Toilets wobble when they aren’t held securely to the floor, and if you let the wobble persist, they can leak and give you more serious problems. More often than not, the wobble is caused by loose toilet bolts, but the flange may also be responsible. It may be corroded, broken or set too high.

Why did my toilet start rocking?

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 wobbly toilet?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: So if I wiggle it see the bolt goes up and down inside. So I think that's our culprit. But we've gone this far let's pull everything be sure everything's good underneath.

How do you fix a rocking toilet?

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.

How do you fix a wobbly toilet on this old house?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: And these have to be exactly 12 inches on center off the back of the building. And that will allow after you put your toilet bowl. On then a little cap right here for the toilet. And then a nut like.

How much does it cost to fix a wobbly toilet?

Homeowners pay an average of $250 to fix a broken toilet. Project costs typically range from $148 and $359. In some cases, a professional plumber will charge a flat rate for a project. Depending on location, a pro might charge anywhere from $45 to $200 per hour for their services.

Should I caulk around toilet?

Caulk Keeps the Toilet Secure



Think again! Caulk keeps your toilet secure the floor, and avoids any chance of injury or toilet malfunctioning. It’s actually required by the International Plumbing Code to caulk a toilet to the floor, and now knowing the reasoning behind it, why would you not want to?

Is toilet tank supposed to wobble?

A small amount of toilet tank wobble is okay. If your toilet tank is leaking water onto the floor, it requires repair. If water is leaking into your toilet bowl from the tank (your toilet will run to refill the tank periodically), repair is necessary. If the tank wobbles a lot or is not secure, it should be repaired.

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

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: I 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.

Will toilet leak if not level?

A toilet that is not level or centered could continue to leak water. Tighten the bolts with a wrench and replace plastic caps.

How do I know if my wax ring is sealed?

To test that a bad seal is the problem, grab a couple of towels and wipe up the water. Go on with your day, checking periodically to see if the water has returned. If the floor is still dry, chances are that the water wasn’t coming from the toilet’s base.

Can a loose toilet cause a leak?

A loose toilet can cause a leak at the sewer line, and worse, flood the bathroom floor. It can lead to rotted wood and mildew and mold problems. If neglected, the leak can destroy the floor, leading to costly repair and replacement. If you notice that your toilet is loose, call a plumber for help.

How tight should the bolts on a toilet be?

Bolts Don’t Have to Be Extremely Tight



In some cases, hand-tightening and a quarter-turn is all you need. It’s important to keep in mind that the toilet tank is not intended to take weight and strain. The tank-to-bowl bolts are merely there to ensure the rubber seal between the tank and bowl is snug and leakproof.

How do you know if you need a new toilet?

8 Signs Your Toilet Needs to Be Replaced

  1. Constant Clogging. Nobody likes to deal with a clogged toilet. …
  2. Cracks. When you notice puddles of water around your toilet, you may want to check for cracks in the porcelain. …
  3. Plentiful Repairs. …
  4. Excessive Age. …
  5. Wobbling. …
  6. Inefficient Flushing. …
  7. Surface Damages. …
  8. Built-Up Mineral Deposits.


How long does a toilet last?

around 50 years

Most plumbers agree that an average toilet can last around 50 years. However, this is only when the toilet is well maintained and gently used. If it was improperly installed or frequently misused, it may not last as long.

How long does it take a plumber to replace a toilet?

approximately 2 to 4 hours

It takes approximately 2 to 4 hours for a plumber to install a toilet at a base rate of $65 per hour. If the plumber runs into any unexpected issues after the installation begins, it can raise labor costs by as much as $800.

Can you replace a toilet yourself?

If you’re an experienced DIYer with plumbing knowledge and the required tools, installing a toilet yourself may be a great option. Not only will you save money, but you’ll have the satisfaction of completing the toilet installation yourself.

How long after you install a toilet can you use it?

After you lay ceramic floor tiles, the grout inside the joints between the individual tiles must be allowed to cure. Generally, it’s safest to wait at least 48 but ideally 72 hours after installing ceramic tiles before installing a toilet.

Is replacing a toilet hard?

Replacing and installing a new toilet isn’t as hard as it sounds. All you need are a few hours, a helper and the right tools and toilet parts for the job.

Do you have to replace the wax ring when you remove a toilet?

Whenever you remove a toilet for any reason, you will need to replace the wax ring seal between the toilet and the toilet flange (sometimes called a closet flange) attached to the floor. A wax seal is used because it resists mold and bacteria and retains its sealing ability after years of use.

Can you replace a toilet without replacing the floor?

They often ask if they should remove the toilet before installing a new bathroom floor. While it is possible to install a new linoleum or ceramic tile floor without removing the toilet, it is not recommended and actually can increase the labor involved in the project.