ud83dudcda Toilet Renovation Series u2014 1 of 25
u2190 (first article) u00b7 Series Index u00b7 Toilet Renovation Vol.2: Toilet Removal Pt.1 u2192
u270fufe0f Originally published: January 2, 2017 / ud83dudd04 Updated: May 8, 2026
2026 DIY Dad’s Note: Toilet Renovation Overview
ud83duded2 RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
Washlet Toilet Seats (Bidet)
A washlet seat is the single upgrade that impresses every tenant in Japan.
After finishing the kitchen, it was time for the toilet. A typical toilet renovation follows this sequence: remove the old toilet u2192 repair the floor u2192 replace the flooring u2192 finish the walls u2192 install the new toilet. Removing the toilet turned out to be heavier work than I expected!
What DIY Dad Tackled in the Toilet Renovation
- Toilet removal (disassembled in three parts: tank, seat, and base)
- Floor repair (plywood subfloor patching)
- Cushion floor (vinyl sheet) replacement
- Wall finish (diatomite/kieselguhr plaster)
- New toilet installation
- Water supply line and shut-off valve connection check
Step-by-Step Toilet Removal
- Close the shut-off valve (turn clockwise with a flat-head screwdriver)
- Drain the tank and bowl (bail out with a bucket, then wipe dry with rags)
- Disconnect the water supply line from the tank
- Remove the tank from the base (2 bolts)
- Remove the seat
- Unscrew the base from the floor anchor bolts (2u20134 anchor bolts)
- Lift and remove the toilet base u2014 it’s heavy! (20u201330 kg)
Trying to lift the base alone is a sure way to throw out your back. DIY Dad always works with at least two people for this step.
Sealing the Drain After Removal
Once the toilet is removed, sewer gases will rise from the open drain pipe. Stuff a plastic bag or rags in as a temporary plug. Forget this step and you’ll be working in some very unpleasant conditions!
A Landlord’s Perspective: Comfort Wins Tenants
After 15 years as a landlord, cleanliness and comfort in the toilet directly affect whether someone signs a lease. Simply replacing an old toilet with a new one can justify raising rent by u00a53,000u2013u00a55,000 per month u2014 and the applications still roll in.
A washlet is no longer optional u2014 it’s the standard. Properties without one get passed over. DIY Dad has installed washlets in every unit.
ud83dudebd Thinking About a Toilet Renovation?
Even just replacing the toilet bowl makes a dramatic difference. In this property, switching from a tank-type to a tankless toilet made the room feel noticeably larger. Water trouble u2014 leaks and clogs u2014 can spiral into a serious problem if ignored. When in doubt, call a professional right away.
24-Hour Emergency Plumbing Service u00bb
Hey there u2014 DIY Dad here!
The family rushed through the New Year’s holidays in a blur of travel, and just when it felt like we’d finally arrived at the relatives’, it was already time to head back. Happy times fly by!
Today I’m switching gears from the kitchen u2014 it’s toilet time. Let’s get started on the 1st-floor toilet renovation.
The toilet is up at the top of the floor plan.
u2191 Floor plan u2014 the toilet is at the top.
Why the Toilet Matters
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Toilet Repair Kits
Keep a repair kit stocked u2014 toilet calls come without warning at midnight.
For DIY Dad, the toilet is sacred u2014 it’s the one place where the little tyrants and a frazzled spouse can’t reach you. Pure, peaceful solitude.
But beyond that, the toilet is a statement. In Japanese homes, the state of the toilet reflects how you treat your guests. A clean, attractive toilet simply makes you feel good u2014 and I think that’s exactly it.
This renovation is one where DIY Dad plans to really go all out.
The Toilet Renovation Plan
- Odor elimination
- New toilet set with washlet
- Floor repair and cushion floor finish
- Walls: upper half u2014 diatomite plaster; lower half u2014 Japanese cypress board paneling
- Wall shelf installation
The goal: a toilet that feels like the restroom at a stylish European bar!
That said u2014 this toilet smells. DIY Dad is a little worried about whether he can fully eliminate the odor. The bowl, walls, floor, and ceiling all seem to have absorbed it over the years. The first challenge: defeating the stench.
Step one u2014 start removing the source of the smell. That’s all for today u2014 see you next time!
ud83dudcda Toilet Renovation Series u2014 1 of 25
u2190 (first article) u00b7 Series Index u00b7 Toilet Renovation Vol.2: Toilet Removal Pt.1 u2192
DIY Renovation Quote Review Manual
How to read, compare, and negotiate contractor quotes. This manual saved me u00a5800,000 on a single renovation project.
ud83cudfe0 More from DIY Father
15 years of landlord experience u00b7 3 apartment buildings u00b7 DIY renovations that saved millions of yen. Browse all articles at diytosan.com
