Toilet Rocking? Here's How To DIY A Permanent Fix
A rocking toilet can be extremely annoying and make you feel like your bathroom isn't secure. Luckily, most of the common causes of a loose, wobbly toilet are DIY fixes you can tackle yourself.
What Causes a Toilet to Rock?
There are a few common reasons why your toilet may not be sitting firmly on the floor:
- Loose closet bolts
- Damaged toilet flange
- Uneven floorboards
- Compressed subfloor
Loose Closet Bolts
Closet bolts hold your toilet securely to the flange, which is a ring that seals off the drain pipe. Over time, the nuts on the bolts can loosen.
You'll know loose closet bolts are the culprit if rocking gets worse when you sit on the toilet or shift your weight. It may also stop rocking if you press down around the toilet edges.
Damaged Toilet Flange
The toilet flange is a cylindrical piece beneath the toilet that connects to the drain pipe. If the flange seal is cracked or warped, it can allow the toilet to rock.
A damaged flange should be suspected if there are visible cracks, the toilet leaks, or caulk around its base is constantly damp.
Uneven Floorboards
Over years of use, the floorboards under your toilet can become uneven or warped. This allows one side of the toilet to droop lower than the other, creating rocking.
You may notice the rocking is worse at the back or front of toilet if the issue is warped floorboards.
Compressed Subfloor
Your bathroom floor is layers - decorative tile or vinyl on top, then a subfloor or plywood base. A spongy, compressed subfloor can enable toilet rocking.
Suspect a soft subfloor if rocking has gotten worse recently with no other clear cause.
Preparing for the Repair
Before starting your toilet repair, take a few preparatory steps:
Turn Off Water Supply
Locate the shutoff valve below or behind the toilet and turn it clockwise to avoid any leaks while you're working.
Gather Necessary Tools
- Adjustable wrench
- Channel lock pliers
- Screwdriver
- Tube of caulk, caulk gun
- Shims
- Safety glasses & gloves
Assess Rocking Direction
Try to determine which side of the toilet is higher or lower than the other. This will guide you in leveling it.
Fixing a Loose Toilet
Here are the steps to secure a loose, rocking toilet:
Tighten Closet Bolts
Remove any plastic bolt covers with a screwdriver. Hand tighten the nuts under the bolt head first, then finish tightening with your adjustable wrench. Turn each side alternately while holding the bolt end still with locked pliers.
Be careful not to overtighten, which can crack the porcelain.
Add Shims if Needed
If the toilet still rocks slightly, you'll need to shim it. Shims are plastic wedges that go under the toilet base. Place shims around the closet bolts, adjusting until the toilet stops rocking and is completely level.
Re-Caulk Base of Toilet
Over time, the caulk around your toilet base can dry out or crack. Reseal the toilet after shimming by running a smooth bead of fresh caulk completely around the base.
Use your finger to smooth out the caulk for a watertight seal.
Dealing with Other Causes
If you determine the rocking toilet is due to a damaged flange, warped floor, or compressed subfloor, tightening bolts and caulk may not do the trick.
Damaged Flange
A damaged flange usually needs replacing, which requires temporarily removing the toilet. Alternatively, try using an extra-thick wax ring to improve the seal.
Warped Floorboards or Subfloor
For more severe floor issues below the toilet, shims alone won't help long-term. You may need to cut away sections of the subfloor and shim directly underneath. Or install floor levelers to improve support.
Preventing Future Rocking
To avoid a loose toilet again down the road:
- Check closet bolts and caulk every year or two for deterioration.
- Consider using a toilet leveler with adjustable feet for uneven floors.
- Anti-wobble mats add stability between the toilet and floor.
With a few basic tools and some patience, you can likely diagnose and fix a rocking toilet yourself. Tightening hardware, adding shims, and replacing worn parts like flanges and caulk typically do the trick.
Performing your own toilet repairs saves on plumber costs. And taking preventive measures like regular checks keeps the bathroom secure.