If the toilet seat is wobbly, the bolts may just be loose and in need of tightening, which is a quick fix. Simply check the bolts for looseness and use an adjustable wrench to tighten as needed. If the toilet seat is cracked or otherwise broken, it will need to be replaced.
Check the Bolts First
Check the flange bolt at each side of the toilet, using a pair of pliers or a small wrench. If a bolt is loose, tighten it slowly just until it is snug. Check the other bolt to make sure it is equally snug, then test the toilet for rocking. If it still rocks, proceed with shimming the base.
A wobbly toilet could mean the bolts between the tank and the bowl are lose or broken. Possible the bolts that hold the base of the bowl to the flange (floor) are loose or broken. Possible the flange in the floor is set too high causing the toilet to rock. Shim the toilet.
One of the main dangers of rocking toilets is the possibility of sewage leakage. If the toilet is loose from the floor, the material in the flush can leak out. That's about as raw as you can get when it comes to sewage.
No, your toilet isn't meant to wobble. It's supposed to be sturdy and hold your weight comfortably. If your toilet is wobbly, you can check if some of the issues we've mentioned above might be the cause. If they are, you can try to DIY and if not, make sure you call on a professional plumber to fix it.
Subfloor. If your toilet still rocks back and forth after checking that your toilet bolts are tightened, there's no toilet problems and the wax ring is fine, then you may have an issue with your subfloor. An issue with your subfloor may require more than plastic shims or additional washers for a toilet that rocks.
The wind pushes and pulls on air within the pipes, sending a ripple effect through the system that's apparent when the water in your toilet bowl starts sloshing around. Gustier winds make the effect more pronounced.
Reasons to Caulk Around a Toilet
Moisture Prevention: Without caulk around the toilet base, external water can seep under the toilet, leading to floor and subfloor damage over time. This is especially important in bathrooms with wooden floors, as prolonged exposure to moisture can lead to rot and structural issues.
A loose toilet can cause leaks to occur at the seal and, depending on the severity, can be a potential hazard to someone who has limited mobility or difficulty in sitting down and standing up. A very common attempt to repair a loose toilet is to try and tighten the bolts on the side.
When learning how to adjust the water level in the toilet bowl, check whether the toilet has a mark on the inside of the tank that indicates the proper water level. It should be 1 to 2 inches below the fill valve and the overflow tube.
The toilet handle nut is often the cause of a loose toilet handle. It is usually found inside the tank, on the underside of the handle. Turn the nut clockwise with an adjustable wrench or pliers until it is snug. Be careful not to over-tighten as this may damage the handle or tank.
The flange bolts are loose
If you plan to take a DIY approach for correcting your rocking toilet, the flange bolts are definitely your first stop. But, before you go to check that the flange bolts are tight enough, you should know exactly what you'll be looking for. A toilet does not screw directly into the ground.
Loose toilet bolts cause your toilet to rock, which leads to leaks and increases the risk of the toilet base cracking.
If the tank is wobbling, you must determine what the cause is. If you notice the bolts are loose, you can tighten the bolts. Be careful, porcelain can crack easily! If your hardware is good but the tank is still wobbling, your tank-to-bowl gasket is worn and needs to be replaced.
If your toilet doesn't sit flush against the floor, it will start moving as you use it. Most often, toilets rock back and forth because of a loose bolt, an uneven floor, or problems with the wax seal that connects your toilet to its drainage system.
Take the lid off the toilet bowl and see what kind of float you have. If it's a ball with a metal arm, then check the ball to see if it's corroded or cracked. If so, you'll need to replace it.
If the toilet is still rocking, it could be from debris under it, loose pipes or a broken toilet flange.
It's usually well worth your while to hire a local professional toilet repair pro to help you with your wobbly toilet problem. Repairing or replacing a toilet flange costs $145 to $165 on average.
The Toilet Moves or Tilts
To prevent your toilet from “having an accident” on your bathroom floor, its best to contact a plumber to inspect the problem. A rocking toilet can be caused by any number of issues, including a worn-out wax ring, a broken flange, broken flange bolts, or a sagging floor.
After the caulk has dried, check the toilet a final time to make sure that it is no longer loose. If the toilet is still loose, this may indicate further issues with the toilet which may include a damaged flange, broken flange rings, or damaged sub-flooring.
If necessary, tighten a quarter turn. If you still see leaks, proceed to Step 3. If you think the toilet tank bolts themselves are the issue, try this: Turn off the water supply and disconnect the hose again. Use a screwdriver to loosen the first bolt and then switch to an adjustable wrench to remove it.