Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Things You’ll Need:
- Adjustable wrench
- Large screwdriver
- Liquid wrench type penetrating oil
- Rigid putty knife
- Old towels
- New toilet
- Correct size wax ring
- Water supply lines
Step1
Turn off the water at the valve where it comes out of the wall and flush the toilet a couple of times to remove as much of the water in the tank and bowl as possible. There will still be a little water left in the tank, which you can soak up with an old towel or large sponge.
Step2
Unbolt the water supply line. There will be either a wing nut or a bolt. You will probably want to replace the old water supply line as long as everything else is being replaced. If so, simply remove it from the wall and leave the line attached to the tank.
Step3
Remove the bolts that attach the tank to the bowl. There are usually two bolts, and there is a good chance these have been corroded and stuck with rust and hard water deposits. If this is the case, use penetrating oil to help loosen the bolts. Lift the entire tank from the bowl and set it aside.
Step4
Remove the bowl. Either two or four bolts will be holding your toilet bowl to the floor, and they are usually covered by plastic caps. Pry the caps off with your screwdriver and unfasten the bolts. Again, if they are corroded soak them in penetrating oil for several minutes before unbolting. The toilet bowl is heavy and will have sticky residue from the wax ring at the base. You may need help getting it outside, but if you are placing it on the floor inside have some newspaper handy so the residue doesn't stick to the flooring. The tank might have to be jiggled or rocked to get it unstuck from the wax ring. Be careful as there will still be some water trapped in the j-trap in the toilet bowl and this will spill out when the toilet is tilted.
Step5
Stuff an old towel in the hole in the floor so you don't accidentally drop anything down there, unless you are immediately installing a new toilet. There will be a metal gasket at the floor, underneath the wax ring. Unless this is broken it doesn't have to be replaced, but you do want to get the wax residue off. Use the putty knife to scrape away as much as possible. Clean the surrounding floor completely.
Step6
Set the new toilet bowl on its side or upside down to attach the wax ring. Set it on an old towel or rug to prevent scratches or damage. The wax ring will come with installation instructions. Since it is pliable wax, it will be too stiff to properly fit onto the toilet base if it is very cold so let it warm up to room temperature first.
Step7
Carefully fit the toilet bowl over the waste drain hole and rock it gently to seat the wax ring. Tighten down the bolts. Each toilet assembly will come with directions specific to its design, so refer to those as well.
Step8
Attach the new water supply line to the wall and tank. Turn the water back on at the supply valve and watch carefully for any leaks. Flush it a few times for good measure. You're done: Toilets are simple and well designed so you should not have any leaks.
Novice 
