Removing a toilet

Gotcha — sounds like you've got a back-to-wall toilet setup, common in wet rooms for that clean, flush look. These can be a bit fiddly to remove, especially when the waste connection isn’t visible.

If you can see water sitting in the left pipe, and it looks like it’s inside the toilet, chances are that’s either the waste pipe or the flush pipe (if it’s a concealed cistern setup). Here’s a quick pro-style breakdown:

Steps to remove it safely:
Turn off the water supply to the toilet (usually there's an isolation valve nearby or outside the wet room).

Flush and drain the cistern — if it's concealed, remove the flush plate and access it from the service hatch.

Undo the fixings — most back-to-wall toilets are either floor-mounted with hidden fixings or side-fixed through holes covered by caps. You might need a long screwdriver or Allen key depending on the model.

Gently pull the toilet forward — it’s probably connected to a flexi pan connector at the back, which seals to the soil pipe. These are usually push-fit, so a bit of wiggling and careful pulling will release it. Have towels or a tray ready — there’ll be water in the trap.

Check the left pipe — if you’re seeing standing water, that’s likely the toilet trap water (normal), or possibly a separate flush or overflow pipe if it’s an unusual layout.

No need to force anything — those pan connectors can get tight, but once the seal breaks, it’ll slide off.

It sounds like you’re dealing with a toilet that’s flush against the wall, and you’re trying to disconnect it, but the water pipe is visible inside the toilet. Here’s how to approach removing it:

1. Turn Off the Water Supply

Before doing anything, make sure to turn off the water supply to the toilet. This is usually done at the shut-off valve near the wall or floor. If you can’t find it, you may need to turn off the main water supply to the house.

2. Empty the Toilet

Once the water is off, flush the toilet to empty the tank. You may need to manually remove any remaining water from the tank and bowl using a sponge or towel to soak it up.

3. Disconnect the Water Supply Pipe
• If the water pipe is visible and appears to be inside the toilet or tightly connected, the pipe might be a flexible hose or straight pipe leading into the bottom or side of the toilet tank.
• Loosen the connection where the water pipe connects to the toilet’s fill valve (this is the valve inside the tank that fills it with water). Use a pipe wrench or adjustable spanner to carefully unscrew the connection.

4. Remove the Toilet

To remove the toilet from the floor:
• Locate the toilet bolts that secure it to the floor. These are usually located on both sides of the toilet at the base.
• Remove the bolt caps if they’re present, then unscrew the bolts using a wrench or socket set.
• Gently rock the toilet back and forth to break the seal. Some toilets may have a wax ring that seals them to the floor, so it may require a little force to lift.

5. Check for Hidden Water Line

If the water pipe is still inside the toilet or is hard to access, double-check the back or underside of the toilet. You might need to lift it slightly or shift it to access the final connection point to the toilet.

6. Inspect the Drain Connection

Once you’ve removed the toilet, inspect the waste pipe underneath. If it’s a flange connection, you may need to unscrew it or remove any seals before fully detaching the toilet.

7. Seal the Pipe (if necessary)

Once the toilet is removed, if you’re leaving the pipe exposed, consider sealing the water pipe with a temporary cap or plumber’s tape to prevent leaks.

Key Tip: If you’re unsure about the exact setup or if the toilet is unusually installed, you may want to take a photo or sketch the connections before removing it so you can refer back to it if needed.