A loose toilet that rocks or shifts on the floor when you sit on it is annoying and needs to be fixed for proper performance. Here are some common causes of a loose toilet and how to fix it from the floor up.
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What causes a loose toilet?
There are a few common reasons why a toilet may become loose at the floor:
- The toilet is not properly secured to the floor flange
- The wax ring seal has failed
- The floor flange is damaged or broken
- The flooring or subfloor is uneven or rotting
Toilet not secured properly
If the bolts holding the toilet to the flange are loose or missing, the toilet will rock and shift. This is usually caused by someone not tightening the bolts enough during installation.
Failed wax ring seal
The wax ring between the toilet and flange creates a watertight seal. Over time this seal can dry out or crack, allowing the toilet to loosen. A failed wax ring will also lead to leaks.
Damaged floor flange
The floor flange is a ring that sits on top of the drain pipe. It has slots for the mounting bolts and sits on the finished floor. If the flange is cracked or broken, it can’t hold the toilet securely.
Uneven or rotting floor
If the floor or subfloor under the toilet is not level or is rotting due to a leak, it will not provide a stable base for the toilet. The toilet can rock and bend the flange.
How to fix a loose toilet
Here are the general steps for securely fixing a loose toilet to stop rocking and shifting:
- Turn off water supply valve and flush toilet to empty tank.
- Use a sponge to soak up water in tank and bowl.
- Disconnect and remove water supply line.
- Remove mounting nuts and bolts.
- Lift toilet off flange and place on side.
- Inspect flange for damage and stability.
- Apply new wax seal ring.
- Set toilet back over flange, pushing down firmly.
- Reinstall bolts and nuts, alternating tightening.
- Reconnect water supply.
- Turn on water and test for leaks.
Detailed steps
Here is a more detailed look at each step:
1. Turn off water and empty toilet
The first step is to turn off the shutoff valve behind or near the toilet. This stops water flow to the toilet. Flush the toilet to empty the tank and bowl completely. Use a small cup or sponge to remove any remaining water.
2. Disconnect supply line
Find the flexible water supply line that runs from the valve to the bottom of the tank. Loosen the nut connecting it and disconnect the line.
3. Remove mounting bolts
There are two bolts that go through the base of the toilet and secure it to the floor flange. Use an adjustable wrench or pliers to hold the nut under the toilet and loosen the nut at the top. Remove both nuts and bolts.
4. Lift toilet off flange
With the bolts removed, carefully lift the toilet straight up off the flange. Set it on its side on cardboard or a tarp to avoid damaging the finish. Wear gloves to avoid touching the old wax ring.
5. Inspect flange
Look at the floor flange for any cracks, damage, or looseness. Test the flange by lightly pushing on it. If it lifts off the floor, it will need to be re-secured before resetting the toilet.
| Flange Condition | Solution |
|---|---|
| Intact but loose | Use longer bolts or anchors to re-secure to floor |
| Damaged | Replace flange |
6. Apply new wax ring
Remove the old wax ring, clean the area, and apply a new ring centered over the flange hole. The ring should have a plastic sleeve or horn that faces down into the toilet drain when set.
7. Set toilet on flange
Carefully set the toilet back over the flange, aligning the bolt holes. Push straight down firmly to compress the wax ring and create a tight seal. Do not rock or shift the toilet.
8. Reinstall bolts
Install bolts through the toilet base and flange. Add a plastic washer and metal washer along with the nut on top. Tighten nuts alternately a little at a time until very snug. Do not overtighten.
9. Reconnect supply line
Reattach the water supply line to the tank inlet and valve. Tighten by hand and then give an extra quarter turn with pliers.
10. Turn on water
Turn on the shutoff valve to restore water supply to the toilet. Flush the toilet and check underneath for any leaks at the wax ring. Tighten bolts if needed to eliminate leaks.
Conclusion
Fixing a loose toilet involves removing it, checking the floor flange, applying a new wax seal, and resecuring the toilet to the flange. This prevents rocking or shifting and also eliminates leaks. Be sure to stabilize any floor or flange issues before resetting the toilet. Take your time and ensure bolts are tight.
Tips for Preventing a Loose Toilet
Here are some tips to help prevent your toilet from becoming loose at the floor again:
- Inspect the floor flange during toilet installation and replace if damaged.
- Use extra thick wax rings for more stability.
- Tighten mounting bolts evenly and fully when installing.
- Avoid rocking or shifting toilet when in use.
- Periodically check bolts and retighten if needed.
- Replace wax seal every 5-10 years.
- Maintain proper caulk around base of toilet.
- Ensure subfloor is solid and level under toilet.
Taking steps to install your toilet securely and maintaining that security over time will help avoid looseness and rocking. Be sure to inspect the wax seal and bolts if any caulk cracks appear or the toilet starts to shift on use. Addressing a loose toilet quickly will prevent leaks and further damage.
When to Call a Plumber
While a handy homeowner can tackle basic toilet looseness in most cases, there are times to call in a professional plumber:
- The floor flange needs replacement.
- The toilet drain pipe or connections are damaged.
- The toilet is severely imbalanced or damaged.
- The leak has caused subfloor damage.
- There are other complex plumbing issues involved.
Plumbers have the experience and tools to fully assess the problem and make repairs that get the toilet solidly anchored to the floor again. For major floor flange or drain repairs, a plumber may save you time and trouble in the long run.
The Cost to Fix a Loose Toilet
Here are typical costs to fix a loose toilet:
| Repair | DIY Cost | Plumber Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Tighten bolts | $5 – $20 | $75 – $150 |
| Replace wax ring | $10 – $20 | $100 – $250 |
| Replace bolts | $10 – $30 | $75 – $200 |
| Replace flange | $20 – $50 | $200 – $450 |
The DIY cost is for parts only while plumber rates are typical hourly service charges. Simple tightening of bolts is cheapest but major flange repairs cost more. Call a plumber if replacements or complex repairs are needed.
Factors Affecting Cost
Factors that can increase the cost to fix a loose toilet include:
- Location – Accessibility impacts cost.
- Toilet style – One or two-piece models vary in repair method.
- Additional repairs – Subfloor or pipe repairs add labor time.
- Plumber hourly rate – Varies by region and experience level.
- Weekend/evening – Premium rates often apply.
Be sure to get an estimate from a plumber before service so you know the potential cost. Describe the toilet, damage, and project scope. Simple tightening should always be cheapest.
Preventing Toilet Looseness
Here are some tips for preventing a loose toilet in the future:
- Install toilet securely – Tighten bolts evenly to 30 ft-lbs.
- Use extra thick wax ring with plastic horn.
- Ensure flange is secure and level with floor.
- Replace wax ring every 5-10 years.
- Inspect base for cracks in caulk.
- Do not shift or rock toilet when using.
- Tighten bolts immediately if toilet shifts.
- Maintain proper toilet installation clearance.
Taking steps to prevent loosening can save on future repairs. Be sure to inspect around the toilet base occasionally for any cracks in caulk that could indicate looseness. Periodic wax ring replacement and bolt tightening will also help avoid major loosening issues.
When to Call a Professional
While minor toilet looseness can be addressed by a DIYer, you should call a professional plumber if:
- The floor flange is damaged and needs replacement.
- There is other damage to drain connections or pipes.
- The toilet is too heavy or unstable to lift safely.
- A toilet is loose after recent caulking or repairs.
- You need to shut off home water service.
- Other complex plumbing issues are involved.
Professionals have the skills and experience to fully diagnosis and resolve stubborn loose toilet problems. They can replace flanges and pipes while avoiding damage. For major jobs, hiring a licensed plumber saves time and headaches.
Loose Toilet FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about fixing a loose toilet:
Why does my toilet move when I sit on it?
If your toilet rocks, shifts, or moves when you sit on it, the most likely cause is that it is not securely anchored to the floor. This can be due to loose mounting bolts, a damaged floor flange, or a failed wax seal ring.
How do I tighten the bolts on a loose toilet?
Start by turning off the water supply valve and flushing the toilet. Remove the plastic bolt caps and use an adjustable wrench to tighten the nuts below the toilet. Tighten them alternately a little at a time until very snug. Do not overtighten or you may crack the porcelain.
Should a toilet be caulked to the floor?
Yes, there should be a thin bead of waterproof caulk around the entire base of the toilet where it meets the floor. This seals any gaps and helps prevent leaks. If this caulk cracks or pulls away, it can be a sign the toilet is loose.
Can I fix a loose toilet myself?
In most cases, a minor loose toilet can be fixed DIY by tightening the bolts, replacing the wax ring, or adjusting the flange. Major flange repair or full toilet replacement is better left to a professional plumber.
How do I stop my toilet from rocking without removing it?
It’s not recommended to try securing a loose toilet without removing it. You need to check the wax seal and flange for damage. Shimming under the toilet or caulking excessively can lead to leaks. Fully reseating the toilet is the proper fix.
Fixing a loose toilet ensures your toilet is stable, secure, and leak-free. While it can take some elbow grease, the repair steps themselves are relatively straightforward for basic looseness. Be sure to fully assess the flange and flooring for any damage prior to resetting the toilet. With the right precautions, you can stop that annoying rocking toilet.