Remove the toilet first before installing vinyl plank flooring in the bathroom to avoid rework and damage.

Start by shutting off the water supply and draining the toilet completely by flushing and using a sponge to remove any remaining water from the bowl and tank. Take pictures of the existing setup so you can restore bolts and parts exactly and then disconnect the supply line and remove the closet bolts. Lift the toilet straight up while one person stabilizes and another guides to avoid cracking the base or smashing the floor. Scrape off the old wax ring, gasket and any residue from the toilet flange and surrounding substrate until you reach a clean, solid surface that will allow the new floor to sit flat. Install an appropriate flange extension or repair any damaged flange now so the finished flooring will mate correctly and the toilet will sit at the proper height. Lay the vinyl plank flooring up to and around the flange leaving the recommended expansion gap and use a trim ring or flange spacer kit so the toilet can seal properly when reinstalled.

Common mistakes include leaving the toilet in place and then cutting or patching around it which leads to uneven edges and possible leaks, so remove it first and prepare the flange before laying boards. Another common issue is failing to fully remove old wax which prevents a proper seal and causes odor and wobble, so thoroughly scrape and clean the flange then install a new wax ring or wax-free seal. A third problem is not accounting for finished floor height which can cause the toilet to be too low or high, so install the flooring up to the flange, use spacers if needed and dry-fit the toilet before final sealing.

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