Before you buy the toilet
Measure the rough-in, which is the distance from the finished wall behind the toilet to the center of the floor flange. Most are 12 inches, with 10 and 14 inch versions available. A toilet with the wrong rough-in will not sit against the wall.
Decide on bowl shape and height. Elongated bowls are more comfortable but need more space, and comfort-height seats sit higher than standard ones. Check the water use. EPA WaterSense toilets use 1.28 gallons per flush or less.
Buy a new wax or wax-free seal, closet bolts and a braided supply line at the same time. These are inexpensive and worth replacing.
Tools and supplies
Gather these before you remove the old toilet:
- Adjustable wrench and a screwdriver.
- A putty knife to scrape the old seal.
- A sponge, bucket and towels.
- New closet bolts, a wax or wax-free seal and a supply line.
- A level and shims for an uneven floor.
- Caulk for the base, if you want it.
Wear gloves. The old seal and the flange area are messy and can hold waste residue.
Installation steps
Follow the manual for your toilet, and use this as a guide.
- Close the supply valve, flush the tank and sponge out the remaining water.
- Disconnect the supply line, remove the tank bolts if the tank is separate and lift the toilet.
- Scrape the old seal from the flange and inspect the flange for cracks and height.
- Install new closet bolts in the flange slots.
- Place the new seal on the flange or on the toilet horn according to the instructions.
- Set the toilet straight down over the bolts and press firmly, then tighten the nuts a little at a time, alternating sides.
- Attach the tank if separate, connect the supply line and open the valve.
- Flush several times, check for leaks and test for rocking.
Overtightening can crack the porcelain. Stop as soon as the toilet is firm.
The flange is the part that decides success
The flange is the ring on the floor that connects the toilet to the drain. It should sit on top of the finished floor, not below it. When a new tile floor raises the surface, the flange may end up too low, and a toilet on a low flange leaks no matter how good the seal is.
A cracked flange, a loose one or one that has rotted from years of seepage needs repair or replacement. Repair rings and extension kits exist for many cases. If the subfloor is soft, a bigger repair is needed, and a plumber is the right call.
A new toilet that rocks may need shims at the base. Do not tighten the bolts to correct a wobble. Use shims and trim them flush.
Wax versus wax-free seals
Both work, and the right choice depends on the flange.
| Seal | Strengths | Cautions |
|---|---|---|
| Wax ring | Inexpensive, forgiving, common | Single use, can be messy |
| Wax-free rubber seal | Reusable, clean, handles slight misalignment | May need a flange at the right height |
| Extra-thick wax | Helps with a low flange | Not a substitute for a proper flange repair |
If you are unsure about the flange or the floor, see our drain cleaning page for slow bathroom drains, and call a plumber for the installation.
When to hire a plumber
Hire a plumber if the flange is damaged, if the floor is soft, if the supply valve will not shut off, if the toilet is in a second-floor bathroom or if you are moving a toilet to a new location. Moving a toilet on a slab means cutting concrete and rerouting a drain.
A plumber also handles the permit question. Our plumbing installation page covers bathroom remodels, and faucet repair is a natural add-on if the sink needs work too.
If the flange looks damaged or the floor is soft, call (321) 463-9969 before you set the new bowl.
Saint Cloud local note: permits and your water
Replacing a fixture is listed as permit-required work on the county permit page, so ask the building department for your address whether a toilet swap needs a permit. The same page requires licensed subcontractors for plumbing as a regulated trade.
Toho Water Authority's 2025 report lists chlorine as the disinfectant in the Saint Cloud system, at an average of 1.57 parts per million. Chlorine tends to age rubber parts, so choose a quality flapper and fill valve, and expect to replace them as they wear.
Where this comes from: the county permit information page and the utility's annual water quality report. Toilet installs are available in Kissimmee and Harmony.
Quick answers for Saint Cloud homeowners
Do I need a permit to replace a toilet in Osceola County?
The county's permit page lists replacement fixtures as permit-required. Ask the building department that covers your address how it applies to a toilet swap.
How do I know the flange is OK?
It should be level, firm, free of cracks and sit on top of the finished floor. A plumber can check and repair it.
How tight should the closet bolts be?
Snug and even. Tighten a little on each side in turn and stop when the toilet no longer rocks.
Can I reuse the old wax ring?
No. A wax ring is single use, and an old one may not seal again.
Why does my new toilet run?
A fill valve or flapper out of adjustment is the usual cause. Check the water level and the chain.