Cody Casey
A wobbly toilet can be a simple fix, but it's important to address it to prevent any potential leaks or damage. To level a toilet pan, you'll need to identify which side needs raising and adjust accordingly. This can be done by using a level on top of the toilet tank or seat to determine any unevenness. Once you've found the uneven side, you can begin to adjust by removing the bolt caps and loosening the hex nuts with a wrench. Plastic or rubber shims can then be pushed under the base of the toilet to level it, and any excess material can be trimmed. It's important to note that wood shims should be avoided due to the humidity in bathrooms causing deterioration over time. Stainless steel washers can be used as an alternative, but they cannot be trimmed. Once the toilet is level, the bolts can be tightened, and any gaps caulked.
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What You'll Learn
Identify the uneven side
To identify the uneven side of a toilet pan, you can use a level to determine where the toilet is uneven. Place the level on top of the toilet tank or toilet seat and observe the bubble. If the bubble is higher on the left side of the level, the right side of the toilet needs to be raised, and vice versa.
Another method is to gently rock the toilet from side to side to identify any gaps between the toilet and the flooring material. This can be done by sitting on the toilet seat and gently rocking in all directions. If the toilet is wobbly, it is likely that it is not resting flush against the floor, and there may be a gap between the toilet and the floor.
Once you have identified the uneven side of the toilet, you can proceed to level it by inserting shims into the identified gaps. Plastic shims are commonly recommended for this purpose, as wood shims can be susceptible to moisture damage and compression over time. Stainless steel washers can also be used, but they cannot be trimmed to size.
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Remove bolt caps and loosen hex nuts
To level a toilet pan, you will need to remove the bolt caps and loosen the hex nuts. This is a crucial step as it allows you to make the necessary adjustments to achieve a level toilet installation.
First, locate the two bolt caps on the base of the toilet that secure it to the floor. These bolt caps need to be pried or unscrewed off to reveal the hex nuts underneath. Be careful not to damage the caps or the surrounding area as you remove them. Place them somewhere safe, as you will need to put them back on once the toilet is level.
Now that the hex nuts are exposed, you will need to loosen them. Use a wrench to carefully loosen the hex nuts. Be sure not to overtighten or damage any components. Even if you only need to raise one side of the toilet, it is recommended to loosen the bolts on both sides. This will make it easier to insert the shims or washers where needed. In some cases, simply tightening these nuts may solve the issue of a wobbly toilet.
With the hex nuts loosened, you are now ready to proceed to the next step of levelling the toilet pan by adding shims or washers. Place these under the toilet to compensate for any unevenness in the floor, creating a stable and balanced foundation.
Remember, loosening the hex nuts is an important step as it allows you to make the necessary adjustments to level the toilet. Once you have made the adjustments, be sure to re-tighten the hex nuts securely and put the bolt caps back on.
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Insert shims to level the pan
To level a toilet pan, you will need to insert shims, which are small, flat wedges, into the space between the toilet and the floor. This process will help stabilise a wobbly toilet and prevent it from rocking back and forth when someone sits on it.
Firstly, use a level to determine which side of the toilet needs to be raised. Place the level on top of the toilet tank or seat. If the bubble is higher on the left side, you need to raise the right side and vice versa.
Next, remove the bolt caps and loosen the hex nuts with a wrench. Even if you are only raising one side of the toilet, loosen the bolts on both sides. This will make it easier to insert the shims.
Now, you can begin to insert the shims. Start with 1-2 plastic or rubber shims on the side that needs to be raised. Gently tap them with a hammer to wedge them between the base of the toilet and the floor. Depending on how uneven the floor is, you may need to use more shims. Continue adding shims until the toilet feels level.
Avoid using wood shims as the humidity in bathrooms can cause them to deteriorate over time, leading to a wobbly toilet again. If you don't have toilet shims, stainless steel washers can also work, but you won't be able to trim them.
Once the toilet is level, tighten the bolts and trim the shims to size with a utility knife or cutting pliers. You can also mark each shim with a permanent marker and cut them one by one, pulling them out individually to avoid adjusting the toilet again.
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Tighten bolts and trim shims
Before tightening the bolts and trimming the shims, you must first determine whether your toilet is level. To do this, set a level on top of the toilet tank or toilet seat. If the bubble is higher on the left side of the level, the right side of the toilet needs to be raised, and vice versa.
Now, you can begin tightening the bolts. First, remove the bolt caps and use a wrench to loosen the hex nuts. Even if only one side of the toilet needs to be raised, loosen the bolts on both sides. This will make it easier to insert the shims. Next, push plastic or rubber shims under the base of the toilet to level it. It may be helpful to gently tap the shims with a hammer. Start with 1-2 shims on the side that needs to be raised, but add more if necessary.
Once the toilet is level, tighten the bolts. Be careful not to overtighten, as this could damage the porcelain. Now, you can trim the shims. Use a utility knife to cut any excess material along the base of the toilet. Alternatively, mark each shim with a permanent marker, then pull them out and cut them with cutting pliers. Only pull out one shim at a time so that the remaining shims hold the toilet in place.
Finally, caulk around the base of the toilet. Apply a thin, even bead of caulk to cover the gap along the floor and hide the shims. Allow the caulk to cure overnight before trimming the shims.
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Re-test for wobbliness
Once you have levelled your toilet pan, it is important to re-test for wobbliness. This is a crucial step to ensure that your toilet is secure and functional. Here is a detailed guide on how to re-test for wobbliness:
Re-testing for Wobbliness:
- Sit on the toilet and gently rock back and forth to check for any instability. A stable toilet should not rock or wobble when you sit on it.
- Alternatively, use a carpenter's level or a spirit level on top of the toilet tank or seat to check for evenness. Place the level on the toilet seat or tank and ensure that the bubble in the level is centred, indicating a level surface.
- If you have recently shimmed the toilet, inspect the shims to ensure they are securely in place and have not shifted. Gently tap any loose shims with a hammer to wedge them back into place.
- If you have caulked the toilet, examine the caulk lines to ensure they are consistent and even. An even caulk line indicates a secure and level toilet.
- If the toilet still feels wobbly or uneven, additional adjustments may be necessary. Check the bolt caps and hex nuts to ensure they are tightened securely.
- In some cases, you may need to adjust the closet flange or make other larger adjustments if the toilet continues to wobble.
Remember, stability is the most important factor. While a toilet may not need to be perfectly level, it should be secure enough to prevent rocking or wobbling when in use. Always take the necessary precautions and consider seeking professional assistance if you are uncomfortable with any of the steps or if the problem persists.
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Frequently asked questions
If your toilet wobbles when you use it, it may need levelling. Use a level to determine which side is uneven.
You will need a wrench, plastic or rubber shims, a utility knife or cutting pliers, and caulk.
First, remove the bolt caps and loosen the hex nuts with a wrench. Then, push shims under the base of the toilet to level it. Gently tap the shims with a hammer if needed. Next, tighten the bolts and trim the excess material from the shims. Finally, caulk around the base of the toilet.
