How to Drain a Toilet Bowl: Quick & Easy Steps

Whether you’re doing home repairs, deep cleaning, or preparing for winter, you may need to drain your toilet.  The good news? Draining a toilet bowl and tank is one of the simpler DIY bathroom tasks.

By pairing this practical know-how with the power of Lysol^®, you’ll not only keep your toilet clean but also eliminate 99.99% of viruses and bacteria^*—ensuring your bathroom stays fresh, and hygienic for everyone at home.

Why you might need to drain your toilet

• You’re replacing or repairing the toilet
• You’re cleaning your bathroom
• You’re preparing a bathroom for long-term vacancy (like a cottage or basement washroom)
• You’re preventing leaks or odours in an unused bathroom

Draining the toilet helps prevent leaks, mess, and lingering odours, and makes maintenance much easier—plus, it’s a great time to give everything a refresh with your favourite Lysol^® cleaners.

What you’ll need

• Sponge or small cup
• Bucket
• Adjustable wrench (optional)

How to drain water from toilet bowl

Follow these steps to successfully and safely empty toilet bowl: 

Step 1: Prepare the bathroom

Before you begin, place old towels on the bathroom floor around the base of the toilet bowl so spilled water doesn’t spoil the floors. Also, lift the toilet seat all the way up towards the front of the toilet tank to protect it from any potential splashes.

Step 2: Turn off the water supply & flush

The first step in draining a toilet bowl is turning off the water supply—this crucial move sets the stage for successfully removing the water.

Find the shut-off valve connected to the toilet's supply line, typically located on the wall behind or beneath the toilet. Twist the knob clockwise to shut off the water supply completely.

Flush the toilet until the tank is as empty as possible. A thin layer of water will remain at the bottom of the tank, which can be removed by blotting with a sponge or dry towel. 

Step 3: Remove remaining water

After flushing and soaking up the remaining water from the tank, it’s time to shift your focus towards the water present inside the toilet bowl.  

Use a sponge or small cup to soak up and remove the remaining water from both the tank and bowl. This might take a few rounds—be patient!

Tip: Wring the sponge into a bucket instead of the sink to avoid splashing dirty water.

^*When used as directed.

FAQs

What precautions should I take while draining a toilet?

Some of the most common precautions while draining a toilet include wearing protective eyewear, mask, and gloves to protect against germs and odours.

How do I keep my bathroom smelling fresh after draining the toilet?

After draining and cleaning, wipe down all surfaces and use Lysol^® bathroom cleaners or disinfectant sprays to eliminate odours caused by bacteria, ensuring your bathroom stays fresh and inviting. Lysol® also offers all-purpose cleaners with fresh uplifting scents, from classic lemon to our new Brand New Day^™ collection.

How can I reduce germs around the bathroom while draining a toilet?

Always clean and disinfect surfaces before and after draining a toilet. Using trusted products like Lysol^® bathroom cleaners helps kill 99.99% of viruses and bacteria^*, keeping your bathroom fresh and clean.

How do you flush a toilet that won't drain?

To flush a toilet that won’t drain, insert the flange of a toilet plunger into the drain hole and plunge it up and down. This creates enough force to initiate a flush and clear the blockage.

How do I restore the water supply after draining the toilet?

Turn the shut-off valve connected to the toilet’s supply line counterclockwise, and the tank should start refilling.