Removing a Toilet

So, in order to start this remodel, I needed to remove the toilet from the room. The toilet is pretty new and I want to keep it and reinstall it later. Step one was cleaning the toilet. I used a bleach mix (1/2 bleach, half water) and scrubbed aggressively. Then used CLR to deep clean it. I wore latex gloves during my cleaning and wore a ventillating mask protect my lungs from the fumes. As there is no window in that bathroom, it was pretty fumey. Here's me in the mask - and yes I know I look like I am breaking bad.

Next, it was time to empty the water from the toilet. to do this:

1. Shut off water supply by turning off the shut off valve at the base of the toilet.

2. Flush the toilet to get all the water out of the tank - this took 2 - 3 flushes on my toilet.

3. Get all remaining water out of the toilet. I opened up the tank and there was a lot of water up there so I started with an old laddle and scooped out as much as I could, then switched to using a sponge to get the rest of the water out. Once the tank was dry, I did the same with the water still left in the bowl.

Next up comes disconnecting the water supply. To do this, I needed a wrench. Use the wrench to disconnect the water supply tube from the toilet tank. I had a bowl ready to catch the small amount of water that came out from the tube when I disconnected it. Next, move down to the base of the toilet and pop off the bolt covers with a screwdriver. I used my wrench to take off the nuts that were underneath the bolt covers and securing the toilet to the floor.

At this point, the toilet is basically lose from the ground. All you have to do is take a box cutter and cut through the layer of caulk that is securing the toilet to the tile. You can wiggle the toilet from side to side and it should come clear.

While many people can lift the toilet and move it whole, I needed to break it down into smaller parts that I could carry alone.

Around the back back of the toilet, there were three bolts screwed on securing the tank to the base. I used a wrench to separate these and took the tank off. Then the toilet base.

There was still grout/caulk on the floor so I chiseled it off to get a clean floor.

Then, as my next phase involves taking the tile off that wall, I wanted to keep that hole free of gunk. Some recommendations only suggest using a towel the fill in that hole to prevent sewage gases from coming through. I went with a porcelain bowl cover to keep it secure. Then, on to demolition, but that's a post for another day....

If you are looking for more information on how to remove a toilet, read this guide!