Getting the water out of the toilet is a task that requires strategizing how to undertake it; in this case, the removal of all the water from the bowl and tank is an important step. Whether you are trying to avoid a mess or are a DIY enthusiast, this guide will help you find the best way to get water out of the toilet before bringing a new one home. If it all goes wrong, or if you need help, just remember that emergency services are a call away!
Why Remove the Water?
It makes the process of removal quite cleaner and a bit more manageable since the water gets drained from the toilet bowl and tank. If this were not done, one risks spilling the water onto their bathroom floor, thus creating a nuisance. Here are the essential reasons why the water should be removed:
Avoid Spills and Water Damage: The water will spill out of the toilet onto your bathroom floor during its removal. This can cause flooring damage, slipping hazards, and additional clean-up.
Ease of Handling: A toilet with water in either the bowl or tank is heavier and more cumbersome to handle. Removing the water reduces the weight and makes it much safer and easier to lift and move.
Hygiene and Cleanliness: Water in the bowl or tank can be infested with bacteria or any other kind of contamination. Removing it minimizes the risk of spills that may spread germs, ensuring a cleaner and more hygienic process.
Preparation for Installation: An empty toilet is less messy and more convenient to check for any defects, such as hairline cracks in the porcelain or damage to the mounting area. It also provides a clean surface for installing the new fixture.
This will save you time and possible complications by draining your toilet properly.
Step-by-Step Guide
1) Shut Off the Water Supply
First, please turn off the water supply to the toilet. The valve is usually on the floor or wall behind the base of the toilet. It’s a small, round handle. Turn it clockwise until it stops. This prevents more water from flowing into the toilet.
If the valve is stuck or difficult to operate, apply light pressure – but do not force it, otherwise the valve could break. If the valve is stuck or unreachable, you may have to shut off the main water supply to your home temporarily.
Turn off the water in the toilet and flush it. This will drain most of the water in the tank and bowl. It is okay if the tank does not drain completely; we will cover that in the next step.
2)Remove Remaining Water from the Tank
After flushing, a little water will still be retained inside the tank. To get rid of this residual water, follow these steps:
Use a Sponge or Towel: Place a large sponge or absorbent towel into the tank to absorb the remaining water. Wring it out into a bucket and repeat as necessary until the tank is dry.
Wet/Dry Vacuum: If you have a wet/dry vacuum, this can be a faster and more efficient method. Use the hose attachment on your vacuum to suction out the water completely.
Completely Dry: Once most of the water has been removed, use a fresh dry towel to wipe the interior of the tank for complete dryness before continuing with work.
3)Water Removal from Bowl
The bowl can be a little tricky to remove water from; here are a few methods:
Plunger Method: Most of the water can be forced down the drain with the help of a plunger. Place the plunger over the opening of the drain and pump several times up and down. It is fast, and for most situations, it works.
Bailing with a Cup or Scoop: If the above method does not drain all the water out, use a small disposable cup, a plastic scoop, or a ladle to bail out the remaining water manually. Angle the cup to scoop up the most with each pass.
Wet/Dry Vacuum: This is the most effective method for removing the water out of the bowl. Attach the hose and nozzle to your wet/dry vacuum and carefully vacuum the water out of it. Make sure the vacuum is set to handle liquids, and empty it as needed.
Siphoning method: If one does not have a wet/dry vacuum, then he is able to use a length of hose to siphon the water out. Place one end in the toilet bowl, then place the other end down in a bucket placed lower from the level of the bowl. Suck on the hose briefly, or use a primer for starting the flow of water. This method requires careful handling to avoid contact with water.
When to Call a Professional
While removing water from a toilet is a straightforward task, replacing a toilet can present unexpected challenges. Here are some situations where calling a professional:
Tight or Corroded Bolts: Corroded or overtightened bolts on your toilet, which fasten it to the floor, make the task challenging to conduct without causing any breakage in the flange and surrounding areas. A professional would be adequately equipped with tools and skills for such tasks.
Uneven Flooring: The unevenness of flooring often makes the toilet leak or causes instability in its sitting. A professional can level this area or offer remedies for this issue so that installation may be made very securely.
Wax Ring Issues: The wax ring is what seals the toilet properly to avoid leaks. If the wax ring is not correctly positioned or is damaged during installation, there could be serious water damage. Professionals ensure a perfect fit.
Plumbing Adjustments: If the existing plumbing does not align with the new toilet’s specifications, modifications may be necessary. A licensed plumber can make these adjustments to avoid long-term issues.
Time Factor: In case of lack of time or some missing tool, the professional will do the replacement quickly and efficiently, thus saving you time and probably frustration.
Emergency: If the water is flowing uncontrollably, or if there is an unforeseen problem during the process, it is better to call the expert right away to avoid further damage.
Designed to handle these and many other challenges, our emergency services run for 24 hours a day. With the experience of professional technicians and appropriate tools for the job, we make sure that your toilet replacement is professionally and effectively handled.
