In most cases when a toilet is installed, the installer applies a bead of caulk around the base of the toilet to seal the joint and to make the transition from the porcelain toilet to the tile floor look smooth. However, in some cases, the installer may choose to grout the toilet to the tile floor to match the look of the grout between the tiles. You can replace a toilet that’s grout around it without needing to re-grout the newest toilet to the tile floor.

Switch off the supply valve behind the toilet by rotating the valve’s knob clockwise until it stops turning. Flush the toilet to eliminate as much water from the bowl and tank as you can. Sponge out any remaining water from both to your 5-gallon bucket.

Eliminate the coupler of the supply line from the nipple around the bottom of the toilet bowl having a large pair of slip-joint pliers.

Pop off the caps over the closet bolts on either side of the toilet base with a screwdriver. Loosen the nut on each bolt having an adjustable canopy. Rock the toilet side-to-side to loosen it from the grout around the underside of the toilet. If the toilet won’t move, chip out the grout from around the foundation using a cold chisel and hammer. Then lift the toilet assembly and place it aside.

Chip any remaining grout from the face of the shingles with a cold chisel and a hammer.

Scrape away any remaining wax ring from around the toilet flange using a putty knife. Unscrew the screws which mount the flange to the floor with a screwdriver, and remove the flange.

Install a new flange to the floor around the drain tube using the supplied screws. Place the head of a cabinet bolt into the slot on either side of the flange.

Position the tank of the brand new toilet over the hole in the rear of the bowl and affix the tank to the bowl using the two mounting bolts. Turn the meeting on its side and press a new wax ring set up around the drain hole.

Position the toilet the drain hole and align the closet bolts with the mounting holes. Press the toilet down onto the flange with a slight rocking motion to bench the wax ring.

Place a level over the brand new toilet bowl and slip toilet shims around the underside of the toilet until it is level in each direction. Place a washer over each cabinet bolt before threading a nut onto each bolt. Tighten the bolts using an adjustable wrench. Place a cabinet bolt cap over the tip of each bolt to hide the mounting bolts.

Combine the supply line coupler to the nipple on the bottom of the brand new toilet tank, and tighten the coupler with a large pair of slip-joint pliers. Turn on the water supply valve and test the toilet, checking for leaks.

Apply a bead of silicone caulk around the base of the toilet against the tile. Smooth the caulk with a wet finger to provide the caulk an even, consistent look.

Position the mounting bolts of a new toilet seat over the holes on the rear edge of the bowl, and tighten the mounting nuts to the bottom of the bolts to fasten the bench to the bowl.

See related