Replacing a toiletis one of those bathroom projects that sounds difficult but actually isn’t.

Removing and replacing the toilet flange in concrete is no easy matter.

Fortunately, a couple of tools will help with the process.

Toilet room in the modern interior

Artem Ermilov / Getty Images

Only those with an above average understanding of plumbing and experience working with power tools should attempt this project.

you’re able to find an inexpensive hammer drill at ahome improvement storeor tool rental outlet.

If your usage will be only occasionally, renting a hammer drill is probably your best option.

Saw using to cut off the old toilet flange and bolts.

Lee Wallender

If you expect to drill into masonry more often, purchase a good-quality tool.

Either anoscillating multi-toolequipped with a metal-cutting blade or an angle grinder will do the trick.

This also helps if you accidentally drop a tool down the pipe.

The old wax ring must be scraped off of the concrete floor.

Lee Wallender

Work with latex gloves and thoroughly wash up after replacing the flange.

You will need to remove this old flange and any obstructions before you might plant the new flange.

Onconcrete slabs, the old flange will be attached via bolts embedded in the concrete.

Person placing T-bolts on the flange.

Lee Wallender

But if the bolts are unacceptable (too rusted, mismatched, too short, etc.

), they must be cut off before installing the new flange.

confirm that all of these pieces are cut down perfectly flush with the concrete.

Person using a tape measure to determine the toilet distance to the back wall.

Lee Wallender

The wax most likely will be thick, sticky, and possibly stained with sewage.

Removing the wax ring requires patience, a putty knife, and latex gloves.

Having the bolts in place helps you better visualize how the toilet will be positioned.

Person drilling holes into the concrete with the hammer drill.

Lee Wallender

you could rotate the flange in either direction until you have reached the preferred position.

check that the flange fits snugly, with no gaps.

Use the hammer drill’s depth gauge to reach the necessary depth so you could bolt into concrete.

Person screwing the toilet flange onto the concrete floor.

Lee Wallender

With the toilet flange in place, you are ready to implement the toilet with a new wax ring.

Drilling into concrete and placing fasteners are specialty sub-projects that many do-it-yourselfers have never done.

In either case, you may want tocall a qualified licensed plumber.

Drill four holes equal distance from each other into the concrete floor.

You will need to unbolt the existing flange from the concrete to replace it with a new flange.