How to remove toilet paper holder

It’s a common problem: you need to remove your toilet paper holder, but you can’t seem to find the right tool. Well, search no more! With this helpful guide, you’ll be able to remove your toilet paper holder in no time.

Removing a toilet paper holder may become necessary when you want to replace it, repair it, or simply remove it permanently. Most toilet paper holders are held in place with screws that are often hidden from view. In some cases, the holders may be glued to the wall. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to remove different types of toilet paper holders.

How Do You Remove a Toilet Paper Holder with Hidden Screws?

Toilet paper holders with hidden screws can be removed by following these steps:

Step 1: Remove the toilet paper roll and holder rod

Before you start removing the holder, take out the toilet paper roll and the rod that holds it in place. This will give you better access to the mounting area.

Step 2: Inspect the holder mounts carefully, including the underside of the mounts

Get down to floor level and thoroughly inspect the holder mounts. Check the underside of the mounts for any visible screw holes or heads. The screws are usually located there.

Step 3: Look for a hole or visible screw head

If you find a hole or visible screw head, you can proceed with removing the holder. This is where the screws are located.

Step 4: Use an Allen wrench or screwdriver to loosen the screw

Once you have located the screw hole or head, use an appropriate tool such as an Allen wrench or screwdriver to loosen the screw. Turn it counterclockwise to loosen it.

Step 5: Tilt the mount forward to remove it from the wall bracket

With the screw loosened, you can tilt the mount forward to detach it from the wall bracket. Be careful not to damage the wall or any surrounding fixtures.

Step 6: Unscrew the wall bracket from the wall

After removing the mount, you may need to unscrew the wall bracket from the wall. These screws are usually visible and can be easily removed using a screwdriver or an electric drill.

Step 7: If there are no screw holes, your holder may be glued to the wall

If you don’t find any screw holes or visible screws, it’s possible that your toilet paper holder is glued to the wall. In such cases, you will need to follow the removal method for ceramic holders described later in this article.

3 Removal Methods for Different Types of Toilet Paper Holders

Different types of toilet paper holders require different removal methods. Here are the three main types and their respective removal methods:

Method 1: Wall-Mounted Holder

Most metal toilet paper holders fall into this category. They are held in place with hidden screws. To remove a wall-mounted holder, follow these steps:

1. Remove the toilet paper roll and holder rod.
2. Inspect the sides and bottom of the mount(s) for a visible screw hole.
3. Use an Allen wrench or wrench to loosen the screw within the hole. Turn the screw counterclockwise to loosen.
4. Tilt the mount forward and back to free it from the wall bracket.
5. Remove the screws that hold the wall bracket in place.

Once the wall mount is removed, you will typically be left with a flat metal wall bracket. The screws that hold the wall bracket are usually visible and can be easily removed with a screwdriver or electric drill.

Method 2: Recessed Holder

Some toilet paper holders are recessed into the wall. They are attached to a wall stud using screws. To remove a recessed holder, follow these steps:

1. Remove the toilet paper roll and holder rod.
2. Inspect the back of the holder, which is usually hidden from sight by the toilet paper roll.
3. If screw heads are visible in the face of the recessed holder, remove them with a screwdriver or electric drill.
4. After removing the screws, the holder should come free.
5. If there are no visible screws, the holder is likely glued in place. In that case, follow the steps for removing a ceramic toilet paper holder.

Recessed holders are often easier to remove as long as they are screwed in place. If no screws were used during installation, the removal process becomes a bit more complicated.

Method 3: Ceramic Holder

Ceramic toilet paper holders are commonly glued to the wall. Removing them requires a slightly different approach. Follow these steps to remove a ceramic holder:

1. Remove the toilet paper roll and rod before inspecting the holder for screws.
2. If there are no screw holes, the holder is likely glued to the wall.
3. Stick painter’s tape to the wall around the base of the toilet paper holder to protect it from damage.
4. Use an oscillating multi-tool to cut through the adhesive between the holder and the wall.
5. Most of the time, the adhesive is only around the outer edge of the holder. Cut around the perimeter of the holder.
6. If the holder doesn’t come free after cutting, use a hammer and a pry bar to gently pry it from the wall.
7. Once the holder is free, remove the painter’s tape from the wall.

When cutting the adhesive, it’s essential to work slowly and carefully to prevent damage to the wall. Using a multi-tool is recommended to avoid the risk of wall damage that may occur when using a hammer, chisel, or pry bar.

How Do You Tighten a Loose Toilet Paper Holder?

If your toilet paper holder is loose, it’s usually due to a loose grub screw, wall bracket, or failing adhesive. Here’s how you can fix these problems and tighten your holder securely to the wall:

Tightening a Loose Grub Screw

Inspect the underside of the toilet paper holder mounts for screw holes. Insert an Allen key or screwdriver into the hole and tighten the screw by turning it clockwise. This should help secure the holder in place.

Tightening a Loose Wall Bracket

Remove the wall-mounted toilet paper holder as described above. Once the holder is removed, tighten the screw that secures the bracket to the wall. This should eliminate any looseness in the holder.

Repairing Failing Adhesive

If your ceramic toilet paper holder is becoming loose due to failing adhesive, you’ll need to remove it and apply new adhesive to reinstall it securely to the wall. Follow the steps for removing a ceramic holder mentioned earlier, and once the holder is removed, clean off the old adhesive residue. Apply a strong adhesive suitable for ceramic surfaces and reinstall the holder, pressing it firmly against the wall to ensure a secure bond.

These methods should work for most common types of toilet paper holders. However, if your holder is secured with screws driven into drywall, you may need to consider repairing a stripped screw hole to ensure your toilet paper holder remains securely mounted to the wall.

How Do You Get a Toilet Paper Holder Off the Wall?

If you need to remove a toilet paper holder for replacement, repair, or permanent removal, here are the recommended methods:

Removing a Toilet Paper Holder with Hidden Screws

1. First, check if there are hidden screws on the underside of the toilet paper holder mount. This can be done by removing the toilet paper roll and allowing better visibility.
2. Inspect the underside of the mount from a floor-level perspective. Look for visible screw holes or screw heads.
3. Once you locate the screw hole or head, use an Allen wrench or screwdriver to loosen the screw. Turn it counterclockwise to loosen it.
4. Tilt the mount forward to remove it from the wall bracket.
5. Unscrew the wall bracket from the wall.
6. If you don’t find any screw holes, it’s possible that your holder is glued to the wall. In that case, follow the steps for removing a ceramic toilet paper holder.

These methods should cover all the common types of toilet paper holders. Always search for hidden screw holes before attempting to cut a holder free. The screw holes may be hiding on the underside or in other hard-to-see areas.

Conclusion

Removing a toilet paper holder can be a simple task if you know the right techniques. Whether your holder has hidden screws, is recessed, or glued to the wall, you now have the knowledge to remove it safely and efficiently. Remember to use the appropriate tools and take your time to prevent any damage to the holder or the wall. With the right approach, you can successfully remove a toilet paper holder and proceed with your desired replacements or repairs.

FAQs

1. Can I use a regular screwdriver to remove a toilet paper holder with hidden screws? Yes, a regular screwdriver can be used if it fits the screw head properly. However, an Allen wrench or a screwdriver with a corresponding head size is recommended for a more secure grip and easier removal.

2. Is it necessary to remove the toilet paper roll before attempting to remove the holder? Yes, removing the toilet paper roll is recommended as it allows better access to hidden screws and provides a clearer view of the holder’s mounting mechanism.

3. Can I reuse the same wall bracket when installing a new toilet paper holder? In most cases, the wall bracket can be reused if it is still in good condition. However, it’s important to ensure that the new holder is compatible with the existing bracket before installation.

4. Are there any alternative methods to remove a ceramic toilet paper holder if I don’t have an oscillating multi-tool? While an oscillating multi-tool is the most efficient tool for cutting through adhesive, you can try using a utility knife with a fresh blade to carefully cut through the adhesive. Be cautious and work slowly to avoid any accidents or damage to the wall.

5. Can I remove a toilet paper holder without leaving any marks or damage on the wall? Removing a toilet paper holder may leave some minor marks or holes, depending on the type of holder and its installation method. However, by following the recommended techniques and using the right tools, you can minimize any potential damage. If necessary, you can patch and touch up the wall after removing the holder to restore its appearance.