How do I stop my toilet from moving side to side?

If your toilet is shifting from side to side when you sit on it or push down on the tank, this wobbling indicates that the toilet is not properly secured to the floor. A loose, wobbly toilet can cause leaks, break the wax ring seal, and even lead to the toilet tipping over if it shifts too far. Fortunately, fixing a wobbly toilet is usually a quick and straightforward DIY project.

What causes a toilet to wobble?

There are a few common causes of a loose, shifting toilet:

• The toilet is not properly aligned and secured at the flange bolts
• The wax ring seal is worn or compressed
• The subfloor is uneven or rotting
• The flange bolts or anchors are loose in the subfloor

Issues with the wax ring seal, subfloor, or bolts allow the whole toilet unit to shift and move under weight or pressure. Usually, realigning and tightening down the toilet at the base is all that is needed to stop a wobbly toilet.

How to stop a toilet from moving side to side

Follow these steps to securely re-anchor your shifting toilet:

1. Turn off the water supply valve behind the toilet.
2. Flush the toilet to empty the tank.
3. Use a sponge to soak up any remaining water in the tank and bowl.
4. Disconnect the water supply line from the fill valve.
5. Remove the tank lid and set it aside.
6. Unscrew the bolts connecting the tank to the toilet bowl using a wrench or pliers.
7. Lift the tank off the bowl and set it aside.
8. Inspect the condition of the wax ring seal around the outlet. If it is worn, cracked, or compressed, replace it.
9. Loosen the flange nuts or bolts located at the base of the toilet above the floor using a wrench.
10. Rock the toilet back and forth gently to break the wax ring seal.
11. Lift the toilet straight up off the flange and set it on its side on a towel or cardboard.

With the toilet removed, you can now see the floor flange and mounting bolts:

• Check that the floor flange is level and secured firmly to the floor.
• If the flange is loose or damaged, it will need to be replaced or re-anchored before resetting the toilet.
• Check that the T-bolts or anchors are tight in the subfloor and retighten or replace any that are loose.
• Use shims if needed to level the flange or fill any gaps in the subfloor.

Once the flange and anchors are secure, you’re ready to reset the toilet:

12. Set a new wax ring seal on the flange, with the tapered end facing up.
13. Carefully lower the toilet onto the flange, aligning the bolt holes.
14. Press down firmly on the bowl to set it in the wax ring.
15. Insert the flange bolts and hand tighten the nuts.
16. Alternate tightening the nuts with a wrench to secure the toilet.
17. Reinstall the tank, insert the bolt caps, and reconnect the water line.
18. Turn on the water supply and check for any leaks at the base.
19. Allow the tank to fill and test the toilet flush.

Be patient at step 15, alternating slowly between nuts to tighten the bowl down evenly. Do not overtighten the nuts or you can crack the porcelain. The toilet should not shift or rock at all when you press down on the bowl edges.

With the tank and bowl reconnected securely, you can finish up:

• Apply a new bead of silicone around the base of the toilet.
• Reinstall the tank lid.
• Give the silicone sealant time to fully cure before using the toilet.

This full process realigns the toilet and seals it to the flange for a firm, wobble-free installation. Take your time and be careful when handling the porcelain toilet. With the right supplies, some patience, and the steps above, you can stop that shifting toilet and prevent leaks or other toilet troubles.

What if the flange or floor is damaged?

If you remove the toilet and find that the floor flange is loose, broken, or positioned too far from the toilet outlet, you may need to replace or reposition the flange before resetting the toilet.

Here are some solutions for a damaged or improperly positioned flange:

• A broken flange can be replaced with a new PVC or metal flange.
• Use an extender ring or flange repair kit to raise a flange that sits too low.
• Cut away subfloor and use a flange retrofit kit to reposition the flange if needed.
• Anchor a loose floor flange into the subfloor with screws or bolts.

Likewise, extensive rot or water damage to the subfloor around the flange must be repaired to provide a solid surface for the flange hardware and toilet.

When to call a plumber

While wobbly toilets are often a quick DIY fix, there are some cases where you may need to call in a professional plumber:

• The subfloor is severely damaged and needs extensive repair.
• The drain line or vent pipe below the flange must be replaced.
• The flange location needs significant repositioning.
• Old lead flanges need replacement.
• You want to replace the toilet along with resetting it.

A licensed plumber has the expertise to fully evaluate any subfloor or drain line damage and make repairs you may not be equipped to handle yourself. Have a plumber inspect any issues that go beyond the toilet itself before attempting toilet repairs.

Preventing a wobbly toilet

To help avoid a loose, shifting toilet in the future:

• Replace the wax ring and check the flange any time you remove the toilet.
• Tighten the flange bolts evenly during toilet installation.
• Use extra-thick wax rings rated for heavier loads.
• Choose a foam ring instead which provides firm, ongoing support.
• Caulk around the base after resetting the toilet to seal the unit.
• Avoid rocking or shifting the toilet after caulking until it cures.
• Anchor the toilet to the floor using a toilet brace kit if needed.

Installing the toilet properly and reinforcing the seal with caulk can help prevent a loose toilet and avoid leaks or resetting repairs down the road.

FAQs about stopping a shifting toilet

Is it OK if my toilet rocks a little bit?

No, you do not want your toilet to rock or wobble at all when seated or when pressing down on the sides. Even minor movement can compromise the floor seal and lead to leaks or toilet instability over time. Any toilet that shifts from side to side needs to be re-secured to the floor flange.

Should I replace my wax ring every time I remove the toilet?

Yes, it is recommended you replace the wax ring seal during each toilet removal. The ring can become brittle, crack, or get compressed and deformed over time, compromising the water tight seal. Using a fresh wax ring during re-installation ensures a tight seal.

Can I shim my toilet to stop it from wobbling?

You can use shims under the sides of the toilet base temporarily to level it and stop minor rocking. But shims should not be used as a long-term fix for a shifting toilet. The best permanent solution is to fully re-anchor the toilet securely to the floor flange.

How long should I wait to use the toilet after resetting it?

It’s best to allow at least 24 hours after installing the toilet for the caulk and sealants to fully cure before using it. Avoid rocking or shifting the toilet at all while the caulk sets to ensure the most secure, water tight seal.

Can I fix a loose toilet myself or do I need to call a plumber?

In most cases you can fix a shifting, loose toilet yourself by resetting it properly on the floor flange. But for issues with the flange itself or that require accessing pipes below floor level, you may need to contact a professional plumber for repair assistance.

Conclusion

A wobbly toilet that shifts from side to side needs to be stabilized right away to avoid potential leaks or damage. In most cases, removing the toilet tank and bowl to access the floor flange allows you to re-secure and realign the toilet so it is firmly fixed in place. Check for any damage to the flange or subfloor, replace the wax ring, tighten down the bowl evenly, and caulk around the base to prevent future movement. With the right steps and proper care, you can eliminate that annoying toilet wobble and keep waste flowing reliably down the drain.