I'm planning to remove my toilet temporarily to install an access panel behind it, since previously it was moved for plumbing work, and I was left with a hole in the drywall. I don't want to replace the toilet; I just need to know if I have to follow all installation steps as if it's a brand new toilet, considering I'll be putting the same one back in.
1 Answer
To put it simply, yeah, you should still follow most of the steps. Start by shutting off the water supply, flushing to drain as much water as you can, and disconnecting the hose. After that, unscrew the bolts and lift the toilet off the floor. While it's off, it's a great time to replace the wax ring at the bottom—it’s a cheap fix that prevents leaks later. After you've done what you need to do back there, just put the toilet back on the bolts, reconnect the hose, and turn the water back on. Easy peasy!
I was hesitant about the wax ring too but everyone seems to agree it's best to just replace it while you have the chance!