Removing Toilet Tank to Paint Behind

Lift off the toilet tank lid and tank separately.

A new coat of paint can brighten up your bathroom and make it look fresh and clean. Depending on the gap between the toilet tank and wall, a wall that's left unpainted will be noticeable. You'll need to remove the tank to access the area behind it and prevent paint drips from ending up on the tank. The most difficult part of removing the toilet tank is lifting it up, as it's quite heavy.

Things You'll Need

• Large towel
• Sponge
• Spray lubricant
• Wrench
• Bucket
• Small dish
• Large screwdriver

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Instructions

1. Lay a soft blanket down on a floor space large enough to hold the toilet tank and lid. Ideally, the space should be outside the bathroom to leave yourself enough room for painting.

2. Shut off the water supply to the toilet by turning the valve behind the toilet completly clockwise to close.

3. Remove the toilet tank lid and set it aside on the towel. Flush the toilet a few times and wait for water in the tank to drain into the bowl. Put the toilet seat and lid down. Mop up any remaining water left in the tank with a sponge.

4. Spray lubricant on the nut securing the water line to the tank. This nut is usually located at the bottom left of the tank. Spray the the tank nuts on the underside of the toilet tank with lubricant. Wait a few minutes for the lubricant to soak into the bolted areas under the tank.

5. Place a bucket under the water line nut on the tank. Remove the nut by turning counterclockwise with a wrench. Pull the water line from the tank and let it drain into the bucket. Remove the toilet tank nuts by turning counterclockwise with the wrench. Set the nuts and corresponding washers aside in a small dish. Turn the screws in the tank counter counterclockwise with a large screwdriver. Remove the screws and side them aside. Pull up on the toilet tank to remove it from the toilet bowl and set it aside on the towel.

Tips & Warnings

• Bend your knees while lifting the heavy toilet tank so you don't injure your back.

References

• Hometime: Removing Toilets