Leveling an uneven toilet typically involves adjusting the bolts that secure it to the floor. Start by examining the area beneath the toilet and identifying the two bolts, or closet flanges, that hold the toilet to the floor.
Use a level to assess the toilet’s current steadiness and check for any areas that are higher or lower than the others. Be sure the toilet is clean and dry before starting.
Once the uneven area is identified, use a wrench to loosen the bolts. A standard sized wrench will usually fit around the bolts, but you may need to use a pair of needle nose pliers to reach into tight spaces.
Turn the bolts slightly to adjust the toilet’s position until it’s even. If the floor is uneven, you may need to use shims or patented toilet adjustment rings to help level the toilet. Wedge the shims or rings beneath the feet of the toilet, gently lifting it slightly.
Once the shims are positioned evenly, use the wrench to tighten the bolts and secure the toilet to the floor. After you’ve tightened the bolts, check the level to confirm the toilet is even and then flush the toilet to check for any leaking.
Does a toilet need to be perfectly level?
No, a toilet does not need to be perfectly level in order for it to function correctly. In fact, the toilet may need to be slightly off level when the floor is not absolutely level to ensure adequate drainage of the contents in the bowl.
Typically, the toilet should be positioned so that it is 1/4 inch lower in the back than in the front. A toilet that is too high or too low at the front can cause a number of issues, from a weak flush to leaking from the base.
Improperly installed or ill-fitted toilets can also be the cause of slow moving water, clogged pipes and improper draining. In general, it is advisable to use a level during installation of a toilet to make sure it is positioned correctly, although it should not require the level to be perfectly flush on the floor.
How do I stop my toilet from rocking uneven floor?
If your toilet is rocking due to an uneven floor, you will need to level it out. One of the easiest ways to level your toilet is to first remove the wax ring at the bottom and then place shims underneath the bowl in the affected area.
You can purchase plastic or wooden shims of varying sizes at any home improvement store. Additionally, you can use putty or plumber’s putty to fill in any gaps around the base of the toilet. Once the shims and/or putty are in place, you should retighten the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor.
The new shims will help keep it secure and level, preventing it from rocking.
How much does it cost for a plumber to fix a wobbly toilet?
The cost to have a plumber fix a wobbly toilet can vary depending on the severity of the issue, the plumber’s experience and their location. In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $400 for a plumber to fix a wobbly toilet.
The lower end of the price range would probably be the cost of replacing worn or damaged toilet bolts or stabilizing the toilet. The higher end of the price range may include additional costs such as toilet parts, labor and additional materials such as wax seal and caulk.
If the toilet is cracked or broken, a new toilet installation may also be required, which will increase the cost. Be sure to shop around and get estimates from several plumbers to find out what the price range is in your area.
Why is my new toilet rocking back and forth?
If your new toilet is rocking back and forth, this could be due to a number of causes. Typically, there is something wrong with the installation process that has caused the toilet to not be properly level with the floor.
This could be due to the wax ring being too high, the flange being misaligned, the toilet not being firmly secured to the floor, or simply the floor being uneven. Additionally, the rocking could be caused by the water pressure in your tank being too high, or just the natural movement of the ground beneath you, if you live in an area with frequent seismic activity.
To make sure that your toilet is correctly installed and level, you should make sure that it is properly aligned to the floor, with no gaps between it and the ground, and that it is securely bolted to the floor.
You can use a level to make sure that the base is perfectly even. If you find that the wax ring is too high or too low, you should replace it with the appropriate size. Finally, you should check the water pressure in your tank and make sure it is below 80 PSI.
If any of these issues persist, you may want to consult a professional plumber to ensure a proper installation.
Can you use shims to level a toilet?
Yes, shims can be a great way to level a toilet. To use shims for this, you’ll need to start by removing the existing bolts and nuts from the base of the toilet. Then, you can place the shims beneath the base, making sure to evenly distribute them.
Once you feel the toilet is level, you can add some caulking around the base and on top of the shims for extra stability. Finally, you can re-insert the existing bolts and nuts and lightly tighten them.
This should hold the toilet in place, providing a level installation.
Should you caulk around a toilet?
Yes, it is important to caulk around a toilet. Caulk helps to seal the gap between the toilet and the flooring, preventing water from seeping out and potentially causing water damage to your floor or the subfloor.
Caulk also helps to keep the toilet more stable since it provides a secure, sealed barrier between the floor and the toilet. It also adds an extra layer of protection against drafts,which conserves energy and helps keep your bathroom comfortable.
Additionally, it helps to protect against mold growth by creating a watertight seal.
In order to properly caulk around your toilet, make sure you thoroughly clean the floor and the area around the toilet to get rid of any dirt, grime, and buildup. Then, use a caulk gun to apply the caulk.
Make sure to spread it evenly, with no air bubbles, so that it creates a good seal. Finally, smooth the caulk with your finger or a damp paper towel and let it sit to dry. Applying caulk around your toilet is an easy project, and with the proper materials and a few simple steps, you can easily protect against water damage, drafts, and mold growth.
Should a toilet moves side to side?
No, a toilet should not move side to side. Toilets are designed with a rigid platform on which the bowl and tank are mounted. This platform is connected directly to the floor and is not meant to move.
If there is any motion in the toilet, it could indicate an issue, such as a loose floor flange or a loose water connection. This problem needs to be addressed immediately and the issue resolved before the toilet can be used safely.
Additionally, when moving side to side, the toilet might leak and cause damage to the surrounding area. This could also lead to a number of health hazards, such as mold or mildew growing underneath the toilet.
Should a toilet sit flush with the floor?
Generally, a toilet should be flush with the floor. This is beneficial in a few ways. First off, it can save a great deal of space and create a sleek, modern look. Secondly, it is much easier to clean around a flush toilet with its continuous surface.
This is especially important for people with physical disabilities or limited mobility who may struggle reaching into the crevices around a raised toilet. Lastly, flush toilets can be much quieter than other varieties as there are less flappers to create noise.
Ultimately, it is important to factor in the cost and installation of a flush toilet relative to the existing plumbing infrastructure.
Why does my toilet wobble when I sit on it?
Toilets can sometimes wobble when sat on for a few different reasons. The most common cause is an uneven floor or a toilet that hasn’t been properly secured to the floor. Other possible causes include a shift in the piping due to a plumbing leak, or corrosion of the toilet base due to water damage, allowing the toilet to become loose.
A loose wax ring can also cause the toilet to wobble when sat on, as can a cracked toilet base or tank. It’s important to inspect the toilet and investigate the source of the wobble in order to make the repairs needed to ensure a secure and stable toilet.
What can I put under a toilet to level it?
When installing a toilet, it is important to make sure it is properly leveled so that it flushes correctly. One way is to use shims to raise or lower one side or corner of the toilet. Toilet shims are plastic or metal wedges used to level an uneven surface.
To use shims, insert them between the toilet base and floor until the toilet is level. Other materials for leveling the toilet include wax rings, adjustable legs, and self-leveling compression bolts.
Wax rings are an easy and effective way to level a toilet; use an extra thick wax ring for a wobbling toilet. Adjustable legs are used to adjust the height of the toilet from the floor, making it easier to level.
Lastly, self-leveling compression bolts self-adjust to the unevenness of the floor to level the toilet, but they require a little extra work to install.
What can you use in place of toilet shims?
If you are in need of shimming a toilet, there are many options to choose from. Some common objects used in place of toilet shims include construction adhesive, hard foam, wedges of wood, washers, styrofoam, sheet metal, rubber, stackable plastic spacers, and even coins.
However, it is important to note that coins and hard foam can cause damage to certain types of flooring and should be avoided if possible. For wooden floors, wood wedges are a safer option as they provide support without damaging the floor.
Construction adhesive (or caulk) can be used if the floor slants slightly and provides a more even and secure connection between the toilet and the floor. Rubber and stackable plastic spacers can also be used if they are the right size to fit around the toilet flange.
Finally, if these options are not available, sheet metal can be used, though it may need to be cut to size with tin snips.
Can cardboard be used as a shim?
Yes, cardboard can be used as a shim. Shims are thin pieces of material that are used to fill in the gaps between two objects or add extra support or stability. Cardboard is an excellent material for shims.
It is lightweight, easy to cut, and has excellent insulation properties, which helps prevent moisture from getting in. Additionally, cardboard is inexpensive, making it a cost-effective option for shimming.
However, cardboard is not very strong and can tear easily, so it is not recommended for heavy duty shimming jobs. In addition, when using cardboard as a shim, it is important to make sure that it is dry before use, as wet cardboard can deteriorate more quickly than dry cardboard.
What if the toilet is not level with the floor?
If the toilet is not level with the floor, there is probably a problem with the flange that connects the toilet to the main waste line of the home. You can usually tell if the toilet is not level with the floor if you place a level on the toilet bowl and it does not appear to be level.
If the toilet is not level with the floor, the first step would be to make sure the bolts that attach the toilet to the flange are tight and secure. If that does not solve the issue, then there is likely an issue with the flange itself.
If this is the case, you’ll need to unscrew the toilet so it can be lifted off the floor and the flange can be examined and adjusted if necessary. If it’s broken or severely corroded, it will need to be replaced.
After the flange has been taken care of, you will then need to make sure the toilet is properly leveled before it is reattached to the floor. You can do this by placing a level in the center of the toilet bowl to help determine if it is level with the floor or not.
You can also adjust the legs of the toilet in order to level it. Once the toilet is level, you can reattach it to the flange and securely tighten the bolts. After that, your toilet should be level with the floor.
How do you shim a toilet when the flange is too high?
To shim a toilet when the flange is too high, you will need to first review the installation instructions that came with the toilet. Once you provide the necessary measurements, it is not too difficult to complete the task.
Begin by determining the height of the flange. Measure from the floor up to the top of the flange. Before raising the toilet, you should use a quality wax ring and replace the wax ring. Make sure the ring has a good seal.
Next, use a hacksaw to cut the pipe length coming from the flange. Cut the pipe so that it is at least ½ inch shorter than the total height of the flange. This will provide the space necessary to raise the flange.
Once the pipe is cut, go to the hardware store and purchase a threaded toilet flange riser that fits the size of the pipe. Make sure to get one that is ½ inch shorter than the total flange height.
Next, place the riser on top of the flange, and then slide the pieces of pipe into the slots on the side of the riser. Tighten the nuts with a wrench, and then lower the toilet on the wax ring. The flange should now be at a level that can secure the toilet properly.
Lastly, make sure to seal around the pipe and riser with a small amount of plumbers putty. Double check that the nuts are sufficiently tight, and you should now be able to securely attach the toilet to the flange.