Losing a ring on the toilet can be a nightmare, especially if it's a relic, a souvenir or a symbol of your love. Once something is emptied into the toilet, it travels through the internal pipes of the bowl, through the pipes and sewer system or septic tank. If your ring is to pipes, the costs of ripping the pipes and septic tank will be much more than the cost of most jewelry pieces. However, if the ring is still in the toilet, there is hope. Removing the toilet is the only way to know for sure.
Instructions
• Look behind your toilet and find the supply valve located on the water line that feeds the tank. Turn off the valve. Press and hold the lever in the tank to empty the toilet and empty the tank.
• Lift the toilet tank cover and put it aside. Place the nuts on the bottom of the toilet. Remove the nuts with the appropriate deep-well socket from the assembly. Reach into the tank and remove the retaining bolts. Lift the tank from the toilet bowl and put it aside.
• Look on the floor and find the dome-shaped plastic cap on both sides of the toilet bowl. Remove the plant covers using a flat-blade screwdriver and store them. Remove the retaining nuts by keeping the cup on the floor. Lift the toilet off the floor and place it next to you.
• Remove the nuts on the underside of the top edge of the toilet using the plastic tweezers. Pull the cup seat and reserve. Lift the toilet upside down with the help of an assistant. Shake the bath to see if the ring falls out of the jar.
• Turn the toilet bowl straight up and place it on top of a 5 gallon bucket. Spray water from a hose into the toilet bowl to try to remove the ring from the ins and outs of the toilet. Dump the bucket in the tub when necessary.
• Remove the old wax ring from the drain on the floor. Scrape the remains of the plant and the bottom of the vanity with a plastic putty knife. Clean the toilet and floor with a clean cloth. Place a new wax ring around the drain on the floor. Secure the toilet bowl at the top and replace the retaining nuts. Tighten the nuts with an outlet. Tighten plastic caps over bolts.
• Inspect the bottom of the tank to make sure the rubber is in its proper place. Back the tank over the toilet bowl. Slide the retaining bolts through the tank and bowl. Turn the nuts on the bolts. Tighten the nuts with an outlet. Place the seat on the bowl and secure with the plastic screws and nuts. Tighten the plastic nuts with their tweezers.
• Restore the water supply and see the toilet if there are leaks. Flush the toilet several times to check the wax ring. Clean the area with your VAC store rinse out the bucket and fill it with water. Add 1/2 Cup of bleach to water. Clean the bath, toilet and floor with a bleached water--soaked rag. Allow the bath to dry thoroughly before using again.
Tips and warnings
- Gloves and safety goggles are required when using hand tools.
- Rubber gloves and safety goggles are required when using bleach or other chemicals.