So, I sat on the toilet and the toilet moved.
A toilet is supposed to be secure to the floor. It is not designed to be a rocking chair. If your toilet moves side to side or front to back, it is not right, and a wobbly toilet is something that should be repaired. In fact, the loose toilet is one of the top ten things found most frequently during a The BrickKicker home inspection. No wonder most of the homeowners end up wondering, “Why is my toilet loose from the floor?”
A loose toilet can be caused by several conditions. It could be a broken flange, which is the mechanical connection where the toilet is mounted to the plumbing on the floor. The floor could be deteriorating and unstable, and floor variations could cause the flat base of the toilet to rock on the irregular surface. Or it could just be loose from the mounting bolts or a failed wax ring.
Regardless of why the toilet is loose, it really should be secured properly so that it does not leak or become damaged from excessive rocking.
Most people have never removed a toilet before. So, fixing a toilet can be a daunting experience. This can be a do-it-yourself project, or you might need to call a professional. A professional will typically cost between $250.00 and $400.00 to repair a loose toilet, or you could try to tackle it alone at a fraction of the price.
The BrickKicker is not a plumbing service and will always encourage our clients to work within their comfort zones and not try to do repairs they are not familiar with, but the repair of a toilet is something that is not terribly difficult.
How to Repair A Loose Toilet?
“How to fix a loose toiler?”
“How to stop the toilet from moving?”
“Are toilets supposed to move?”
Do all three of these sound like familiar concerns? If yes, then you do need to repair a loose toilet. And how can you do that? Start by identifying the reason behind the issue. It could be a broken flange, loose mounting bolts, or a worn-out wax ring. Once this is done, turn off the water supply, remove the toilet, and inspect the flange and wax ring. The next step is to repair or replace any damaged parts. Later, you may securely remount the toilet to the floor to ensure a stable and leak-free installation.
Have a look at each of these steps in detail below:
Repairing a Broken Flange – (Proceed at your own risk!)
The only way to determine if the flange is broken is to remove the toilet from the floor. If you are going to take this on, you should know that toilets are heavy and contain water, and when they are removed, the water often leaks on the floor. There is also a wax ring that can be messy and difficult to clean up.
Before removing the toilet, you should inspect the mounting bolts that secure the toilet to the flange. These are on either side of the toilet and typically under dome-shaped covers. These should never go all of the way through the floor but rather secure the toilet to the flange. You might get lucky and just be able to tighten down these bolts, but if the toilet has been rocking for a while, then inspecting the flange might be important.
The first step is to turn off the water supply to the toilet. There is typically a water valve under the toilet. Next, give the toilet a flush. This should remove most of the water from the tank and the bowl. There will still be some water in the bowl, but most will be removed. It is time to remove the two bolts holding the tank down.
Some people will have a large wash tub, plastic sheets, extra towels, or even the bathtub so that when you lift the toilet from the floor, you have a place to put it where it will not leak or damage anything. Tilting the toilet will cause all of the remaining water to evacuate the toilet and leak on the floor.
Inspect The Flange
With the toilet removed, you can see if the flange is broken or in good shape. If it is broken, you have two choices. You can fix the broken flange with a repair kit or replace it altogether. Fixing it is typically the more popular way to go because there are repair and adapter kits available at most home stores. The replacement option often requires a plumber’s attention and help.
The repair is a semi-circle piece that fits over or underneath the broken flange and gives the mounting bolts a new and secure location for the toilet. When attaching this repair kit, follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions.
The Wax Ring
Most toilets have a wax ring under them. This is the soft attachment between the porcelain toilet and the plumbing drain pipe. It is designed to keep the water-tight seal and not allow the unit to leak or produce sewer odors to the room. Some newer systems might have a rubber or vinyl gasket and not a wax ring. This should be replaced when the toilet is removed. There are several sizes of these rings, depending on the depth between the floor height and the plumbing. Make sure you replace the ring with the proper one(s).
Once replaced or repaired, you can remount the toilet to the flange, and it should be secure to the floor once again. Do not over-tighten the mounting bolts because the toilet porcelain can crack, and then you will have to replace the toilet.
Steps for Securing Toilet to the Floor
The following are some of the steps you can take to secure the toilet on the floor and protect it from moving around.
Turn off the Water Supply and Drain the Toilet
The first step is to shut off the water supply. You can do this by using the valve near the toilet’s base. Then, flush the toilet to empty most of the water from the tank and bowl. If there is any water still remaining, use a sponge or towel to soak it all up. At first, this might look unnecessary, but it helps ensure there are no water spills during the repair process and that you get a cleaner workspace.
Inspect the Mounting Bolts and Flange
Next, you need to examine the bolts on each side of the toilet that attach it to the floor. Are they loose? Then, tighten them carefully. But, if, even after this, the toilet wobbles, then this is a sign that the issue is with the flange – it could be broken or corroded. If necessary, remove the toilet to inspect the flange and determine whether it needs replacement or repair.
Stabilize the Toilet Base with Shims
If the floor underneath the toilet is uneven, you can use plastic shims to level the toilet. How? Slide the shims under the toilet’s base where it rocks. This will help in ensuring even distribution and stability. Shims, in the long run, help prevent future movement and allow the toilet to sit flush against the floor.
Replace the Wax Ring
Now, when you’re about to remove and reseat the toilet, don’t forget to replace the wax ring. This seal sits between the flange and the toilet. Eventually, this prevents the water leaks and sewer gas from escaping. For this step, you need to choose the correct size wax ring or a modern non-wax alternative for a tight and durable seal.
Reattach and Secure the Toilet
Once everything is done, align the toilet with the flange bolts and carefully lower it into place. Then, tighten the bolts evenly to secure the toilet to the floor. Do not overtighten the bolts, as this can crack the porcelain. Once it is secure, you can check for wobbling, seal the base with caulk, and reconnect the water supply. Also, test the toilet for leaks and stability to ensure the repair is complete.
Conclusion
Is your toilet coming out of the floor, or is it moving? In either case, it is more than just a nuisance. After all, it can lead to leaks, damage, and even costly repairs – especially if left undetected. This is why it is very important to secure your toilet on the floor. It is one of the ways to maintain its functionality, preventing water damage, and ensuring a stable, leak-free installation.
Yes, fixing a loose toilet does feel daunting at first, but if you follow these steps, you can make the process simple and manageable.
Whether it’s tightening the mounting bolts, leveling the base with shims, or replacing a worn-out wax ring, addressing the root cause of the issue is key. For those who prefer professional assistance, hiring a plumber can provide peace of mind and save time. However, with the right tools and guidance, repairing a loose toilet can be a rewarding DIY project that restores your bathroom’s comfort and functionality.