Shimming a toilet on uneven tile is typically a simple task, but it requires some special tools and materials. To begin, you’ll need an adjustable closet bolt, a rubber gasket, and a shim. Begin by setting the toilet in its approximate location on the floor, then use the adjustable closet bolt to stabilize the toilet and create a stronger connection to the floor.
Once that’s done, lightly attach the rubber gasket that came with the toilet to the floor. This will help protect the tile underneath. Now it’s time to use the shim. Place the shim underneath one corner of the toilet bowl on the side that’s lower than the rest of the bowl.
Make sure the shim is connecting up with the tiles underneath. Now attach a longer washer and a nut to the shim, and slowly tighten them until the toilet bowl and the floor are level. Finally, check the tightness and stability of all of the nuts and bolts.
Once that’s done, you’ve successfully shimmed your toilet on uneven tile.
Can you use shims to level a toilet?
Yes, you can absolutely use shims to level a toilet. Shims are small strips of plastic or wood that act as spacers to level out objects. When installing a toilet, one of the most important steps is making sure that it is sitting level and that no part of the toilet bowl is touching the floor.
To achieve this, you can insert shims around the toilet bowl, pushing the base up to ensure a level position. When using shims to level a toilet, you can place them at the corners of the base at the back, sides and front.
Make sure to alternate the shim locations so that the weight is evenly distributed, and adjust them as necessary until the toilet is properly balanced on all side. Once you are satisfied with the level, you can use caulking, epoxy, or adhesive to secure the shims in place.
How do I keep my toilet from rocking on tile?
The first step is to ensure that the floor is level: use a level to check it and add shims or thin pieces of wood beneath the toilet or tile if needed. Once the floor is level you need to secure the toilet to the floor.
To do this, start by removing the wax ring and adding a layer of silicone caulk around the base of the toilet’s drain opening. This will provide a sealant that will help hold the toilet in place and reduce any potential rocking.
Next, tighten the four bolts at the base of the toilet to the floor, making sure that the bolts do not protrude through the wax ring. If they do you may have to readjust the wax ring. Once these steps are complete, add a generous amount of putty around the base of the toilet to ensure a strong seal.
Make sure the putty is even and covers all parts of the base. Finally, apply pressure to the base of the toilet for about 10 minutes to complete the seal. With these steps in place, your toilet should be securely sealed and anchored to the tile and be free from rocking.
What if the toilet is not level with the floor?
If the toilet is not level with the floor, it can cause a number of issues, including water not draining correctly, the toilet rocking on the floor, and a possible leak from the tank to the bowl. To ensure a level installation, the first thing to do is to check the level of the floor.
You may need to use a leveler and/or shims to make the floor even before attempting to level the toilet. To level the toilet you will need a level, which should also be used to check the toilet after it is installed.
Once the floor is level, use shims to level the toilet. These can be inserted between the toilet and the floor under the mounting bolts, as needed. Be sure to tighten the mounting nuts until they are tight so that the toilet won’t move when it is in use.
After the toilet is installed, fill the tank and flush the toilet to make sure it is draining properly. Finally, check the level once again to make sure it hasn’t been affected by opening and closing the tank lid.
With a level installation, you can be sure that everything will function properly from flushing to draining.
What can I use for toilet shims?
Toilet shims are a useful tool for leveling a toilet or providing an extra cushion against porcelain. They can be made from wood, acrylic, or plastic, and can be easily cut to size. Wooden shims can be bought at most hardware stores and can be nailed or glued into place.
Acrylic and plastic shims are easier to install and are available in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors. Some even feature adhesive backing to make installation a breeze. Alternatively, you can fashion your own shims from scrap wood, such as pieces of plywood, a dowel rod or even cardboard.
Tip: Always use a level when installing toilet shims to ensure accurate positioning.
What can I use to stabilize my toilet?
If your toilet is wobbly, unsteady, or not sitting quite right, there are several things you can do to stabilize it. You can start by ensuring your floor underneath the toilet is level. If it isn’t, you might need to level it out first with either shims or a self-leveling compound.
Additionally, you should check that the bolts that secure the toilet to the floor are properly tightened. Tightening these screws can help the toilet from shifting around.
If the screws and floor are secure, you may want to consider adding an extra set of wax rings for extra stability. Different types of stabilizing clips can also help – these clips are installed between the base of the toilet and the floor and create added tension to help keep your toilet steady.
It is also possible to add anti-skid pads or felt to help reduce the friction between the toilet and the floor.
Ultimately, if you find that your toilet still won’t stay level and stable, hiring a plumber may be your best bet. A professional can determine the cause of the issue and provide solutions for stabilizing your toilet for the long run.
What do you put between tile and toilet?
When tiling around a toilet, you’ll want to use caulk between the tile and the toilet. Caulk is an adhesive sealant that creates a waterproof barrier between objects, which prevents moisture from penetrating through the surface.
It is important to use the correct type of caulk depending on the type of tile you are using. For instance, if you are dealing with ceramic tiles, you’ll want to use an acrylic latex caulk. It’s also important to make sure that you get the caulk into any tight areas between the tile and the toilet so you can prevent any moisture from getting into these areas.
Once the caulk is applied, it’s important to smooth it out with a damp sponge or a disposable cloth. Once the caulk is dry, you can then grout the surrounding tile to finish off the project and create a beautiful bathroom space.
What can I put under a toilet to level it?
To level a toilet, you can use a number of different materials such as shims, roofing felt, or thin pieces of wood. Shims are thin pieces of wood or plastic that can be used to raise or level a toilet.
For example, you could use several shims to lift up one corner or edge of the toilet to level it. Roofing felt is also a good option as it is waterproof and can be cut to size. You can also use thin pieces of wood like 2x4s or plywood to level the toilet, but make sure they are cut to size and won’t slip.
Once you have the material you need, put them under the toilet and adjust until the toilet is level. When you’re finished, use a level to make sure the toilet is completely level.
Does a toilet need to be perfectly level?
No, a toilet does not need to be perfectly level in order to function properly. However, it is important that a toilet is level enough that the water surface is an even depth when the tank is full and when the tank is empty.
An uneven toilet that is not level can cause issues with the fill valve, which is responsible for regulating the amount of water in the tank. If the toilet is not level, the water will tend to sit in one area of the tank, which can cause leakage or water damage.
Additionally, an uneven toilet can also cause rocking or wiggling, which can damage the wax seal and cause a leak. To ensure that your toilet is level, you can use a long level or a steam of level along the top of the fixture from back to front and from side to side.
If any adjustments need to be made, most toilets have a set of adjustable feet which can be used to level it.
Can I use a washer as a shim?
Yes, you can use a washer as a shim if you need a thicker shim or if you simply don’t have any other shims on hand. A washer is a good substitute for a shim because it can provide additional support and can bridge a gap between two components.
When using a washer as a shim, it’s important to make sure that it will fit and can handle the weight of the load it will be supporting. You should also make sure that the washer you’re using is compatible with the type of fasteners you’re using.
For example, stainless steel washers are usually used with stainless steel fasteners, while brass washers are usually used with brass fasteners. As long as you’re using the right washer for the job, a washer can make for a great shim!.
What causes a toilet to rock back and forth?
A common cause of a toilet rocking back and forth is that the floor below it is not perfectly level. When the toilet is installed, its flange, which connects the toilet to the sewer line, must be secured firmly to the floor.
If the flange is not level, the toilet can move when someone sits on it or when it is flushed. In addition, the floor may have settled over time, causing a shift in the levelness that can cause the toilet to rock back and forth.
If the toilet does rock and the floor appears to be level, then it is possible the flange itself is installed incorrectly or is damaged, and that a professional should be called in to make the correction.
Why does my toilet moves when I sit on it?
It is very likely that the toilet bolts have become loose over time. Toilets are designed to be securely bolted to the floor to hold their weight and the weight of any person sitting on them. If the bolts are loose, the toilet can move when someone sits on it.
It is possible that the previous installer didn’t tighten the bolts correctly or that the bolts have come loose over time due to things like foundation settling or vibrations from nearby objects. Tightening the bolts is generally a relatively straightforward process and can often be done without a professional.
However, if the floor or the base of the toilet is damaged or if the bolts are completely gone it may be necessary to call a plumber to get the job done.
What kind of shim do you use for a toilet?
The type of shim used for a toilet will depend on the specific model and situation. Generally, for most toilet installations, a flexible plastic shim should be used. These plastic shims are designed to fit snugly between the underside of the toilet and the flange so they can level out small discrepancies between the flange and the floor.
They are flexible and can be compressed since they are made out of plastic. Additionally, they can be cut to size if needed.
In some cases, it may be necessary to use a different type of shim. For instance, if the floor is uneven, a wooden shim can be used to level out larger areas. Cardboard shims are also commonly used to adjust the height of the toilet so that it is level.
In some cases, such as concrete floors, it may be necessary to use short bolts and washers as a shim for better stability.
What are toilet shims made of?
Toilet shims are typically made out of plastic, although some are made out of metal. The reason for using plastic is for its durability. Plastic toilet shims are generally more cost effective than metal shims, and they won’t corrode or rust.
They also have less of an impact on the environment due to their relatively low-level of waste compared to metal shims. Plastic shims are also easy to install and remove, and can be trimmed to fit the exact measurements of your toilet.
Additionally, their sleek, unobtrusive design makes them easy to hide when not in use.
How do you make a homemade shim?
Making a homemade shim is a great and inexpensive way to solve a wide variety of problems. To make a shim, you’ll need a rigid material such as brass, aluminum, plastic, or even thick cardstock. You will also need a sharp utility knife and a steel ruler.
The first step is to measure the gap that needs to be filled using the steel ruler. Then, use the utility knife and the ruler to carefully cut a piece of the shim material that is narrower than the gap.
It’s important to keep the cut as straight and precise as possible. Once you have the shim to the desired size, you can use a file to taper or bevel the edges for a better fit.
Once the shim is cut to size, you can center it in the gap and press it in. If necessary, you can use adhesive on the shim to keep it firmly in place. The shim should now be able to fill the gap and create a secure fit.
Making a homemade shim can be quick and easy, and it can be a great solution for a variety of problem gaps.