Purpose
Procedures for toilet replacement and common repairs.
When to Use
- Customer has approved toilet replacement or repair
Replacement Procedure
Shut off water supply and flush the toilet to drain
Sponge remaining water from tank and bowl
Disconnect supply line
Remove bolt caps and unscrew closet bolts
Rock toilet gently to break wax ring seal, then lift straight up
Inspect closet flange — repair or replace if cracked, corroded, or below floor level
Scrape old wax ring completely from flange and floor
Install new wax ring on the new toilet (or on the flange — follow manufacturer preference)
Set the new toilet on the bolts, press down evenly with a gentle rocking motion
Tighten closet bolts evenly — alternate sides, do not over-tighten (porcelain cracks)
Connect supply line (use new braided stainless line)
Turn on water, let tank fill, flush multiple times to test
Check for leaks at base, supply, and tank-to-bowl connection
Caulk around the base per local code requirements
Dispose of old toilet — take to truckCommon Repairs
Wax ring replacement: pull toilet, replace ring, reset toilet
Fill valve replacement: shut off water, drain tank, swap valve
Flapper replacement: unhook old, hook new, adjust chain length
Handle replacement: reverse-thread nut on most toilets — turns clockwise to loosenImportant Notes
- Always use a new wax ring — never reuse
- New supply line with every toilet installation
- Check floor for water damage while toilet is up — inform customer if found
- Over-tightening closet bolts cracks the porcelain base — snug is enough
- Present repair vs. replacement when multiple components are failing
Related SOPs
- Toilet Diagnostics & Repair Decision Tree — diagnosis before repair
- Options Presentation (Good/Better/Best) — presenting options
