How To Remove a Toilet

Easy Instructions for Beginners and Experienced DIYers Alike

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 30 - 45 mins
  • Total Time: 30 - 45 mins
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $0

Learning how to remove a toilet is an essential first step when replacing an older model or making repairs if it isn't working properly. Thankfully, disconnecting and removing the toilet is an easy and beginner-friendly DIY project. When installing a newer model, you can also opt for water-saving features and choose a toilet that will provide years of trouble-free service.

Bathroom toilet being removed from floor with shutoff valve disconnected

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Here, learn how to remove a toilet in a few simple steps.

Before You Begin

Shut off the water supply to the toilet by turning off the shutoff valve on the supply pipe below the toilet tank. The valve may also be mounted on the wall behind the toilet.

If your valve is as old as your toilet, it might be a good idea to replace it as well. Replacing the valve is easy to do while removing the toilet. If you plan to change the valve, shut off the water to the entire house at the main shutoff valve.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Sponge
  • Bucket
  • Tongue-and-groove pliers
  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Utility knife
  • Putty knife

Materials

  • Latex or rubber gloves

Instructions

Materials and tools to remove a toilet

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Instructions

  1. Empty the Toilet

    Remove all of the water from the toilet bowl and tank.

    • Turn off the water.
    • Flush the toilet to get the water out of the tank.
    • Hold down the handle until the water stops draining. Put on rubber gloves and use a large sponge to soak up the water, then wring it out in the bucket. 
    Toilet being emptied by soaking water out of bowl with yellow sponge

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  2. Prepare the Toilet for Pulling

    • Disconnect the water supply tube from the toilet tank using tongue-and-groove pliers to unscrew the tube's mounting nut from the tailpiece on the water inlet valve located on the bottom left side of the tank.
    • Remove the plastic bolt covers at the base of the toilet bowl, prying them up with a flathead screwdriver. 

    Two-Piece vs. One-Piece Toilets:

    • For one-piece toilets: The tank does not need to be removed.
    • For two-piece toilets: Disconnect the tank from the bowl by removing the nuts under the tank that fasten to the bowl. You may need to use a screwdriver to hold the slotted heads of the bolts inside the tank in order to turn the nuts.
    • Pull the tank up and off of the bowl to remove it.
    Water supply disconnected through shutoff valve to prepare for pulling

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  3. Cut the Caulk Along the Floor

    • Cut through the caulk layer around the toilet base using a utility knife. Be careful not to damage the flooring.
    • Wiggle the toilet from side to side to break its bond with the floor.
    Utility knife cutting caulk along the floor at base of toilet

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  4. Pull the Toilet

    • You might want a helper to assist you as you lift the toilet bowl straight up and off the closet bolts to remove the toilet.
    • Be careful not to stress the tank bolts, which could crack the porcelain. 

    Tip

    After removing the toilet, place it in a large, durable trash bag to keep any remaining water from dripping on the floor.

    Toilet lifted by holding on to each side of bowl

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  5. Clean up the Floor and Flange

    • Remove all of the old caulking from the floor using a putty knife. Be careful not to damage the flooring.
    • Remove the wax around the toilet flange and the plastic or metal fitting at the top of the toilet's drain pipe (where the closet bolts sit), and scrape away the residual wax as best as possible.
    • You can now install the new toilet.

    Tip

    The new toilet may have a different footprint than the old one. If the new base is smaller, you may see the outline of the old toilet. Clean all residue and discoloration so the outline of the old toilet is not visible; this is easiest to do when the toilet is removed rather than after you've installed the new toilet. 

    Putty knife removing old caulk from floor

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

When to Call a Professional

Due to their weight and awkward shape, maneuvering a toilet can be challenging and increases your risk of injury. In addition, if you are unfamiliar with plumbing or don't want to risk water ending up everywhere, calling a plumber or contractor with toilet removal experience is your best bet. On average, a professional removing and disposing of a toilet costs between $50 and $200.

How to Dispose of Old Toilets

To dispose of an old toilet, you have several options:

  • Call for local trash pickup: Contact your municipal trash collection service to see if they have big item pickup, and if so, find out when can you leave it on the curb for pickup.
  • Drop off at landfill site or dump: If you do not have municipal trash collection or they do not do big-item pickups, you might be directed to the local dump or landfill.
  • Find a porcelain recycling center or trash hauler: Inquire if your city or town has a recycling center or if a private waste management service can collect your old toilet.
  • Contact a local charity: Some charities, like Habitat for Humanity's Habitat ReStore, might collect your old toilet. See if there is a local ReStore near you.
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  1. How much does toilet installation cost? HomeAdvisor.