How to remove a toilet: a step-by-step guide

Level of Difficulty: Beginner
Working Time: 30-45 minutes

Are you ready to kick your old toilet to the curb? Whether it's leaky, outdated, or just needs to hit the porcelain retirement home, removing a toilet is simpler than it sounds. With the right prep and tools, you’ll have that throne out of your bathroom–and your worries flushed away–in no time. 

Tools you’ll need for removing a toilet

Before you roll up your sleeves, make sure your toolbox is ready. Forgetting an important tool mid-job can really clog up the process. Here’s the lineup you’ll need to tackle this removal mission like a pro plumber:

• Adjustable wrench
• Screwdrivers (both flathead and Phillips—don’t play favorites!)
• Putty knife
• Sponges and towels
• Replacement wax ring
• Toilet bolts
• Large trash bags (to dispose of your former porcelain pal)
• Gloves (yes, please—keep it clean!)
• With these tools by your side, you're ready to potty like a rock star!

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Step 1: Turn off the water supply

Rule number one—cut the water! Nothing ruins a project quite like an unplanned bathroom flood. Here’s how you do it without breaking a sweat (or a pipe):

• Look behind the toilet for the water shut-off valve.
• Crank the valve clockwise until it’s snugly closed.
• If the valve is stubborn, grab some pliers to give it a twist. Voila—no more water, no more worries!

How to empty a toilet for removal

Now that the water’s off, it’s time to drain your toilet and make sure it’s as empty as a garage after a visit from 1-800-GOT-JUNK?. Here’s the plan:

1. Drain as much water as you can using a plastic mug or measuring cup.
2. Use a sponge to soak up any water still lingering on its porcelain surface.
3. Wring out your sponge into a bucket or sink.

You want that bowl bone-dry before you start moving it—trust us, you’ll thank yourself later.

Grab your trusty wrench for this crucial step.

• Spot where the water line connects to the bottom of the toilet tank.
• Use the wrench to loosen the nut and detach the line.
• Gently pull it away—no yanking!—to avoid damage.

Boom, the water line is disconnected. Next stop? De-tanking (yep, we just made that a word).

Step 3: Remove the toilet tank

If your toilet is a two-piece model, removing the tank makes everything a whole lot easier.

To bid farewell to the tank:

• Identify the bolts holding it to the bowl (usually one on each side).
• Unscrew those bolts with a wrench and save them somewhere handy.
• Lift the tank with care and place it on a towel to prevent scratches—or a surprising wobble.

Now you’re ready for the main event—the bowl removal!

Step 4: Disconnecting a toilet

Time to tackle the bowl. The bolts holding it down are the last thing standing between you and victory!

1. Pry off the caps covering the base bolts using a flathead screwdriver.
2. Use a wrench to unscrew the bolts holding the toilet in place.
3. Got stuck bolts? No problem. A little penetrating oil and patience should do the trick.

Hang onto the bolts, washers, and nuts—they might star in your new toilet installation later.

Step 5: Break the toilet seal and lift the toilet

Now comes the part where you make that toilet go mobile! To free it from the sticky wax seal below, here’s what to do:

• Rock the toilet gently side to side until you hear the seal give way.
• Once the seal is broken, lift the toilet off the flange.

Pro tip: Toilets aren’t exactly featherweights, so team up with a buddy if needed. Wrap the toilet in a trash bag to catch any stray drips left behind.

Handling the old wax ring

What’s left behind is the gunky wax ring—and trust us, you don’t want to skip this step.

1. Use a putty knife to scrape that waxy mess off the floor.
2. Bag up the old wax and toss it in the trash.
3. Inspect the flange for cracks or damage. Use a wire brush to clean it if necessary.

If the flange is busted, you’ll need to replace it before installing your new toilet. Better safe than sorry!

Step 6: Seal the drain hole

If you’re not installing a new toilet right away, you’ll want to block the drain hole to avoid a stinky situation.

• Stuff a rag into the opening, or cover it with a temporary cap.
• Make sure it’s sealed tightly to keep odors out of your bathroom–and your day.

This little step is a big deal during bathroom makeovers or while waiting for your shiny new throne to arrive.

Dispose of the old toilet

Finally, what to do with that old toilet? You’ve got options but check local rules first since not every waste service will take it. Here’s what to consider:

• Call your local waste management to ask about disposal options.
• Donate! If your old toilet still works, someone might appreciate it.
• Call 1-800-GOT-JUNK? for an easy, stress-free solution. We’ll whisk it away faster than you can say “flush.”

We take all kinds of junk

We understand that removing a toilet can be daunting, but with the right preparation, it’s a straightforward task. If you’re not up for it or simply don’t want to deal with the mess, 1-800-GOT-JUNK? is here to help. We’ll take care of everything—from making your old toilet disappear, to hauling away all your other unwanted junk.

From old toilets to furniture, appliances, and more, we can help with just about anything you need to get rid of. You can find a full list of what we take here.

Visit our pricing page to access details on junk removal costs and find a location near you. We offer junk removal services across the United States, Canada, and Australia– we’ve got you covered.