You do not strictly have to remove the toilet, but it is highly recommended. Taking it out allows for a much faster, easier, and cleaner installation. If you leave it in, you will have to make highly precise, difficult cuts around the fixture.
For the Best Look, Remove the Toilet First
If you aren't too concerned with the finished look, then you might be able to install flooring with the toilet in place, just don't expect a picture-perfect finished look. However, if you want the best final result, take the extra step of removing the toilet first.
On average, you can expect to pay a plumber between $185 and $400 for labor. If you include the cost of a mid-range toilet, the total typically lands between $350 and $800. Plumbers usually charge either a flat rate for this common task or an hourly rate, with the job taking about 1 to 3 hours.
Our toilet installation service includes: Removal of your old toilet and installation of your newly purchased one. Attachment of provided flange bolts, wax ring and supply line. Testing of the new toilet; and debris cleanup.
Yes, the toilet flange should sit on top of the finished vinyl plank flooring.
You do not have to remove the toilet, but it is highly recommended. While you can cut the planks tightly around the base of the toilet, removing it takes only about 20 minutes and guarantees a clean, professional finish.
#1 Use A Flange Spacer Kit
If your flange is only slightly too high (like, just a little over the recommended ¼ inch), this is probably your easiest fix. Spacer kits are exactly what they sound like: little rings that stack around your flange to help bring it up to match the height of your flooring better.
The labour for a new toilet installation typically costs between £200 and £500 including VAT. Plumbers will usually charge an hourly rate, plus the cost of the new toilet (if you're not providing this yourself) and materials. Installation typically takes between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the type of toilet.
Plumbers: If you're hiring a plumber to install a new toilet, ask if they will take your old one for recycling. Many plumbers are happy to handle that for you. Dumpster rental: If you're doing a bigger renovation and need to dispose of more than just a toilet, a dumpster rental could be a viable option.
The Home Depot does not offer a dedicated senior citizen discount. However, you can maximize your savings at the retailer with these alternative approaches:
But, the rule of thumb is to replace your toilet every 25 years, due to damage and regular wear and tear. If you have an older toilet, you should consider newer model toilets as they will be more efficient in conserving water and utility costs.
A professional plumber typically takes 1 to 2 hours to remove an old toilet and install a standard new one. If the plumbing is already prepped and the space is cleared, the physical swap can take as little as 30 to 60 minutes.
Due to their experience with numerous installations, plumbers can often provide firm quotes for standard replacements. For a straightforward toilet installation, you might expect to pay between R1980 and R2750. However, the average cost of replacing a toilet generally falls between R2750 and R4400+.
Installing 1,000 square feet of laminate flooring typically costs between $3,000 and $13,000, with a national average of roughly $6,000–$8,000 for materials and professional labor. Costs generally break down to $1–$5 per sq. ft. for materials and $2–$8 per sq. ft. for labor, depending on quality, location, and site prep.
In 2026, bathroom flooring trends prioritize a blend of organic warmth and dramatic, personalized style, with popular choices including travertine, limestone, large-format porcelain tiles, and intricate patterned tiles. Top trends for the year include herringbone patterns, "tile drenching" (running the same tile on floor and wall), and high-contrast, artistic patterns that turn floors into a focal point.
Short answer: the vinyl surface itself is pee-proof — urine won't stain or seep through a sealed wear layer if you wipe it up the same day.
Dish soap has the ability to lubricate and break down the bonds of fats and grease. When poured into the toilet, dish soap helps lubricate the waste causing the clog, while also breaking down its structure, allowing it to easily flow down the drain.
PMRs for malignancies of the stomach, kidney, brain, and lymphopoietic system were also elevated, especially among plumbers. Chronic rheumatic heart disease, emphysema, liver cirrhosis, and all external causes of death were the major non-cancer causes with significantly elevated PMRs.
Around 70% of the world doesn't rely on toilet paper in the way we do, turning to water before tissue.
The Most Expensive Part of a Bathroom Renovation: Waterproofing & Plumbing. While it's easy to get caught up in design decisions like tile patterns or faucet styles, the true cost champion in nearly every bathroom remodel is the waterproofing and plumbing system.
Type of plumbing
Forgetting To Tighten the Toilet Bolts
One common DIY toilet installation mistake is forgetting to tighten the bolts that secure the toilet to the floor. Loose bolts can result in the toilet shifting over time, which may cause leaks or damage.
No, a toilet flange should not be flush with the finished floor. It must be installed on top of the finished floor (meaning the bottom of the flange rests directly on your tile, vinyl, or wood) so that the top of the flange sits approximately 14one-fourth14 inch above it.
The working life expectancy of a toilet is approximately 25 years, depending on maintenance and wear and tear. The average household replaces its toilets every 10 to 15 years, often during bathroom renovations.
When shimming a toilet to fix a wobble or uneven base, you typically place shims in the back and along the sides near the structural points of the bowl. Avoid placing them in the front.