How to Replace a Cracked Toilet

Steps for Replacing a Cracked Toilet with a New One

By Mark J. Donovan




If your toilet has a crack in it there is no way to repair it. Your only solution is to replace the cracked toilet.

To replace a toilet start by removing the old cracked one. First turn the water supply line off to it, disconnect the supply line, and drain the toilet tank by flushing it a couple of times.

Next, use a bucket and a large rag to sop up any of the remaining water in the toilet bowl.

Once the toilet bowl is virtually empty of water, remove the large bolts that connect the toilet tank to the bowl. You can find the tank bolt heads in the base of the toilet tank, and the nuts underneath the back side of the toilet bowl.

After removing these nuts simply lift the toilet tank off of the toilet bowl.

Next, remove the toilet bowl bolt caps.

Then, using an adjustable wrench remove the nuts attached to the toilet bolts.

After removing the nuts you can simply lift the entire toilet bowl off of the toilet flange.

Once you have discarded of the old cracked toilet, clean up around the toilet flange by scraping and removing any remnants of the old toilet wax ring. Also inspect the toilet flange for any damage. If it is damaged try replacing it. You may need to call in the help of a plumber.

Assuming the toilet flange is okay, install a new toilet wax ring over the toilet flange and sit the new toilet bowl over the wax ring/flange assembly. Secure the toilet bowl to the flange by tightening the nuts to the toilet bowl bolts. Be careful to not over-tighten the nuts to prevent from cracking the toilet bowl.

Replacing a cracked toilet.

Next mount the toilet tank onto the toilet bowl making sure you first install the toilet tank gasket in-between the two. Secure the tank to the bowl with the tank bolts and nuts, but again be careful to not over-tighten.

With the toilet tank mounted you can then install the toilet tank flush lever, tank supply/float unit, and the toilet flapper.

Next, connect the toilet supply line up to the base of the toilet tank using your adjustable pliers, and turn on the water.

Your new toilet should be operational, and your cracked toilet a problem in the past.

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