Replace a Toilet
Setting a new toilet on a sound flange is a realistic DIY. A broken flange, a rotten subfloor, or a nonstandard rough-in is a plumber's job.
This is a judgment page, not a step-by-step how-to. The procedure lives in the vetted links at the bottom.
The call
DIY if the flange is solid, the floor is firm, and the new toilet matches the rough-in (usually 12 inches from the wall to the flange bolts). Hire a plumber if the flange is cracked, the floor is soft, the closet bolts are spinning in a broken ring, or you cannot match a 10-inch or 14-inch rough-in.
- Difficulty
- Time
- 1–3 hours
- DIY estimate
- $150–$400 for the toilet
- Pro estimate
- $350–$800 installed
2 of 5
Rough national estimate, not a quote. Prices move with the city, the brand, and whatever the job turns into once you open it up.
Tools
- TODO: affiliate link
Adjustable wrench
- TODO: affiliate link
Putty knife
- TODO: affiliate link
Sponge, bucket, and old towels
- TODO: affiliate link
Level
Materials
- TODO: affiliate link
New toilet with the correct rough-in
- TODO: affiliate link
Wax ring or wax-free seal, plus new closet bolts
- TODO: affiliate link
Flexible supply line
- TODO: affiliate link
100% silicone if your local code wants the base sealed
Affiliate slots are placeholders. A live shop link will be marked as sponsored. See the affiliate disclosure.
Safety notes
- Shut the water off and flush before you disconnect the supply line. Keep a towel on the valve.
- A toilet is heavy and the tank comes off. Get a second person. Don't lift with the lid as a handle.
- Stuff a rag in the open drain only while you work, and pull it out before you set the new bowl. A rag left in the drain becomes a clog.
- If the subfloor is soft, black, or smells, the leak has already reached the structure. Stop. That is a plumber and possibly a carpenter, not a Saturday swap.
Do I need a permit?
A like-for-like toilet swap is often ordinary repair. Confirm it.
Some states treat a fixture replacement as ordinary repair. Others leave it to the city, and the research pass did not confirm every state. Read the toilet line on your state page. If it says to check locally, call the building department before you buy the toilet.
On each state page, read: Toilet.
Permit triggers are local. This is general information, not legal advice. All state pages · Disclaimer
Best How-To Videos & Articles
We link to guides that already exist. We don't rewrite them.
- How To Replace a Toilet
Family Handyman · Article
- How to Install a Toilet
Family Handyman · Article
TODO: add a verified YouTube link for this project.
Questions people ask first
- Should I replace a toilet myself?
- Yes, if the flange and the floor are sound and the rough-in matches. Hire a plumber for a broken flange, a soft floor, or a rough-in you cannot match.
- How much does it cost to replace a toilet?
- The toilet itself is often $150–$400. A plumber installing one is often $350–$800. Those are rough estimates, not a quote.
- Do I need a permit to replace a toilet?
- It depends on the city. Read the toilet line on your state page and call the local building department if that line is not confirmed.