How to Remove the Toilet Drain Tube

Although toilets feature of number of areas that can leak, perhaps the most serious leak comes from underneath the toilet. A leak here not only results in potential water damage, but can also allow noxious gases to enter the home. Between the toilet and the floor are two components: a wax ring and a drain tube. Together, these components are designed to prevent such a leak. If the tube is damaged, the wax ring may not be enough to stop a leak. Although you must remove the toilet to access the drain tube, doing so is a straightforward job.

Rag
Channel-type pliers
Screwdriver
Ratcheting socket wrench
Putty knife

Instructions

- 1
  Turn off the water supply at the stop valve, located against the wall and behind the toilet. Twist the valve in a clockwise direction until the valve handle stops.
- 2
  Flush the toilet until the tank is empty, then sop up the small quantity of water that remains in the bowl with a rag.
- 3
  Disconnect the water inlet tube located against the underside of the tank. Rotate the fitting at the end of the tube in a counterclockwise direction with channel-type pliers, until the tube disconnects from the tank.
- 4
  Remove the tank’s securing nuts. One nut is located on each side of the tank. The nuts may be hidden underneath plastic caps. Lift the caps off the nuts with a screwdriver. Remove the nuts with a ratcheting socket wrench.
- 5
  Grasp the sides of the bowl firmly and rock the toilet from side to side to break the seal between the toilet and the floor.
- 6
  Lift the toilet off the floor to expose the drain tube within the center of the wax ring.
- 7
  Lift the wax ring off the floor by pushing the blade of a putty knife between the ring and the floor and prying upward.
- 8
  Lift the drain tube out of the floor opening.

Removing a Kohler Horizontal Lever

How to Make a Sink Splash Guard Drain Better

Plumbing