How to Level a Toilet on Tile: A Step-by-Step Guide
How to Level a Toilet on Tile
A toilet that is not level can be a major annoyance, and it can even cause damage to your floor. If your toilet is rocking back and forth, or if the water is not draining properly, it’s time to level it. Leveling a toilet is a relatively simple task, and it can be done in just a few minutes.
In this article, we will walk you through the steps of leveling a toilet on tile. We will provide you with detailed instructions, as well as helpful tips. By the end of this article, you will be able to level your toilet like a pro.
Step | Tools | Instructions |
---|---|---|
1 | Level, tape measure, pencil, rubber mallet, shims |
Mark the center of the toilet flange on the floor with a pencil. Place the level on the toilet flange and adjust the feet until the toilet is level. Insert shims under the feet of the toilet as needed to level it. |
2 | Plumber’s putty |
Apply a bead of plumber’s putty around the base of the toilet. Carefully lower the toilet onto the flange and press down firmly. Wipe away any excess plumber’s putty. |
3 | Caulk |
Apply a bead of caulk around the base of the toilet. Allow the caulk to dry completely. |
How To Level A Toilet On Tile?
Identify the Problem
The first step to leveling a toilet on tile is to identify the problem. There are a few signs that indicate that your toilet may be out of level, including:
- The toilet is not sitting evenly on the floor.
- The toilet is rocking back and forth.
- The toilet is leaking.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take action to level the toilet as soon as possible. A toilet that is not level can cause a number of problems, including:
- Leaking.
- Damage to the floor.
- Inconvenience.
Gather the Tools and Materials
To level a toilet on tile, you will need the following tools and materials:
- Level
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Combination square
- Rubber mallet
- Pliers
- Wax ring
- Silicone sealant
Level the Toilet
Once you have gathered the necessary tools and materials, you can begin leveling the toilet. Here are the steps involved:
1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet. This can be done by turning the shut-off valve located behind the toilet clockwise.
2. Remove the toilet tank lid. This will give you access to the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor.
3. Loosen the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor. You will need to use a wrench to loosen the bolts.
4. Place a level on top of the toilet bowl. The level should be placed so that the bubble is centered in the level.
5. Adjust the toilet so that it is level. You may need to use a rubber mallet to tap the toilet into place.
6. Retighten the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor.
7. Turn the water supply back on to the toilet.
8. Replace the toilet tank lid.
Test the Toilet
Once you have leveled the toilet, you should test it to make sure that it is working properly. Here are a few things to check:
- The toilet should be sitting evenly on the floor.
- The toilet should not be rocking back and forth.
- The toilet should not be leaking.
If the toilet is not working properly, you may need to adjust it further.
Leveling a toilet on tile is a relatively simple task that can be completed by most DIYers. By following the steps in this guide, you can easily level your toilet and ensure that it is working properly.
How to Level a Toilet on Tile?
Leveling a toilet is an important task that ensures that your toilet sits properly and functions correctly. If your toilet is not level, it can cause a number of problems, such as:
- Leaking
- Running water
- Difficulty flushing
- Uneven wear on the toilet seat
To avoid these problems, it is important to level your toilet properly. This guide will walk you through the steps of leveling a toilet on tile.
Materials
- Level
- Pliers
- Silicone sealant
- Wax ring
- Toilet flange
- Tape measure
- Pencil
Steps
1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet. This can be done by turning the shut-off valve located under the sink or behind the toilet.
2. Remove the toilet tank lid. This will give you access to the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor.
3. Loosen the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor. You can do this by using a wrench or pliers.
4. Place the level on the toilet bowl. The level should be placed so that the bubble is centered in the middle of the level.
5. Adjust the toilet legs until the toilet is level. You can do this by turning the toilet legs clockwise or counterclockwise.
6. Secure the toilet legs with the pliers. Once the toilet is level, you can tighten the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor.
7. Apply a bead of silicone sealant around the base of the toilet. This will help to create a watertight seal between the toilet and the floor.
8. Place the wax ring on top of the sealant. The wax ring should be centered on the toilet flange.
9. Set the toilet down on the wax ring. Press down on the toilet to create a seal.
10. Turn the water supply back on to the toilet.
Leveling a toilet is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. By following these steps, you can ensure that your toilet sits properly and functions correctly.
How do I know if my toilet is level?
There are a few ways to check if your toilet is level. One way is to use a level. Place the level on the front of the toilet, just below the tank. If the bubble in the level is centered, then the toilet is level. Another way to check is to use a ruler. Place the ruler on the floor next to the toilet, and then place the toilet seat down. If the toilet seat is parallel to the floor, then the toilet is level.
How do I level a toilet that is not level?
There are a few ways to level a toilet that is not level. One way is to use shims. Shims are small, thin pieces of material that can be placed under the feet of the toilet to raise it up or lower it down. Another way to level a toilet is to use a toilet leveling kit. A toilet leveling kit is a device that is placed under the toilet and then tightened to level the toilet.
What are the steps to level a toilet with shims?
1. Gather your materials. You will need the following materials:
- A level
- A set of shims
- A screwdriver
- A hammer
2. Identify the problem. Use the level to check if the toilet is level. If the toilet is not level, you will need to shim it.
3. Place the shims. Place the shims under the feet of the toilet until the toilet is level.
4. Tighten the bolts. Once the toilet is level, tighten the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor.
What are the steps to level a toilet with a leveling kit?
1. Gather your materials. You will need the following materials:
- A leveling kit
- A screwdriver
- A hammer
2. Install the leveling kit. Follow the instructions that came with the leveling kit to install it under the toilet.
3. Tighten the bolts. Once the leveling kit is installed, tighten the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor.
What are some common mistakes people make when leveling a toilet?
Some common mistakes people make when leveling a toilet include:
- Not using enough shims. If you don’t use enough shims, the toilet may not be level.
- Using the wrong type of shims. You should use shims that are made of a sturdy material, such as wood or metal.
- Not tightening the bolts enough. If you don’t tighten the bolts enough, the toilet may not stay level.
How can I prevent my toilet from becoming unlevel in the future?
There are a few things you can do to prevent your toilet from becoming unlevel in the future:
- Make sure that the floor under the toilet is level.
- Use a quality toilet leveling kit.
- Tighten the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor regularly.
- Replace the toilet seat if it is worn or damaged.
In this article, we have discussed how to level a toilet on tile. We have covered the basics of leveling a toilet, as well as some of the more advanced techniques that you may need to use if your toilet is particularly crooked. We hope that this article has been helpful, and that you are now able to level your toilet and enjoy a more comfortable and functional bathroom.
Here are some key takeaways from this article:
- The most important step in leveling a toilet is to make sure that the floor is level.
- If the floor is not level, you will need to use shims to level the toilet.
- You can use a variety of materials to shim a toilet, including wood, metal, and plastic.
- Once the toilet is level, you should tighten the nuts on the bolts that connect the toilet to the floor.
- You should also check the toilet’s height to make sure that it is comfortable to use.
By following these steps, you can easily level your toilet and enjoy a more comfortable and functional bathroom.
Author Profile
-
Liana Farrell is the owner of toiletty.com. She is a mom of two and is very passionate about home improvement.
Liana has ten years of home improvement experience, and in her own words, she said: “I love improving the home, and I’m very passionate about keeping the home in the best possible condition. I love it!”
Liana Farrell balances beauty and functionality when she goes about her home improvement jobs.
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