The quick version
I take out the old toilet, look at the flange and subfloor, set your new one on a fresh seal, hook up a new supply hose and test it with several flushes. You choose the model; I check its rough-in against your floor bolts before I come.
What I need in your text
- The old toilet and the space around it
- Measurement from the wall to the bolts
- The new toilet model
- The floor at the base
- The valve and supply hose
What the job covers
- Removing and hauling the old toilet
- Inspecting and repairing the flange
- New wax or foam seal
- New bolts and braided supply line
- Leveling with shims and caulking the base
- Seat mounted and flushes tested
Older floors and flanges
With 52.3 percent of homes in San Gabriel over 60 years old, many bathrooms have tile floors laid over the original flange, or a flange that has corroded. I check it before setting the new toilet so it seals.
Some older bathrooms have a 10- or 14-inch rough-in instead of 12, which limits the models that fit.
Steps
Measure
I check the rough-in before you buy.
Remove
The old toilet is drained and lifted out.
Set
New seal and bolts, toilet set level.
Test
Flush, then check the base and supply.
Beyond a swap
A broken drain pipe under the floor or a rotted subfloor needs a plumber or flooring trade first.
On the same San Gabriel visit, people also tend to ask about running and rocking toilet repair, shutoff valve replacement or tub and tile caulking.
What to send
A photo of the toilet and the floor and wall around it.
Toilet questions
Will a new toilet stop the running?
It will, but so will new tank parts, for much less. I suggest a new toilet only if the old one is cracked.
How do I know my toilet rough-in?
Measure from the wall to the center of the floor bolts. I can check it from a photo with a tape.
Why is my toilet not flushing all the way?
A low tank water level, a worn flapper or a partial clog. A new toilet is only needed if parts don’t fix it.
Do you take the old toilet?
Yes.
How much does toilet replacement cost?
It depends on the toilet. Text a photo for a free estimate.
Should I get a comfort-height toilet?
Often, yes. Comfort-height bowls sit a little taller, which many people find easier to use, especially with knee trouble. They fit the same floor bolts, so the choice is about comfort, not plumbing.
One-piece or two-piece toilet: which is easier to install?
Two-piece toilets are lighter to carry because the tank and bowl come apart. One-piece models are heavier but have no tank bolts to leak. I install both the same way.
Where this job leads
- Running toilet repairA new part may be enough.
- Shutoff valve replacementReplace the valve while it is off.
- Tile repair and regroutFix broken tile around the base.
- Grab bar installationAdd support beside the toilet.
Before you text: our notes on toilet shutoff valves, for anyone booking toilet replacement.
Toilet guides
- The toilet shutoff valve that will not turnWhy the little valve behind an older toilet often will not close, and how we replace seized shutoffs and supply lines before they fail.
- Slow, gurgling sink and tub drains in an older houseWhy sinks and tubs in San Gabriel's older homes drain slowly or gurgle, what you can safely clear yourself, and what our minor plumbing visit involves.
We’re a handyman in San Gabriel for small repairs like this one, with an upfront price by text.
This job sits in our plumbing fixes group. For other repairs, see the services overview, or start with the repair guide for San Gabriel’s older homes.