How to Drain a Toilet Bowl? – Step-By-Step DIY Guide
From time to time, it may be necessary to drain a toilet bowl in order to clean it or fix a clog. Draining the bowl is a relatively easy process, but it’s important to follow the proper steps in order to avoid making a mess.
With a little care, you can drain your toilet bowl quickly and easily.
This guide will teach you how to drain a toilet bowl in just a few simple steps:
- Begin by shutting off the water supply to your toilet. There should be a valve located behind the toilet.
- Then flush the water to empty the toilet bowl of water.
- Once the bowl is empty, use a plunger to force any remaining water down the drain.
- To remove the last of the water from the bowl, use a sponge or a cup to scoop it out.
- Now that the bowl is empty, you can clean it as needed.
Below are step-by-step instructions for water draining from the toilet bowl.
Instructions and Right Tools
If your toilet bowl is leaking or you need to replace some of the parts inside, you’ll need to drain the bowl before proceeding. Draining the toilet bowl is a simple process that anyone can do with the right tools.
In order to drain the water for taking out a toilet, you will need a toilet plunger, rubber gloves, a sponge, a bucket, and a wet-dry shop vacuum.
General steps to toilet draining:
- Begin by preparing the area around the toilet. Make sure to lay down some old towels or rags to soak up any water that might spill.
- The next step is to turn off the water in the toilet. This is usually done by turning the valve at the back of the toilet clockwise. Once the water is turned off, flush the toilet to release any remaining water in the bowl.
- Then you need to remove the toilet tank lid. Carefully place it on a flat, soft surface such as a rug on the floor. The porcelain lid may crack if placed sharply on a hard surface. With the lid removed, flush the toilet one last time to release any remaining water in the drain bowl.
- Next, use a plunger to force any remaining water down the drain.
- Soak up the remaining water in the tank with a large, absorbent sponge.
- The following step is to fill the bucket with cold water. Once the bucket is full of cold water, pour it into the toilet.
- The final step is to dry up any remaining water. Use a wet-dry shop vacuum or a sponge to soak up any water that is still in the bowl.
- You are now ready to begin repairing or servicing your toilet bowl. When your toilet is back in service, put the lid back on and flush the toilet to fill the bowl with water.
Taking Out a Toilet: How to Drain the Water
Most toilets have a water supply line that runs to them from the main water line in your house. In order to take the toilet out, you will need to shut off the water to the toilet by turning the knob or lever to the “off” position.
Once the water is off, you can flush the toilet to get most of the water out of the bowl and tank. Use a sponge and a bucket or a wet vac to remove any remaining water from the tank.
Disconnect the supply line from the toilet using a wrench. Place a bucket beneath where your water supply line connects to the toilet to catch any water that may spill out when you disconnect the line. Remove the toilet tank.
Unfasten the flange bolts that are holding the toilet to the ground. These bolts are usually located on either side of the base of the toilet and are hidden under plastic caps.
Remove the caps and use a wrench to loosen the bolts. In some cases, the flange bolts may be corroded and difficult to remove. If this is the case, you can use a hand saw to cut the bolts.
Cut the caulk that is holding the toilet to the ground with a putty or utility knife. Once the caulk is cut, you can lift the toilet and pull it free from the flange. Be prepared for any remaining water in the toilet to spill out when you remove it.
FAQ
What causes the toilet not to drain?
There are several possible reasons for a toilet drain not working properly. A clogged sewer line is the most common problem. Wipes, toilet paper, and other items can build up in the sewer line and cause a blockage. This can result in slow flushing that doesn’t completely clear the bowl.
Other possible causes include a broken flushing mechanism, a faulty fill valve, or a problem with the sewer vent.
How do you fix a toilet that often clogs?
If you are having trouble with a toilet that keeps clogging up, there are a few things that you can try in order to fix the problem. One thing that you can try is to use a plunger to try and move the clog along. If that does not work, you can also try using a toilet auger to try and clear the clog.
If neither of those options work, you may need to call a professional to come and take a look at your toilet.
How do you diagnose a toilet problem?
To diagnose a toilet problem, you will need to examine the toilet to see what the problem is.
If the toilet is not flushing, then you will need to check to see if the water supply is turned on and that the toilet is not clogged.
If the toilet is clogged, then you will need to use a plunger to try and unclog it.
If the toilet is still not flushing, then you may need to call a plumber.
Can hot water unclog a toilet?
Adding boiling water to your toilet bowl can actually crack the porcelain, which would leave you in an even more difficult situation. Instead, fill the toilet with hot water. This will help break up and clear the clog.
Bottom Line
There are a few reasons you might need to drain your toilet bowl. If your bowl is leaking, you’ll need to drain it to access the leak and make repairs. You might also need to drain the bowl if you’re replacing parts inside it, such as the flapper or fill valve.
Draining the bowl is not a complicated process that anyone can do.
Have you ever had to drain the toilet bowl? Share your experiences in the comments.
Gerald Carpenter
My name is Gerald Carpenter and I am a professional plumber in the third generation. My father was a plumber, my grandfather was a plumber. I wish I had records on my other ancestors.
