How to Replace a Leaking Toilet

4/1/2024 (Permalink)

Leaking toilet in Salt Lake City, UT.

Although most commodes last for decades, they do need to be updated every now and then. If you have a leaking toilet in your home in Salt Lake City, UT, it might be time to replace it. Here are the steps to take to make this process as easy as possible.

3 Steps for Replacing a Leaking Toilet

1. Disconnect the Water Supply

Whether you are doing a toilet repair or installing a new one, never try to do work on a leaking toilet without disconnecting the water supply. This can lead to a large amount of standing water in your bathroom. In order to disconnect the water-supply tube you must loosen the compression nut on the shutoff valve.

2. Remove the Old Toilet

Depending on how long the old toilet has been in place, it may be stuck to the flooring. In order to remove it, you will need to unscrew any bolts and then gently rock it back and forth until it comes off the floor. Typically, there is a wax seal holding it in place, so you will need to break this before it will come off completely. If you are having trouble removing it yourself, you may want to call a professional to come help.

3. Install the New Toilet

Before you install the new toilet, you will need to get the area cleaned up, and remove any excess wax from the gasket. When you put the new one in place, make sure it is properly aligned. You can then secure it with the bolts. Some people choose to use caulk around the base to protect against mold growth. You should check with your building department to see if this is required in your area.

If you feel uncomfortable replacing the leaking toilet yourself, you should consider calling a water damage company in Salt Lake City, UT, to help you. They may also be able to work with you on the cleanup and check the extent of the damage. This may prevent larger or future issues from occurring.