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Wobbly toilets may lead to more serious problems in the future. Luckily, it's an easy DIY fix. Thread Forming Screws
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Have you ever had a toilet in your home you dreaded sitting on because of the annoying wobble? Well, it’s time to finally fix it. The wobble can cause additional issues if left unaddressed.
Several things could cause a toilet to wobble — loose bolts, an uneven or rotting floor, or a damaged toilet flange. Some people assume they need to replace the toilet, when it usually requires a quick fix any DIYer can handle.
The toilet I worked on wobbled because of loose bolts. All I did was remove the plastic caps, grab a wrench and gently tighten the nuts on the bolts. This is pretty common. Over time, the bolts that secure the toilet to the floor come loose .
If you can’t get your toilet to stop wobbling after following these steps, or discover more difficult plumbing issues you don’t feel comfortable DIY-ing — say, spongy flooring or a leaky toilet flange — contact a professional plumber or general contractor.
This should be first thing to try. Here’s how to do it:
Uneven floors can cause toilet wobbles. Shims eliminate the unevenness. Here’s how to add them:
Don’t go back and caulk your toilet to the floor until you’re certain the wax ring seal isn’t leaking.
If the toilet is still rocking or water leaks from your adjustments, it’s time to remove the toilet to see what’s going on.
If water is leaking, the wax ring probably was damaged. If the toilet is still rocking, it could be from debris under it, loose pipes or a broken toilet flange.
When replacing a toilet, what parts can’t be reused? The wax ring. Always buy a new one.
Is it worth it to replace an old toilet? Absolutely. Newer toilets are more water-efficient, saving you money. They’re also a more environmentally friendly. New toilet designs often need less cleaning and look nicer.
How long does a toilet wax ring last? Indefinitely. Wax, unlike rubber, doesn’t deteriorate. Unless there’s another problem, the toilet wax ring won’t spring a leak on its own.
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