Considerations

• Although you can choose to replace a toilet for purely aesthetic reasons, you can't choose a new one simply based on look. The most important consideration is whether or not the replacement toilet fits properly. This involves making sure the rough-in for the new toilet matches the rough-in for the outgoing one.
  
  

Removal Process

• Before removing the old toilet, make sure you first turn off the water supply and drain all the water from the tank and the bowl. Flushing the toilet and holding the handle down for an extended time, then using a wet/dry vacuum in both the tank and bowl, speeds up the process. Disconnecting the tank from the bowl, in a two-piece model, and removing each piece separately, makes for lighter lifting.
  
  

Installation Process

• With a two-piece toilet, you can either install the tank onto the bowl, then set the unit onto the flange; or, install the bowl first and follow with the tank. A new wax ring will need to be installed, along with new closet bolts. When tightening the nuts on the closet bolts, care should be taken to tighten evenly and avoid over tightening.