Replacing a toilet is only half the job - what you do with the old one matters just as much.
In Ottawa, toilets are accepted as one of the three bulky items allowed on your scheduled garbage collection day. However, it is necessary to follow the city’s specific guidelines for bulky items - because skipping guidelines could mean extra headaches or even missed pickups.
Why Removing Old Toilets Safely Matters
Disposing of an old toilet at the curb might seem like a quick fix, but the removal process is far from simple. Toilets are heavy, awkward to handle, and often contain residual water that can spill during transport. If not removed correctly, you risk damaging your floors, breaking the wax ring seal, or releasing unpleasant sewer odours. That's why professional toilet removal and disposal is the safest and cleanest option for homeowners.
What Does Safe Toilet Removal & Disposal Involve?
If you've ever wondered why there's an extra charge for removing and disposing of an old toilet, you're not alone. While it might seem like a simple task, professional toilet removal involves more than just lifting and hauling.
At Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Ottawa, our plumbers arrive with fully stocked vans, allowing them to move efficiently from one job to the next without making frequent trips back to the shop. But when it comes to toilet disposal, additional steps are required - each one adding time, labour, and cost.
Old toilets must be carefully transported from your home to a licensed local waste facility. This includes manual handling, vehicle use, and disposal fees that vary based on weight and municipal regulations. These behind-the-scenes logistics, from safe removal to legal disposal, contribute to the $150 to $300 price range for our toilet removal and disposal service.
In some cases, placing the toilet at the curb may reduce costs, but this isn't always permitted, depending on your local waste collection policies. When in doubt, trust our team to manage the process safely, legally, and efficiently.
Steps Involved in Safe Toilet Removal
- Shut off the water supply to the toilet.
- Drain the toilet tank and bowl completely.
- Disconnect the tank from the bowl.
- Carefully unbolt and lift the bowl from the floor.
- Remove the wax seal and clean the area.
- Check for any damage to the flange or surrounding flooring.
- Transport the unit out of the home safely without making a mess.
Think Twice Before You Handle It Alone
It's tempting to save a few bucks by handling toilet removal on your own, but it's not always worth the risk. Improper removal can result in a range of problems, including water damage to your floors or walls, cracked tiles, or broken flanges, which can be costly to repair. There's also the potential for exposure to sewer gases, which poses health concerns, and the risk of being fined if the toilet is disposed of improperly or dumped in an unauthorized location.
While it may seem like a simple task, removing a toilet involves dealing with plumbing systems that aren't always straightforward - this is why hiring a licensed plumber is essential, as it ensures the job is handled with care, follows local disposal regulations, and prevents issues that could end up costing far more in the long run.
Stop Stressing, Start Removing
If you're in Ottawa and facing an old, leaky, or malfunctioning toilet, don't risk it with a DIY removal. Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Ottawa has the tools, team, and training to handle the entire process - from careful disconnection to lawful and proper disposal.
Let us handle the heavy lifting literally, so you can enjoy your new toilet without worry.
Contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Ottawa Today
Contact us today at https://www.mrrooter.ca/ottawa/ or to schedule a service. Don't let an old toilet become your new headache.
