How Do You Replace A Toilet

How Do You Replace a Toilet? Let’s Tackle This Mess Together

Alright, friends, let’s talk toilets. Because nothing says “adulting” like staring down a leaky, wobbly porcelain throne and thinking, “Yeah, I can fix this.” Spoiler: You can—and we’re here to walk you through it step by step. No fancy jargon, no overcomplications—just the real talk you need to swap that old toilet without flooding your bathroom (or your ego). And hey, if halfway through you think, “Nope, I’d rather let the pros handle this,” our team at Verified Builders in Denver is just a call away. We eat bathroom remodels for breakfast.

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Why Bother Replacing a Toilet?

Let’s face it: toilets aren’t exactly glamorous. But replacing one can save you money on water bills, prevent disaster-level leaks, and finally rid your bathroom of that avocado-green relic from the ’70s. Plus, it’s a solid entry point into DIY home projects. Win-win!

Of course, if you’re knee-deep in a whole house remodeling project or planning luxury home renovations, replacing a toilet might be just one item on your mile-long list. That’s where a general contractor like Verified Builders comes in—we handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on picking out marble countertops.

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What You’ll Need (No, Duct Tape Won’t Work)

Before we dive in, let’s gather supplies. Here’s your shopping list:

• New toilet (obviously)
• Wax ring (the unsung hero of toilet installations)
• Adjustable wrench
• Putty knife
• Towels (for the inevitable mess)
• Bucket (to catch leftover water)

Pro tip: Skip the cheap wax rings. Trust us—nobody wants a surprise “pond” forming around their bathroom floor.

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Step 1: Say Goodbye to the Old Toilet

Shut off the water supply
First, locate the shut-off valve (usually behind the toilet). Turn it clockwise until it stops. Flush the toilet to drain the tank, and use that bucket to scoop out any remaining water.

Disconnect the water line
Grab your wrench and loosen the nut connecting the water supply line to the tank. If it’s stubborn, a little WD-40 works wonders.

Unbolt the toilet
Remove the plastic caps covering the floor bolts at the base of the toilet. Unscrew the nuts—then brace yourself. Toilets are heavier than they look.

Lift and remove
Rock the toilet gently to break the seal, lift straight up, and… voilà! You’ve got a gross, empty hole in your floor. Lay the old toilet on towels to avoid damaging your floor (or your sanity).

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Step 2: Prep the Area Like a Pro

Scrape off the old wax
Use that putty knife to scrape the old wax ring residue off the flange (the pipe opening in the floor). This step is weirdly satisfying—like peeling dried glue off your hand in grade school.

Inspect the flange
If the flange is cracked or corroded, you’ll need to replace it. FYI, this is where DIYers often hit a wall. If you’re unsure, call a bathroom renovation contractor like Verified Builders. We’ve seen it all and won’t judge your flange-related panic.

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Step 3: Install the New Toilet

Position the wax ring
Place the new wax ring on the flange. Some folks swear on extra-sticky “horned” rings, but a standard one works fine for most setups.

Lower the toilet
Carefully align the toilet bolts with the holes in the base of the toilet. Lower it straight down—no wiggling! Press firmly to create a seal.

Secure the bolts
Hand-tighten the nuts onto the bolts, then alternate tightening them with your wrench until the toilet is stable. Don’t overdo it, or you’ll crack the porcelain. (Yes, we’ve done that. Yes, it’s embarrassing.)

Reattach the water line
Connect the supply line to the tank, turn the water back on, and let the tank fill. Check for leaks around the base and the connection.

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Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

• Skipping the wax ring: This tiny $5 part is your leak defense system. Don’t cheap out.
• Over-tightening bolts: Porcelain isn’t indestructible. Snug is enough.
• Ignoring the flange: A damaged flange = future leaks. Address it now or pay later.

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When to Call the Pros

Look, we get it—DIY is fun until it’s not. If you’re dealing with:

• Rusted or broken bolts
• A damaged flange or subfloor
• A toilet that’s part of a larger bathroom remodeling or basement remodel project

…just call Verified Builders. We’re a remodeling company that lives for this stuff. Plus, our reviews speak for themselves—Denver homeowners love us for a reason.

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Tools & Materials Cheat Sheet

Item	Why You Need It
Adjustable wrench	For loosening nuts and bolts
Wax ring	Seals the toilet to the flange
Putty knife	Scrapes off old wax
New toilet	Unless you’re into very rustic decor

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FAQs: Toilet Replacement Edition

1. How long does it take to replace a toilet?
About 2–3 hours for DIYers. Pros like us at Verified Builders can do it in 90 minutes flat.

2. Can I reuse the old wax ring?
Nope. Once it’s squished, it’s done. Treat yourself to a new one.

3. What if my new toilet rocks after installation?
Shim it with plastic shims (available at any hardware store). If that doesn’t work, your flange might be uneven—time to call a home addition contractor or basement contractors for backup.

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Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This! (Maybe)

Replacing a toilet isn’t rocket science, but it is messy, awkward, and occasionally humbling. If you nail it, congrats—you’ve leveled up your DIY cred! If not, no shame in tagging in the experts.

And hey, if you’re planning custom remodels, a luxury home renovation, or just need a reliable home renovation contractor near me, Verified Builders is here to help. We’re Denver’s go-to for stress-free projects, whether it’s a quick toilet swap or a full whole house remodeling adventure.

So go forth, wield that wrench with confidence, and remember: even if you flood the bathroom, at least you tried. (But maybe keep our number handy just in case.) 🛠️