the drain to prevent icky sewage gas and smell from entering your home. Flip an empty bucket upside down over the drain for safekeeping until your renovation is complete.

7. Dispose of the Old Toilet

Congrats! You’ve successfully removed a toilet from your home. Now, what are you supposed to do with it?

Option 1: Haul it to the Landfill

If you have a large enough vehicle and are able to lift your toilet, you could load and escort it to a landfill on your own. However, the amount of waste sent to landfills each year continues to grow, making this a more unsustainable option. Some municipalities offer appliance and furniture recycling services, so check with your city to ensure you haul your old toilet to the most suitable drop-off location.

Option 2: Junk Removal Service

While hauling the toilet yourself is a good option, it involves at least some level of physical ability or willingness to move the toilet on your own. But when you call a junk removal service, you don’t need to lift another finger. Junk removal companies like Nixxit offer home cleanout services that send friendly professionals to your home to do all the heavy lifting for you. It really is as simple as that.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Can I Do With an Old Toilet Bowl?

If you have a toilet you no longer need, you can dispose of it by hauling it to a landfill or through the convenience of a junk disposal service. In some municipalities, it’s also possible to recycle your toilet. Some toilets can even be reused. Local salvage yards often take salvaged goods and other building materials to resell.

Need Help Removing Toilets in the Bay Area? Nixxit Can Help!

Removing a toilet from your home can be a hassle. But with this guide, you can tackle the job on your own with ease. Once your toilet is unattached, leave the heavy lifting to the professionals. Nixxit is proud to offer Bay Area families exceptional, friendly, fast home cleanout services. Our team can haul junk from inside your home without leaving a trace. And as a green-certified business, we’ll dispose of it with sustainability in mind. Reach out today for a quote! You’ll be sitting pretty on your new throne in no time.