I have an older home and we're looking to do some bathroom updating.

So how hard is it really to take out an existing toilet and install a new one? Any tips or tricks?

This is the part of the update that I'm really not looking forward to, but I'm willing to take it on as a DIY'er if it's reasonable.

No Problem, as a novice and presuming you are somewhat dexterous and semi intelligent.

How old is he existing?

You'll need a new wax ring, (the thicker the better), a crescent wrench or one of the correct size, probably large screw driver for the seat, (get one of those quiet closing one, they're cool), and some plumbers pliers. New toilet and tank, of course. You may want to replace the existing valve and tube (if that's what you have) with a 1/4 turn valve and braided SS hose.

Shut off water, flush toilet (to empty the tank), remove the tank (typically need the large screwdriver and pliers to remove the tank and water inlet flex pipe if that's what you have).

Remove the bowl by removing the two nuts under the covers on each side. You'll have to use a large sponge to remove the water from the bowl.

Discard and reverse the procedure for installation except put the wax ring either on the bottom of the new bowl or in the floor drain.

Simple once you get over what your working on. Yuk!

Thanks, I appreciate the response. The one that we're looking to replace is not original to the house, and I'll be doing some measuring to confirm the size to make it an easy swap.

You're right....it's not one of the most pleasant projects.

Stick a towel down the pipe (but make sure you can retrieve it) in between when you take off the old toilet and put on the new one, unless you want to smell not so pleasant smells.

It really is an easy job, just unpleasant. The hardest part will be taking the bolts off the screws as they are probably rusted over really well.

I just finished installing my new one. it really isnt that hard. a couple of things though:

make sure that the water valve wont interfere with the new toilet. One thing i never thought would be an issue is installing a new toilet having to worry that something would be in the way (if the old one fit, why would a new one not?)
it so happens that the water valve was RIGHT behind the flange, and the new toilet had a different bowel design, so I had to tilt the toilet to get it to fit.

you may also pour down some professional grade draino or something to clean out the trap before installing the new toilet so that you dont have to worry about damaging your new toilet.

Shop vac to drain the water from the bowl / trap. Taking tank off will make things easier to handle. Same thing for installing - install the bowl, then install the tank.

The distance from the wall to the flange bolts is not uniform. Make sure the one you pick will fit. This can be a problem even on newer homes.

Get some disposable vinyl gloves.

Make sure the flange is really secure to the floor and use a wax ring with the neoprene (or whatever ) sleeve, not just the wax ring.

[This message has been edited by Absolute (edited 7/26/2010 8:03a).]

The main thing to remember is to not tighten the new bolts too much.

I cracked my last tank that way. I had to buy a new one.

Yeah...tighten it hand tight, and then give it a little bit more of a turn, not even 1/4".

Fill her up with water...if it leaks, tighten it more, if it doesnt, stop.