Replacing a toilet is an important home improvement project that most homeowners will need to undertake at some point. Knowing when it’s time to replace your toilet can help you avoid unnecessary repairs, prevent leaks and damage, and improve the function and appearance of your bathroom. This comprehensive guide covers all the signs indicating your toilet needs replacing, steps for selecting a new model, how to remove an old toilet, installation tips, and answers to frequently asked questions. Read on to learn everything you need to know about when and how to replace a toilet.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Toilet

How do you know when it’s time to replace your existing toilet? There are several clear indicators that your toilet has reached the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced.

Frequent Clogs

If your toilet is clogging often and plunging provides only a temporary fix, it likely has a faulty flush valve, warped flapper, or calcified trapway or jets. Replacing the whole toilet is usually easier and more cost-effective than continually snaking drains or replacing individual components.

Leaks

Leakage around the base of the toilet or leaking from the tank into the bowl are signs of a failing toilet seal or tank components. While some leaks can be temporarily patched, persistent leaks indicate it is time for a new toilet. Leaking toilets can cause water damage to your flooring and subfloor.

High Water Usage

An average toilet uses 1.6 gallons of water per flush, while older models can use up to 7 gallons per flush! If your water bill is mysteriously high, your toilet may be wasting large volumes of water due to flapper or fill valve issues. Replacing it with a new efficient model can significantly reduce wasted water.

Stains and Odors

Yellowed, stained porcelain or foul odors that persist despite cleaning attempts indicate a toilet beyond its prime. Toilet surfaces degrade over time, becoming more porous and prone to staining. The entire toilet should be replaced in these cases for improved aesthetics and sanitation.

Drain Line Clogs

Root invasion or mineral buildup in drain lines can cause recurrent clogs. If snaking the drain, using drain cleaner, and flushing with boiling water fail to provide lasting relief, it may be time to replace the toilet and existing drain for a complete repair.

Age

The average lifespan of a toilet is around 20 years. If your toilet was already installed when you purchased your home or is approaching the 20-year mark, replacement is likely on the horizon. Proactively swapping it for a new model can prevent future headaches.

High Maintenance Needs

If your toilet requires frequent repairs, part replacements, makes odd noises, has a very weak flush, or no longer flushes waste properly, a complete replacement is often the best and most cost-effective solution.

Inefficient Design

Outdated toilets with inefficient flushing systems not only waste water but can leave behind clogs and residue. Swapping an old water-guzzling model for a new low-flow toilet brings immediate environmental and functional benefits.

Changing Needs

If you have recently remodeled your bathroom, a brand new toilet can help modernize the space. Additionally, if your household has grown or you need a toilet suited for users with accessibility needs, a replacement model is likely required.

Improved Technology

With continual advancements in toilet flush system technology and efficiency, a newer model is likely a marked upgrade over your existing toilet. Replacing your toilet allows you to take advantage of the latest innovations.

If you notice any combination of the signs above, your toilet is likely near or past the end of its service life. By replacing your toilet at the first signs of trouble, you can avoid unnecessary repairs down the road and improve performance.

Choosing the Best Toilet Model

Selecting the right toilet model for your needs and bathroom is a key part of the replacement process. Carefully evaluate the following criteria:

Type of Flush

Gravity-flush toilets use the force of gravity and a flush valve seal, while pressure-assisted units use compressed air in the tank. Consider noise levels, power, water efficiency, and maintenance concerns when choosing between the two main flush mechanisms.

Bowl Shape

Toilets come in round and elongated bowl varieties. Measure your existing toilet and choose the most comfortable shape for your space.

Rough-In Size

The toilet’s rough-in size must match your bathroom’s drain pipe size. Standard rough-in is 12-inches from the wall, but 10- and 14-inch rough-ins are also common.

Height

Standard toilets have a bowl height around 15 inches, while comfort or chair height models are 17 to 19 inches high. Measure the existing toilet or evaluate your height needs.

Water Usage

Toilets use 1.28-1.6 gpf on average. Choose an efficient WaterSense-approved model using 1.28 gpf or less. Dual-flush models can further reduce water waste.

Flush Power

Powerful flush mechanisms can prevent clogs but be loud. Lower power models conserve more water but may require two flushes to clear bowl contents. Evaluate your priorities.

Special Features

Consider convenient additions like slow-close lids, heated seats, bidets, flush buttons, color choices, and skirted tramway designs to match your bathroom style and needs.

Price

Toilets range from $100 to $5000+ depending on features. Determine your budget and required features before shopping to get the best value. Expect to spend $200 to $600 on a quality replacement toilet.

With the above criteria in mind, take time to read toilet reviews, ask a plumbing professional for recommendations, and compare options before selecting a replacement toilet optimized for your bathroom and household.

Removing the Existing Toilet

Once you have a new toilet on hand, it’s time to remove the old one and prepare for installation. Follow these steps:

Turn Off Water Supply

Locate the water shut-off valve behind or near the toilet and turn it clockwise to shut off the water supply. This prevents water from spraying when disconnecting the tank.

Flush Toilet and Disconnect Supply Line

Flush the toilet one final time, then use a wrench to disconnect the flexible supply line running to the toilet tank.

Remove Tank Lid and Drain Water

Remove the toilet tank lid and set aside. Use a small cup or towel to soak up remaining water in the tank and bowl.

Detach Tank Bolts

Find the large nuts under the tank attaching it to the bowl. Loosen and unscrew them by hand or with a wrench.

Remove Toilet Tank

Lift the tank up vertically to detach it from the bowl. Place the tank aside and set small parts like flush valves and gaskets aside. Wrap a towel around the tank opening.

Scrape Away Old Wax Ring

With the tank removed, scrape away the existing wax toilet seal around the waste flange using a plastic putty knife. Properly dispose of the scraped wax.

Unbolt Toilet Base

Return to the bowl and locate the nuts on either side anchoring it to the floor. Unscrew them fully to detach the toilet.

Remove Toilet Bowl

Rock the bowl slightly side to side while lifting it off the waste flange. Take care not to scratch floors or walls.

Clean Area and Inspect Flange

With the old toilet removed, thoroughly clean the now-exposed floor area with towels. Inspect the waste flange for damage and levelness.

Follow proper disposal methods when throwing away your old toilet. With the existing toilet fully detached and the area prepped, you are ready to install your replacement model.

Installing a New Toilet

Installing a new toilet is an easy DIY project that most homeowners can tackle themselves in under an hour. Here are the key steps:

Position Wax Ring

Take your new wax ring and center it evenly over the waste flange on the floor. Press down firmly so it adheres.

Lower Toilet Bowl

Carefully guide the new toilet bowl over the waste flange, centered atop the wax seal. Slowly lower the bowl straight down until it contacts the floor.

Secure Bowl Bolts

Have an assistant hold the bowl in place as you insert the toilet bowl bolts and hand tighten the nuts to hold the bowl securely against the wax ring.

Attach Tank and Supply Line

Set the tank onto the bowl, inserting bolt posts into holes. Hand tighten nuts under tank, then connect supply line to fill valve and turn on water.

Seal Tank and Bowl

Add silicone sealant around the tank and bowl connection. Smooth away excess sealant with a putty knife for a finished look.

Test for Leaks and Stability

Turn on the tank supply and allow the toilet to fill. Check below and around base for any water leaks. Rock toilet to ensure it is stable when bearing weight.

Adjust Tank Water Level

The tank water level may need minor adjustment. Simply slide the float cup up or down on its rod until the desired waterline is achieved.

Be sure to give silicone sealant adequate time to fully cure before using the toilet. With proper installation, your replacement toilet should function efficiently for years to come. Don’t hesitate to call a professional if any issues arise during the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions about when and how to replace your toilet? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:

How Long Do Toilets Last?

With proper maintenance, a quality toilet will last approximately 15-20 years before needing replacement. Inferior models may need replacing sooner, while higher end toilets can sometimes last 25+ years.

Can I Replace Just Part of My Toilet?

While flappers, fill valves, and other small parts can be replaced, extensive repairs usually indicate it’s time to replace the entire toilet. Partial repairs can seem like a temporary fix but won’t prevent future issues.

How Do I Match a New Toilet?

When replacing a toilet, choose a new one with the same rough-in distance and tank/bowl shapes for easy installation. Matching the style color, seat shape, and flush handle design helps the new toilet blend with your existing bathroom decor.

What Size Toilet Do I Need?

Measure from the wall behind the toilet to the waste flange on the floor to determine your rough-in size. Standard toilets are round and 12-inches rough-in. Elongated bowl models and other rough-in sizes are also available.

Is It Hard to Replace a Toilet Yourself?

With some basic plumbing know-how, replacing a toilet is generally easy for a home DIY-er to tackle in a few hours or less. Carefully following the steps for removal and installation ensures success. Consider hiring a pro if your bathroom layout complicates the process.

How Do I Dispose of an Old Toilet?

Most municipalities allow old toilets to be disposed of as normal bulky waste items. Just double check on any requirements for sealing waste connections before setting it to the curb. Many junk removal services will also haul away an old toilet.

Replacing a failing or outdated toilet is a worthwhile project that can improve your bathroom in both form and function. Knowing when it’s time for a new toilet and following proper installation steps ensures this essential task goes smoothly.

Conclusion

Replacing a worn out or outdated toilet with a new high-efficiency model benefits your bathroom and whole household in multiple ways. By keeping an eye out for common signs like leaks, clogs, high water bills, and stains, you can identify when your toilet reaches the end of its lifespan and requires replacing. Taking time to carefully choose the ideal new toilet model for your needs will ensure your replacement project goes smoothly and results in a functional, water-saving fixture. With some basic tools and plumbing competence, removing the old toilet and installing a new one is a manageable DIY job. Adhering to the steps for proper removal, site preparation, new toilet installation, and leak testing will spare you any headaches and provide an immediate upgrade. Investing in a new quality toilet pays dividends through improved efficiency, performance, design, and reliability for years before another replacement is needed.

Key Takeaways

• Look for signs like frequent clogs, leaks, high water usage, persistent stains, drain line issues, and age over 20 years to indicate when your toilet needs replacement.
• Carefully select a new toilet model based on rough-in size, shape, water usage, flush power, special features, and your budget.
• Shut off the toilet’s water supply, disconnect and drain the tank, unbolt the bowl, and scrape off the old wax ring to remove the existing toilet.
• A compatible wax ring, proper re-bolting, tank reattachment, supply line connection, sealant application, and leak testing will ensure correct installation.
• With proper installation and maintenance, high quality new toilets will last 15-25 years before needing replacement.