Floor-Standing Toilet Replacement in Warsaw — Old Removal and New Installation

The bowl is cracked, the cistern keeps leaking, or the whole unit simply looks like it belongs in another decade — replacement is inevitable. Floor-standing toilets are found in most Warsaw apartments: panel blocks in Ursynow, older tenement buildings in Wola, and everything in between. The job takes a few hours, but it has to be done properly — a mistake with the drain or water connection can lead to flooding and costly damage. Here is how we handle it and what you should know before the swap.

How much does toilet replacement cost

The price depends on how difficult the old unit is to remove, the condition of the sewer outlet and the type of new toilet being installed. If the old cast-iron pipe is corroded and needs an adapter — that is extra work. Current rates for all plumbing and bathroom services are in the table below. Fixings and sealant are included in the service price; the toilet itself and the flexible supply hose are purchased by the client.

How the replacement works

1. We shut off the water supply to the cistern and flush out the remaining water. The flexible supply hose is disconnected.
2. Removing the old toilet: unscrew the floor bolts and carefully disconnect from the sewer outlet. If the base is cemented down we chip it out gently to protect the tiles around it.
3. Inspecting the sewer pipe: we check the socket condition, clean it if needed, or fit a rubber transition sleeve.
4. Trial fitting the new toilet: position it, verify the outlet aligns with the sewer pipe, and mark the mounting holes.
5. Drill into the floor, insert wall plugs, set the toilet on a bead of silicone sealant and tighten the mounting bolts.
6. Connect the cistern (if it is a separate unit), install the flush mechanism, and attach the flexible supply hose to the water valve.
7. Testing: we run several test flushes and inspect every joint for leaks. We check stability — the toilet must not rock.

Important: all work involving water supply and drainage requires care. An incorrect connection can cause leaks and flood the flat below. If you are unsure about the condition of your pipes, it is better to have a specialist assess them before buying a new toilet.

Common mistakes

• Buying a toilet without measuring the distance from the wall to the centre of the sewer outlet — the new unit does not line up with the existing pipe.
• Not fully shutting off the water — unscrewing the supply hose floods the floor.
• Installing without sealant between the base and the tile — water seeps underneath during cleaning, causing odour.
• Over-tightening the mounting bolts — the ceramic cracks and the toilet is ruined.
• Reusing the old flexible connector or rubber sleeve — it starts leaking from the sewer side within six months.
• Skipping PTFE tape on threaded connections — drips appear under the cistern.
• Not checking the floor level — the toilet sits crooked and the cistern fills unevenly.

What to prepare before the visit

• Buy the new toilet — check the outlet type (horizontal, vertical or angled) and the distance from the wall.
• Buy a flexible supply hose of the right length and a flexible connector or rigid adapter for the sewer pipe.
• Make sure the isolation valve for the cistern actually works — if it is seized, let us know in advance.
• Clear access to the toilet: remove mats, shelves, and cleaning products.
• Have old towels or rags ready — some water will inevitably get on the floor during removal.
• If the flat has old cast-iron pipes, be prepared for the possibility that a section of the drain may need replacing.
• Check that the bathroom door opens wide enough to carry the old toilet out.
• Let the neighbours below know if the building is old — just in case.

A real case from Warsaw

We were called to a studio flat in Ursynow. The toilet dated from the 1990s — the cistern leaked constantly and the base was cracked. The owner had bought a new close-coupled unit with a horizontal outlet. I arrived, shut off the water and removed the old toilet, only to find it had been set in cement mortar. Careful chipping was needed to avoid damaging the surrounding tiles. The cast-iron sewer socket was in decent shape, so I fitted a rubber transition sleeve. The new toilet sat level, I bolted it down and sealed the base with silicone. Connected the cistern, ran the tests — not a single drop. The whole job, including cleanup, took about two and a half hours.

Frequently asked questions

Which outlet type do I need?
Look at how your current toilet connects to the sewer. If the pipe goes into the wall — horizontal outlet. Into the floor — vertical. At an angle — angled. Most Warsaw apartments have horizontal outlets.

Can I install a new toilet on old tiles?
Yes, as long as the tiles are firmly attached and level. We drill, insert plugs and bolt the unit down. If a tile is chipped at the mounting point it is better to repair it first.

Do I have to replace the flexible connector?
If the old one is in good condition and fits the new toilet — it can stay. But we usually recommend replacing it: a new one costs very little and then works without issues for years.

What if the old toilet is cemented in?
We chip it out carefully. It takes longer, but the tiles can usually be saved. If there are no tiles under the old base, a ring mark will show after fitting the new one. It can be hidden with sealant or a matching tile patch.

Will you take the old toilet away?
Removal and disposal of old sanitary ware is a separate service. We can carry it to the stairwell or the waste container for an additional fee.

Do I need to call a plumber separately?
No — our technician handles the full cycle: removal, sewer and water connections, and testing. If a serious pipe issue is found, we will let you know straight away.

Book the replacement

We work across Warsaw. We arrive with a full set of tools, fixings and consumables. Removal of the old unit, installation of the new one, all connections and testing — everything in a single visit. Get in touch and we will arrange a time that suits you.