A rocking toilet can be an annoying and potentially damaging issue in your bathroom. The subtle wobble might seem harmless, but if left untreated, it can lead to more significant structural problems within your plumbing system. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various causes of a wobbly toilet and provide a detailed step-by-step process on how to fix it. A stable toilet not only ensures your comfort but also prevents potential damage to your pipes and overall plumbing system.
How to Fix a Rocking Toilet
What Can Cause A Wobbly Toilet?
There are several reasons why your toilet might be wobbly. It’s not always the entire toilet that’s unstable; it could be a loose seat, worn-out caulking, damaged bolts, or a toilet flange in need of attention. Ignoring the issue could lead to more significant structural problems with your plumbing system or pipes. Identifying the root cause is crucial to implementing an effective and lasting solution.
How To Fix A Rocking Toilet
Double Check The Bolts
One common cause of a rocking toilet is loose flange bolts, also known as closet bolts, at the base of the toilet. Carefully tighten these bolts using pliers or a small wrench. Be cautious not to overtighten, as it may result in cracking the porcelain. Check both bolts on either side of the toilet, ensuring they are snug. If the toilet still rocks, proceed with the next steps.
Check For Leaks
Confirm that your toilet is not leaking by checking for water around the base. If no water is present, proceed with the repair. However, if there are signs of leaking, it indicates that the wax ring sealing the toilet horn to the toilet flange has become old and compressed. In this case, you must remove the toilet and replace the wax ring.
Look For Gaps And Insert Shims Where Needed
Examine the base of the toilet for gaps between the toilet and the floor. Even a small space can be the source of the problem. Rock the toilet from side to side to identify any gaps. If gaps are too small to see, try sliding a shim under the base to gauge the size. Level and steady the toilet by inserting shims into the identified gaps, testing for stability by rocking in all directions.
Trim the Shims and Caulk The Base Of The Toilet
Trim the shims close to the base of the toilet using a sharp utility knife, being careful not to cut into the flooring. Afterward, apply a thin, even bead of caulk around the base of the toilet to cover the gap along the floor and hide the shims. Smooth the caulk with your finger, wiping it clean frequently with a paper towel or rag. Allow the caulk to cure as directed before using the toilet.
What If It Doesn’t Work?
If tightening the flange bolts or shimming the toilet base doesn’t resolve the rocking issue, there might be more significant problems below. The flange bolts securing the toilet base are held by a metal or plastic ring at the top of the toilet flange. Over time, this ring can corrode or break, loosening its grip on the bolts.
If the rocking persists or the bolts won’t retighten, a damaged flange is likely the cause. The solution is to remove the toilet and either replace the old flange or repair it with a flange repair kit.
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For comprehensive residential plumbing services in Harford County, look no further than Five Star Plumbing. We provide top-notch plumbing solutions throughout the Baltimore metro and surrounding areas. Whether you have a minor plumbing problem or a major project, we’ve got you covered.
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