How to Install a Toilet Yourself: Save $200 to $400 Over Hiring a Plumber

Toilet installation is one of the more intimidating-sounding plumbing projects and one of the more straightforward once you understand what’s involved. There are no soldered connections, no pipe cutting, and no specialized plumbing knowledge required. All connections are threaded, compression-fit, or slip-fit. A handy homeowner can complete a toilet replacement in two hours and save $200 to $400 over a plumber’s rate.

Remove the Old Toilet

Turn off the water supply at the shutoff valve behind the toilet. Flush to empty the tank, then sponge out remaining water from both tank and bowl. Disconnect the water supply line. Remove the tank bolts connecting tank to bowl and lift the tank off. Remove the caps at the toilet base and remove the nuts from the flange bolts. Rock the bowl gently to break the wax seal and lift it straight up — toilets weigh 50 to 70 pounds, so get help. Stuff a rag into the open drain to block sewer gas.

Prepare the Flange and Install New Toilet

Remove the old wax ring and clean both the flange and toilet bottom. Inspect the flange for cracks — a damaged flange must be repaired or replaced before installing the new toilet. Insert new closet bolts into the flange slots. Place the new wax ring on the flange horn with the flat side down. Lower the new toilet onto the flange, aligning the bolt holes with the closet bolts. Press firmly straight down to seat the wax ring — do not rock or slide the toilet. Install washers and nuts, tightening alternately on each side until the toilet is stable without wobbling. Do not overtighten — this can crack the toilet base.

Connect the Water and Test

Mount the tank, connect the water supply line, and turn on the shutoff valve. Allow the tank to fill. Flush and check for leaks at the supply line connections, the base of the toilet, and the tank-to-bowl connection. A toilet that rocks even slightly indicates an incomplete wax seal.