A Simple DIY Way to Fix a Wobbly Toilet
A toilet that rocks or shifts when you sit on it isn’t just annoying. It can damage the seal at the base and lead to leaks you can’t see until they’ve already caused trouble. The good news is you can usually fix it with a few easy steps. No plumbing experience needed.
Below is a clear, simple guide you can follow in less than an hour.
1. Figure Out Why the Toilet Is Wobbly
Before you grab any tools, check a few things:
- Loose bolts: The bolts at the toilet’s base might be loose. These hold the toilet to the floor.
- Uneven floor: A small gap under one side can cause rocking.
- Worn wax ring: If the seal under the toilet is old, the toilet may not sit evenly.
Most wobbly toilets are caused by loose bolts or uneven flooring. You can fix both without removing the toilet.
2. Tighten the Closet Bolts
Look at the two caps at the base of the toilet. Pop them off with your fingers or a flat screwdriver.
Use a wrench to tighten the nuts a little at a time. Switch from one side to the other so the pressure stays even.
A few tips:
- Don’t crank the bolts hard. You can crack the toilet.
- Stop the moment the toilet feels steady.
If tightening the bolts solves the wobble, move to the last step: sealing the base.
3. Add Shims if the Toilet Still Rocks
If the toilet still moves, you probably have a small gap under the base.
Plastic shims are the easiest fix. You can buy a small pack at any hardware store.
Here’s what to do:
- Sit or press gently on the toilet to make the wobble show itself.
- Slide a shim into the gap where the movement happens.
- Add more shims if needed until the toilet feels firm.
- Use a utility knife to trim any shim sticking out so it looks clean.
This simple step resolves most rocking toilets without requiring any removal.
4. Seal the Base for a Clean Finish
Once the toilet is stable, run a bead of caulk around the base. This helps hide any small shims and makes the whole area easier to clean.
Leave a small gap at the back. This lets any future leak show rather than get trapped.
5. When You May Need a New Wax Ring
If the toilet still feels crooked after tightening bolts and adding shims, the wax ring may be worn. This job takes more time because you have to lift the toilet, but it’s still doable for many homeowners.
Signs the wax ring might be the problem:
- Water around the base
- A sewer smell in the bathroom
- A toilet that leans in one direction even after shimming
If you reach this point and aren’t comfortable lifting the toilet, it’s fine to call a plumber. You’ve already ruled out the simple fixes.
A wobbly toilet is one of those problems you don’t want to ignore. Luckily, most fixes are easy and take only a few minutes. Tighten the bolts, slip in a shim, seal the base, and you’re done. If the wobble is more serious, you’ll know what to check next.