If you have a quarter-turn ball valve, you’ll only need to turn the valve a quarter of a turn, but older gate valves may require several turns before they’re closed. [3] X Expert Source Dave JonesMaster Plumber, Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup Expert Interview. 13 December 2021. You want the toilet and tank to be as dry as possible before you remove it, so go a step further and use a sponge to soak up any water that’s left after you flush.

Once the tank is off, remove it from the bathroom or set it to the side or somewhere it won’t be in the way.

If you can’t get the nuts off, try spraying them with penetrating oil. If you’re still unsuccessful, you may have to use a nut splitter or cut the bolts with a hacksaw. It’s a good idea to wear protective rubber or latex gloves for this. [7] X Expert Source Dave JonesMaster Plumber, Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup Expert Interview. 13 December 2021.

Toilets are heavy, so use your legs to lift. [8] X Expert Source Dave JonesMaster Plumber, Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup Expert Interview. 13 December 2021. If you’re not removing the toilet from the room immediately, place it on an old towel so it doesn’t damage the floor. [9] X Expert Source Dave JonesMaster Plumber, Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup Expert Interview. 13 December 2021.

If the flange is bent or damaged, you’ll need to replace it before installing the new toilet. [12] X Expert Source Dave JonesMaster Plumber, Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup Expert Interview. 13 December 2021.

MaP has set removal of 350 grams (12. 3 oz) of waste per flush as the minimum acceptable level and the U. S. EPA’s WaterSense Program sets the same minimum for their tank-type toilet specification. Since participation in this testing program is voluntary, you won’t find information for all toilets in the database.

Check with your water utility company to see if they offer a rebate or some form of financial incentive if you install a high-efficiency toilet. High-efficiency toilets earn the U. S. EPA’s WaterSense label, a designation that means among other things that they perform as well or better than their less efficient counterparts and are 20 percent more water efficient than average products in that category.