Many plumbers include removing and disposing of the old toilet as part of their service package. However, it’s best to ask before signing a contract, as removal isn’t guaranteed. If the plumber doesn’t take the old toilet, you have several options, including donation, recycling, junk removal, and bulk waste services..

A gurgling toilet usually doesn’t mean that your septic tank is full. If waste can’t drain into a full septic tank, you’ll see water and sewage backing up into your fixtures, but the air that causes gurgling is a result of poor venting. You are more likely to have a clog in your vent stack or a damaged air admittance valve.

Snaking a toilet is similar to clearing sinks and bathtubs, but there are unique circumstances where you’d have to drain, disassemble, and remove the toilet to fix the clog. For stubborn clogs in the toilet trap, a toilet auger—designed with a shorter cable and a protective plastic encasing—can navigate the tight bends and clear the clog without risking damage to the porcelain. 

A toilet flange secures your toilet in place to the floor, and connects your toilet to the drain pipe that carries its contents to the sewer. Obvious signs that your flange needs replacement include when it can’t keep up with these two functions. If your toilet rocks back and forth or you see leaks coming from the bottom of your toilet, it’s time for a replacement. Other signs that your toilet flange is broken or faulty may include loose tiles or soft flooring around the toilet, and sewage smells.