Unbolting The Bathroom: A Step-By-Step Guide To Removing A Toilet Pan

Removing a toilet pan is a relatively simple DIY project that most people can tackle either alone or with a helper. The first step is to drain the water from the toilet by turning off the water supply at the shut-off valve. Then, flush the toilet as many times as needed to empty the tank and bowl. Once the toilet is empty, disconnect the water and overflow pipes, as well as the flush pipe between the cistern and the toilet if it is a low-level cistern. Next, remove the cistern by unscrewing the mounting nuts and bolts that secure it to the toilet pan. With the cistern removed, you can then unscrew the bolts that attach the toilet pan to the floor and gently rock the pan from side to side to break the wax seal. Finally, lift the toilet pan away from the waste pipe and cover the end of the pipe with adhesive tape or a rag to prevent unpleasant smells from entering your bathroom.

Disconnect the water supply

Disconnecting the water supply is the first step in removing a toilet. This process can be done in a few simple steps. First, shut off the water supply at the mains or at the isolating valve, which is usually located on the wall behind the toilet. If there is no isolating valve, you will need to isolate the water supply elsewhere.

Once the water supply is shut off, flush the toilet to empty the cistern. Place a bowl or bucket under the filling hose to catch any remaining water, and remove the cover from the cistern. You may need to soak up the remaining water in the cistern with a sponge, wringing it out over the toilet bowl or basin.

The next step is to disconnect the water pipe from the water inlet valve on the cistern. Hold the filling mechanism steady and use an adjustable wrench to unscrew the filling hose union. You can unscrew the last few turns by hand. If there is an overflow pipe, disconnect this as well.

Now, you can lift off the cistern and remove it completely. Be careful, as water may leak out. Place the cistern on a towel or old rags to avoid dirtying the floor.

Finally, disconnect the flush pipe between the cistern and the toilet. Low-level cisterns may not have this pipe. Disconnect the flapper chain and remove any remaining water from the bottom of the pan with a sponge, squeezing it into a bucket.

Remove the cistern

Removing a toilet cistern is a relatively simple task, but it is important to be methodical to avoid a mess and potential damage. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to removing a toilet cistern:

Firstly, ensure you have the right tools for the job. You will need a wrench, a screwdriver, and possibly a power drill. It is also a good idea to have some old towels or rags to hand, to mop up any spills or leaks.

Now, before you start work on the cistern, you must shut off the water supply at the mains. Then, flush the toilet to empty the cistern. Place a bowl under the filling hose and remove the cover from the cistern. You can then hold the filling mechanism steady and use your wrench to unscrew the filling hose union. You can unscrew the last few turns by hand.

Next, you need to disconnect the water inlet pipe at the bottom of the unit. Use your wrench to undo this pipe. There may also be an overflow pipe, so be sure to disconnect this too.

With the water supply disconnected, you can now separate the cistern from the back of the toilet. This is usually just a case of unscrewing a few nuts and bolts. Be careful, as there may still be some water left in the cistern, which could leak out. Use a screwdriver to hold any screws steady if the nut and screw turn together.

Once all the fixings have been removed, carefully lift the cistern away from the toilet. Empty any remaining water from the cistern and the toilet bowl. You can use a sponge to soak up any water left in the cistern and bowl, wringing the sponge out over the basin.

Finally, check that all connections are clear and free of old fixings or silicone. You may need to use a sealant removing tool or a cutter to clear any old silicone from the back of the toilet or the floor.

Unscrew the bolts

Before you begin to unscrew the bolts, you will need to have shut off the water supply at the mains and disconnected the water supply. Flush the toilet to empty the cistern, and place a bowl under the filling hose. Remove the cover from the cistern and hold the filling mechanism steady while you unscrew the filling hose union with an adjustable wrench. You can do the last few turns by hand.

Now, to unscrew the bolts. There are two bolts at the back of the toilet pan that secure the cistern to the toilet pan. These need to be removed by undoing them in an anti-clockwise direction. If they are too tight, spray them with penetrating oil and then try again. Remove the wing nuts from the bolts.

Now, remove the water pipe from the water inlet valve on the cistern and disconnect the overflow pipe if there is one. You can now lift off the cistern and remove it completely.

There are usually two or four screws in the base of the toilet pan that need to be undone. Remove the screws and then carefully slide the toilet forward, away from the soil pipe. Be careful not to damage the pipe when removing the toilet pan.

Remove the toilet bowl

Removing the toilet bowl

Step 1: Disconnect the water supply

Before starting any work on the toilet, shut off the water supply at the mains. Then, flush the toilet to empty the cistern. Place a bowl or bucket under the filling hose and remove the cover from the cistern. You can use a sponge to soak up any remaining water in the cistern and wring it out over the toilet bowl or basin

Step 2: Disconnect the water and overflow pipes

Disconnect the filling hose union with an adjustable wrench and pliers. You can also unscrew the last few turns by hand. Now, disconnect the water pipe from the water inlet valve on the cistern and disconnect the overflow pipe, if there is one. You can use a spanner to do this.

Step 3: Remove the cistern

Remove the cistern from the toilet bowl by locating the two fixing screws or mounting bolts under the cistern and unscrewing the nuts. Be careful, as water may leak out. If the bowl is stuck to the floor with silicone, use a cutter to cut through it.

Step 4: Remove the toilet bowl

Remove the caps covering the fixing screws on the floor bolts. Then, unscrew the fixing screws from the floor using a ratchet wrench or a screwdriver. If the nuts are difficult to unscrew, try using penetrating oil or a hacksaw to cut through the bolts.

Step 5: Break the toilet seal

Straddle the toilet bowl and gently rock it from side to side to break the wax seal.

Step 6: Final steps

Before removing the bowl, tilt it backwards to drain any remaining water into the siphon. Then, pull the toilet bowl towards you to free it from the waste pipe. Cover the end of the waste pipe with adhesive tape or a rag to prevent unpleasant smells from entering your bathroom.

Now you have successfully removed the toilet bowl and can move on to installing a new one or making any necessary repairs.

Clean and prepare the area

Before you begin, make sure you have the right tools for the job. You will need a flathead screwdriver, an adjustable wrench, adjustable pliers, a sealant removing and spreading tool, a sponge, a bowl, and a cutter or utility knife. Latex or rubber gloves are also recommended.

Now, clean the area around the toilet pan to ensure no dust or dirt gets in the way of your work. Sweep along the edges of the room and collect dust and dirt in the middle. Don't forget to reach around the base of the toilet, as dust often collects there. You can use a slightly damp paper towel to pick up the dust.

Next, you will need to shut off the water supply at the mains. Flush the toilet to empty the cistern. Place a bowl under the filling hose and remove the cover from the cistern. Hold the filling mechanism steady and use an adjustable wrench to unscrew the filling hose union. You can then shut off the valve using an adjustable wrench and pliers. Fit a seal to a male plug and screw the plug into the end of the water pipe to close it, tightening with a wrench and pliers.

Now, remove the cistern. Locate the two fixing screws under the cistern and unscrew the nuts to detach it from the toilet bowl. Water may leak out, so be careful. If the nut and screw turn together, use a screwdriver to hold the screws in the bottom of the cistern steady. Once the cistern is free, lift it off carefully and empty any remaining water. You can soak up the water with a sponge and wring the sponge out over the toilet bowl or basin.

Finally, you are ready to remove the toilet bowl. Remove the caps covering the fixing screws and then unscrew the fixing screws from the floor using a ratchet wrench. If the bowl is stuck to the floor with a bead of silicone, use a cutter to cut through it. Before completely removing the bowl, tilt it backwards to drain the water it contains into the siphon. You can now pull the toilet bowl towards you to free it from the waste pipe.

If necessary, use a sealant removing tool to remove the old silicone sealant from the floor. Cover the end of the waste pipe with adhesive tape to prevent unpleasant smells from entering your bathroom.

Frequently asked questions