Skip to main content
True Value
Project

Disconnect Water Line and Remove Toilet — Disconnect and Remove Toilet

Intermediate6 hours

Part of project

How to Replace a Broken Toilet Flange · Step 2 of 7

Helpful?

In this video

Place a small tray under the water supply line connection at the base of the toilet tank to catch any residual water. Use channel-lock pliers or an adjustable wrench to unscrew the supply line from the toilet's fill valve. Once the line is disconnected and both bolts are cut, the toilet is free. Carefully lift the toilet straight up off the flange and move it out of the work area.

Goal: Remove the toilet from the flange

  • Have a second person help lift the toilet, as they can be heavy and awkward to handle alone.

Used in this video

  • Channel-lock Pliers — Loosening the water supply line nut.
  • Small Tray · optional — Catching residual water from the tank and supply line.
203.6K views3585 minutes
The Plumbers Plunger

201K subscribers

View Channel

FAQs

Is replacing a toilet flange a difficult DIY project for a beginner, and how long does it typically take?

This project is rated as intermediate due to the precision required for a leak-proof seal and the need to handle plumbing. While the estimated time is 6 hours, beginners should allocate a full day, as unexpected issues like subfloor damage can extend the duration significantly.

Do I really need all the specific tools and materials listed, or can I substitute some for this project?

Many essential tools like adjustable wrenches, a drill, level, and screwdrivers are critical. While some general tools might be substituted, using the recommended materials like a new PVC flange, primer, cement, and a quality wax ring with bolts ensures a durable, leak-proof repair. Avoid cutting corners on the sealing components.

What's the most common mistake people make when replacing a toilet flange, and how can I avoid leaks?

The most common mistake is not ensuring the new flange is perfectly level with and securely fastened to the finished floor, or improperly seating the wax ring. To avoid leaks, make sure the flange is flush and tight, and carefully set the toilet straight down onto the new wax ring without rocking.

What are the most important safety precautions I should take when replacing a toilet flange?

Always shut off the water supply to the toilet and completely drain the tank and bowl before starting any work. Wear disposable nitrile gloves for hygiene and consider eye protection when working with tools or chemical primers and cements. A tarp is also crucial for protecting your flooring from water or debris.

Transcript
Hide

so you can see how the previous owner was just stupid because they never had those white caps on there covering those nuts you should always have those white caps on there I mean come on people they're only like three bucks you go to Home Depot they're right there take one second to click them on and that will keep all the water and humidity and God knows what other liquids come losing down the side of the bowl here from ever landing on those nuts and causing them to freeze up like that and that's the problem that we see way too many times all right so now what we're going to do is we're going to remove the hose from the bottom of the toilet here so you see how you got that nut right there so so with that you just use these channel locks here and just loosen the nut and whatever a little bit of water might be underneath at the bottom of the tank we'll just ooze out a little bit into this little pan here there should be too much just a few drops and now your toilet is completely disconnected and you can lift it up and move it out so here we are we got the toilet on the

Auto-generated transcript. May contain errors.