Do You Have to Remove the Toilet to Install Flooring? A Guide to Bathroom Remodels

Picture this: you’re standing in your bathroom, surrounded by boxes of beautiful new flooring. You’re excited to start the transformation, but then a question pops into your head, “Do I have to remove the toilet?” The thought of taking on that plumbing project can be daunting, can’t it? It feels like a step you want to avoid, but is it truly necessary? The reality is that it often is, and the reasons go beyond just wanting a smooth floor. Let’s take a deep dive into the ins and outs of flooring installation and bathroom plumbing to see why removing your toilet is important.

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Installing new flooring can be a rewarding home improvement project. Replacing old, outdated flooring can completely change the look and feel of your bathroom. While it seems simple, there are specific scenarios where removing the toilet is essential to achieve a smooth, functional, and long-lasting result. And understanding why is key to avoiding future headaches and potential damage to your plumbing.

Understanding the “Why”:

Here’s the core reason: new flooring needs to sit flat and securely on the subfloor. The toilet can hinder this in a few ways:

1. The Toilet’s “Footprint”

The toilet fixture itself sits directly on the subfloor. You can easily imagine how this makes it impossible to lay flooring seamlessly beneath it. Instead, you’d be stuck with a gap around the toilet base that, over time, could lead to moisture problems and warping of the new floor.

2. The Toilet Flange and Wax Ring

This is where it gets a bit more technical. The toilet flange is the metal ring that connects the toilet to the sewer pipe beneath the floor. It sits on the subfloor and has a wax ring around it to create a watertight seal.

Why does this matter? If you’re installing a new floor, you might be adding a layer of material over the top of the existing subfloor, whether it’s tile, vinyl, or laminate. In these cases, the toilet flange would end up below the new floor level, creating a significant gap and making the toilet sit unevenly. More importantly, the new floor could put pressure on the wax ring, potentially causing leaks.

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The Options:

Now that we understand the “why,” let’s explore the best ways to navigate this situation. There are essentially three main options:

1. Complete Toilet Removal and Reinstallation

This is the most common scenario for new flooring installation. It involves carefully removing the toilet, ensuring you preserve the wax seal and flange. Once the flooring is installed, you reattach the toilet. While this might seem like the most extensive option, it’s crucial for achieving a smooth and functional result. If the floor is being raised drastically, it might also mean needing to adjust the toilet’s height for proper function.

2. “Cutting Around” the Toilet

This option is generally not recommended, especially for areas that will see a lot of traffic, such as the bathroom. It involves cutting the flooring around the toilet base, leaving a gap. While this might seem like a shortcut, it can lead to issues like moisture buildup, making the gaps more apparent, and potential tripping hazards. Plus, the cut lines may not be neat, leading to an aesthetically unappealing finish.

3. “Floating” Floors

This option involves floor types that “float” over the subfloor without needing to be directly adhered. Think click-together laminates or engineered wood flooring. While these options seem convenient, they may not be an ideal fit for bathrooms, which require a certain level of moisture resistance. Floating floors are also less stable than glued-down options and can get lifted or damaged due to toilet movement.

Professional Guidance:

The decision to remove the toilet and re-install it is best made in consultation with a trusted flooring professional. They’ll assess your project’s specifics, including the type of flooring you’re using, the existing subfloor condition, and the level of “lift” you anticipate with the new flooring. They can discuss the ideal approach for your situation and provide expert advice on avoiding potential problems. However, regardless of what you choose, hiring a licensed plumber to assist with the toilet removal and reinstallation is strongly recommended.

Making the Decision:

Choosing the best approach is about balancing aesthetics, functionality, and longevity. Here’s a breakdown to help you make the most informed decision:

When to Consider Removing the Toilet:

• If you’re installing tile, hardwood, or other flooring that requires a subfloor attachment.
• If the flooring is being raised significantly.
• You want a seamless floor for a clean, polished look.

When Removing the Toilet Might Not Be Necessary:

• You’re considering floating floor options.
• The floor height is being raised minimally.
• You’re comfortable with a slightly less symmetrical finish.

But keep in mind that even in scenarios where removing the toilet might not be absolutely necessary, doing so will still create the best results.

Do You Have To Remove Toilet To Install Flooring

A Wise Investment:

Don’t look at removing the toilet as an extra step – it’s an investment in a smoother, more aesthetically pleasing, and ultimately longer-lasting bathroom remodel. It’s all about ensuring your new flooring stands the test of time.

While removing the toilet might sound intimidating, with the right guidance from flooring professionals, and perhaps a little help from a plumber, the process can be seamless. Your beautifully installed flooring will be a reminder of your smart choice to take on this crucial step and the lasting satisfaction that comes with it.