The Ultimate Guide to Leveling a Toilet: A Step-by-Step Solution for a Wobble-Free Throne

A wobbly toilet is more than just an annoyance; it can be a sign of underlying issues that could lead to leaks, damage to your flooring, and even potential injuries. A toilet that rocks back and forth also puts stress on the wax ring seal, which can ultimately lead to water damage. Thankfully, leveling a toilet is a task most homeowners can tackle with a little patience and the right approach. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you achieve a stable, wobble-free throne.

Why is a Level Toilet Important?

Before diving into the how-to, let’s quickly touch on why leveling a toilet is so crucial:

• Prevents Leaks: As mentioned, a rocking toilet strains the wax ring seal that creates a watertight barrier between the toilet and the drain flange. This constant movement can compromise the seal, leading to leaks and water damage.
• Extends the Life of Your Toilet: Uneven pressure on the porcelain can cause cracks over time. Leveling the toilet distributes the weight evenly, preventing stress fractures and prolonging its lifespan.
• Ensures Stability and Safety: A wobbling toilet is simply unsafe. It’s prone to tipping or rocking unexpectedly, potentially leading to accidents and injuries.
• Reduces Noise: A rocking toilet can create annoying noises as it moves against the floor and its connections. Leveling can eliminate this issue.
• Aesthetics: A level toilet simply looks better and more professionally installed. It eliminates the visual annoyance of a toilet that is obviously askew.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Gathering your tools and materials before you begin will make the process smoother and more efficient. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

• Level: A standard spirit level (or a digital level) will help you determine if your toilet is level. A short level is ideal for this task.
• Shims: You’ll need shims to raise the low side of the toilet. You can use plastic shims (available at most hardware stores), thin wooden shims, or even folded pieces of cardboard in a pinch. Plastic shims are recommended as they are waterproof and don’t degrade over time.
• Utility Knife or Scissors: To trim the shims for a proper fit.
• Gloves: For hygiene and protection.
• Flashlight: To help you see under the toilet if necessary.
• Optional: Caulk: To seal any gaps around the base of the toilet for a more finished look and to prevent further movement.
• Optional: Damp Cloth or Paper Towels: For cleaning.

Step-by-Step Guide to Leveling Your Toilet

Now that you have your tools and materials, let’s get to work. Follow these steps carefully to properly level your toilet:

Step 1: Preparation

1. Safety First: Put on your gloves. While this isn’t a particularly messy job, it’s good to protect your hands.
2. Examine the Toilet: Gently rock the toilet from side to side and front to back. Note which side(s) are lower. Look for any visible gaps between the base of the toilet and the floor.
3. Clean the Area: If there is any debris or dirt around the base of the toilet, clear it away with a damp cloth or paper towel to ensure that the shims fit smoothly and make good contact with both the toilet and the floor. This can also provide a more accurate assessment of the gap needing to be shimmed.
4. Locate the Problem Areas: Carefully note exactly where the toilet rocks and where gaps between the toilet and the floor exist. This will help you determine exactly where shims are needed. If you can, reach under the toilet bowl with your fingers to feel the uneven spots.

Step 2: Determining Where to Shim

1. Use the Level: Place your level on the rim of the toilet bowl (the flat area where you sit), both side to side and front to back. Note which direction(s) the bubble moves, indicating which side of the toilet is lower. If the level is not easily placed on the rim due to the curve of the bowl, use a long straight edge or ruler across the rim, and place the level on top of that.
2. Identify Low Spots: The side(s) where the bubble is lower are the low spots that need to be shimmed. You might need to shim on one side, both sides, or even along the front or back of the toilet.
3. Check Multiple Points: Don’t just check in one spot. A toilet might be uneven in multiple areas. Check at several locations around the base of the toilet where it meets the floor to identify all of the low spots.

Step 3: Inserting the Shims

1. Start with One Shim: Start with the lowest spot identified. Carefully lift (or tilt) the toilet just enough to create a space for the shim. Slide a shim under the toilet at the lowest point, ensuring it sits between the porcelain base and the floor.
2. Check the Level Again: Place your level on the toilet rim and observe how the bubble moves. Has the shim made a difference? If not, you may need to adjust the shim position or add another shim next to it.
3. Add More Shims as Needed: Continue adding and adjusting shims as needed to bring the toilet as level as possible in all directions. The goal is to get the bubble in the center of the level. You may need multiple shims on one or more sides to achieve level.
4. Trim Excess Shim Material: If the shims protrude beyond the base of the toilet and are visible, use your utility knife or scissors to carefully trim off the excess material. Try not to cut too much – just the part that is visible and causing an obstruction. It’s important to cut the shims so they don’t interfere with the toilet’s stability. Be careful not to cut yourself when trimming shims.
5. Test for Stability: After shimming and trimming, gently rock the toilet from side to side and front to back to ensure there is no more wobble. If the rocking persists, continue to adjust shims.

Step 4: Fine-Tuning and Securing the Shims

1. Fine-Tune with Small Adjustments: Making small adjustments to the shims can sometimes get the toilet level more precisely. If the bubble is just slightly off-center, try moving the shims a fraction of an inch to get the bubble perfectly centered.
2. Consider Stacking Shims: If one shim isn’t enough, stack two or more together, making sure they are well aligned with each other. If stacking, it’s preferable to use shims of the same material for a consistent surface.
3. Ensure Secure Placement: Be certain that the shims are making good, solid contact with both the toilet base and the floor, and aren’t wobbling or likely to move. If using cardboard, ensure that you have sufficient thickness to fill the gap, and that it is folded tightly so it won’t collapse under the toilet’s weight.
4. Recheck the Level: Once you are satisfied, recheck the level from different directions one last time to ensure the toilet is sitting perfectly level.

Step 5: (Optional) Sealing the Base with Caulk

While not strictly necessary for leveling, applying caulk around the base of the toilet offers a few advantages:

1. Aesthetics: Caulk creates a clean, finished look by covering the shims and any remaining gap.
2. Stability: Caulk helps prevent the shims from shifting or moving, further enhancing the stability of the toilet.
3. Water Barrier: Caulk creates a water-resistant seal that can help prevent water from seeping under the toilet if the floor is wet.

If you choose to caulk:

1. Prepare the Area: Ensure the base of the toilet and the floor are clean and dry before applying caulk.
2. Apply Caulk: Using a caulking gun, apply a bead of caulk around the base of the toilet, where it meets the floor. Use a smooth, even bead and apply it consistently.
3. Smooth the Caulk: Use a wet finger or a caulk smoothing tool to smooth the bead of caulk. This will create a clean, professional-looking seal.
4. Allow it to Dry: Allow the caulk to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions before using the toilet.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you might run into a few challenges. Here are some common issues and how to address them:

• Toilet Still Wobbles: If the toilet continues to wobble after shimming, double-check that you have addressed all low spots. You may have missed an area, or the toilet might be more uneven than you initially assessed. Try a different shim placement or thickness. If that fails, the problem could be due to a bad wax ring or issues with the flange.
• Shims Keep Shifting: If your shims keep moving, make sure you are using the right kind of shims. Plastic shims are preferable as they don’t degrade or compress over time. Consider caulking them in place to keep them from moving.
• Can’t Get the Toilet Level: If you are having trouble getting the toilet level, the floor itself may be uneven. Consider using a self-leveling compound on the floor if the unevenness is excessive. Alternatively, you can also consider a different kind of shim to help fill larger gaps. If you can’t get the toilet level with shims, it could indicate an underlying issue with the flange (the plumbing connection for the toilet) and you may need to call a plumber.
• Leaks After Leveling: If the toilet leaks after leveling, you may have disturbed the wax ring, so it needs to be replaced. When replacing the wax ring, it’s recommended to level the toilet with shims before placing the new ring to prevent the ring from being damaged or not making a good seal.

When to Call a Professional

While leveling a toilet is often a DIY project, there are instances where it’s best to call a plumber:

• If the Toilet is Severely Damaged: If the porcelain base of the toilet is cracked or severely damaged, it should be replaced by a professional. Attempting to level a damaged toilet is unsafe and may worsen the problem.
• If You Suspect Flange Issues: If shims alone do not resolve the issue, there might be a problem with the flange or drain pipe, both of which should be addressed by a plumber.
• If You’re Uncomfortable: If you’re not confident in your plumbing skills, it’s always best to call a qualified plumber. Attempting repairs incorrectly could lead to more significant problems and higher costs in the long run.
• If Leaks Persist: If you level the toilet and it continues to leak, it is recommended that you call a plumber.

Conclusion

Leveling a toilet may seem like a minor task, but it’s crucial for preventing leaks, ensuring safety, and extending the life of your fixture. With the right tools and a little patience, you can achieve a stable and wobble-free toilet. By following these steps, you can be confident in your ability to address a wobbly toilet on your own, saving you time and money. Remember to take your time, work carefully, and always prioritize safety. A level toilet is a comfortable, secure, and essential part of a well-maintained bathroom.