Repairing Guides

how to repair a rocking toilet

by Ophelia O'Connell Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

Instructions

  • Check the Bolts First. Sometimes a rocking toilet can be fixed by tightening the two bolts at the base of the toilet, called flange bolts or closet bolts.
  • Look for Leaks. Start the repair by confirming that your toilet is not leaking. Check carefully for water around the base of the toilet.
  • Locate the Gaps. Examine the base of the toilet, and identify any gaps between the toilet and the floor. It may help to rock the toilet from side to side.
  • Insert the Shims. Level and steady the toilet by inserting shims into any gaps you've identified. ...
  • Trim the Shims. Trim the shims close to the base of the toilet, as needed, using a sharp utility knife. Be careful not to cut into the flooring.
  • Caulk Around the Base. Apply a thin, even bead of caulk around the base of the toilet to cover the gap along the floor and hide the shims.
  • Let the Caulk Dry. Allow the caulk to cure as directed before using the toilet. Once it dries fully, your toilet should be as good as new.

To steady a rocking toilet, cut plastic shims to fit and slip them underneath (you may have to remove caulk before adding shims). Then caulk around the toilet and snug down the nuts on the bolts. But don't crank them down super-tight; that can crack the toilet.Jul 26, 2018

How do you stop a toilet from rocking?

Materials

  • Plastic shims
  • Tub and tile caulk (color-matched to your toilet and flooring)
  • Paper towels or rag

How to fix a wobbly toilet in 5 easy ways?

We all learn every day, so it’s important to remember these things when you got a wobbly toilet:

  • Identify the problem
  • Get new replacement
  • Remove the toilet
  • Fix the damaged or faulty part

Why does my Toilet Rock back and forth?

To use grout to fix your flange:

  • Start by mixing your grout. ...
  • Get your toilet in place and set your toilet on four rubber shims. ...
  • Take your mixed grout and pack it into the gap. ...
  • Wait 24-hours before the grout to dry.
  • Once dried, remove the shims. ...
  • After you have removed the shims, grout the gaps where you pulled the shims out from.

More items...

How to fix a rocking toilet bowl?

To fix your wobbly toilet on an uneven floor:

  • First, replace the wax rings under the toilet.
  • Take two wood/plastic shims and place them on top of one another.
  • Slide them under the front of the toilet’s base, where the floor is uneven.
  • Push them inwards until the toilet stops rocking.

More items...

image

How do you fix a toilet rock back and forth?

0:593:55Fix A "Loose/Rocking Toilet (EASY!!!) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThese toilet shims to stop it from wobbling. Or take the toilet shim.MoreThese toilet shims to stop it from wobbling. Or take the toilet shim.

What causes a toilet to rock back and forth?

The flange bolts are loose One of the most common things that causes a toilet to rock back and forth are loose flange bolts. These are the bolts that hold the toilet down at an even level with the floor in your bathroom.

Why is my toilet rocking side to side?

Toilets usually rock because they are not resting flush against the floor. Underneath the toilet base is a round toilet flange that connects the toilet to the drain pipe. If the flange is a little higher than the surrounding flooring, the toilet becomes raised slightly in the center, allowing it to rock to either side.

How do you fix a toilet that moves?

0:101:28How to Fix a Moving Toilet : Toilet Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFor this we'll be using some plastic toilet shims. There are several reasons why toilet can beMoreFor this we'll be using some plastic toilet shims. There are several reasons why toilet can be moving on you one is if your wax ring has matted down and it's not creating a good seal anymore.

How do you secure a wobbly toilet?

0:555:03How To Fix A Shaking/Wobbly Toilet-2 Easy Ways - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you take a look on each side of the toilet. And you remove the cap. You'll. See that there's aMoreSo you take a look on each side of the toilet. And you remove the cap. You'll. See that there's a bolt on this side. And the same thing on this side over here. Now you can just use a regular.

How do you fix a rocking toilet on an uneven floor?

0:201:50How to Set a Toilet on an Uneven Surface : Toilet MaintenanceYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI like using plastic shims for this it beats going out there and getting your floor set and try toMoreI like using plastic shims for this it beats going out there and getting your floor set and try to make a big mess trying to just level it out a little bit these floor shims are able to be stacked.

How do you shim a toilet that rocks?

0:241:36How to Install Toilet Shims : How to Fix Toilets - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd there you have it if you want to clean it up a little bit take a razor blade and cut theseMoreAnd there you have it if you want to clean it up a little bit take a razor blade and cut these plastic shims and then take a bead of caulk. And put it along the base that'll.

How much does it cost to fix a wobbly toilet?

On average, it will cost from $45 to $197 to repair a toilet yourself or between $130 and $310 to have professional repairs done by a plumber. The hourly charge for a plumbing contractor is $72 to $82, which does not include parts or materials.

Should a toilet rock?

0:301:57How to Repair a Rocking Toilet | Ask This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThere's a wax seal right here and that that's important to make sure that no water leaks out and asMoreThere's a wax seal right here and that that's important to make sure that no water leaks out and as importantly no sewer gas leaks in the building. So if this toilet is sitting flat not rocking.

Why does my toilet keep moving?

The Toilet Moves or Tilts A rocking toilet can be caused by any number of issues, including a worn-out wax ring, a broken flange, broken flange bolts, or a sagging floor.

Why does my toilet tank wobble?

Your toilet tank typically wobbles because the bolts that hold the toilet tank to the toilet bowl are loose. Loose connecting bolts allow the tank to shift. However, your tank may wobble because the rubber gasket connecting the tank to the bowl is old, damaged, or too thin. Toilet tank bolts are too loose.

Why is my toilet moving?

The Toilet Moves or Tilts A rocking toilet can be caused by any number of issues, including a worn-out wax ring, a broken flange, broken flange bolts, or a sagging floor.

How do you fix a wobbly toilet on a concrete floor?

1:123:52How to Fix a Toilet - Cement Sub-Flooring Repairs - Part 1 of 2YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipItself the second way to fix this problem is to cut out the damaged flanges metal ring leaving theMoreItself the second way to fix this problem is to cut out the damaged flanges metal ring leaving the ABS coupling and install an inside fitting flange. The reason this technique is suggested.

How do you shim a toilet that rocks?

0:241:36How to Install Toilet Shims : How to Fix Toilets - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd there you have it if you want to clean it up a little bit take a razor blade and cut theseMoreAnd there you have it if you want to clean it up a little bit take a razor blade and cut these plastic shims and then take a bead of caulk. And put it along the base that'll.

How do you tighten a toilet to the floor?

0:051:10Toilet Repair Tips : How to Tighten a Loose Toilet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can go ahead and snug that up. I repeat the same thing on the other side once you've got bothMoreYou can go ahead and snug that up. I repeat the same thing on the other side once you've got both sides retightened. You'll want to make sure your bowl doesn't wiggle back and forth.

Why shouldn't you ignore a rocking toilet?

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Rocking Toilet: How to Fix a Rocking Toilet. If your toilet isn’t solidly fastened to the floor, there may be trouble in your future. Any movement of the toilet damages the wax seal.

What happens if a toilet isn't solidly fastened?

If your toilet isn’t solidly fastened to the floor, there may be trouble in your future. Any movement of the toilet damages the wax seal. That leads to leaks and major repairs. To steady a rocking toilet, cut plastic shims to fit and slip them underneath (you may have to remove caulk before adding shims).

What happens when you flush a toilet?

When you flush, it’s not just the water from the tank that’s making the flush. The fill valve also opens, allowing more water to immediately enter the tank. The more water flowing in, the better your flush will be. Learn how to unclog a toilet fast. Adjust the Flapper Chain.

Why is my toilet flushing so bad?

Sometimes a poor flush is caused by partial drain clogs . The majority of these clogs are caused by toilet paper, particularly the luxuriously soft two- and three-ply varieties. Switching to single-ply toilet paper can help because it breaks down faster, even if you use the same amount of toilet paper.

Why do toilets have floats?

A chain float helps the flapper stay open a bit longer, allowing more water to enter the bowl for a better flush. You can adjust the float up or down on the chain to fine-tune how long the flapper remains open. Get a stronger flush—and a lower water bill. Find out how to fix things if your toilet keeps running.

What is a flapper in a toilet?

Try a Different Flapper. The flapper is the part inside the tank that goes up when you press the flush handle. There are hundreds of flapper styles , including some that allow you to adjust the amount of water per flush—but not all are compatible with every toilet.

What to do if your flapper won't seal?

If the chain is too short, the flapper won’t seal. To adjust the length, move the clip to a different chain link. Be sure there are no kinks in the chain, squeeze the clip closed and cut off the excess chain. Aim the Refill Tube.

image
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9