How to Drain a Toilet

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The first step in removing a toilet is to get as much of the water out of the tank and bowl as possible.

• Start by turning off the cut-off valve to the toilet.
• Next, flush the toilet, holding the handle down until all the water in the tank has drained out.
• To remove the remaining water from the bowl, fill a 5-gallon bucket with water and pour it rapidly into the bowl, lifting the bucket up as high as you can to increase the speed of the flow.

This will draw most of the water out of the bowl, making it easy to remove the little that is left.

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4 Comments on “How to Drain a Toilet”

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1. Huh!? Says:
   March 24th, 2009 at 1:21 pm

   I still see water….

2. Been There Done That Says:
   November 4th, 2009 at 5:17 pm

   Yeah, what they are not telling you is that you will need to sponge the remaining water out of the bowl and tank. You will also need to cut the caulking that is around the bottom of the bowl and unscrew at the base.

3. Curt D Says:
   January 12th, 2011 at 4:55 pm

   Very easy to follow video, I have never removed a toilet before and had the same question about the water in the bowl. Thank you!!

4. Elmer. Says:
   March 26th, 2011 at 2:08 pm

   It is very easy to drain a toilet.Thank you for your help.

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