How to Install Toilet Shims for a Level Toilet

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How to Install Toilet Shims

A toilet that wobbles or is not level can be a major annoyance. Not only is it unsightly, but it can also be a safety hazard. If the toilet is not level, it can leak, which can damage your floors and cause mold growth. It can also make it difficult to use the toilet properly, which can lead to accidents.

Fortunately, it is relatively easy to fix a wobbly toilet by installing toilet shims. Shims are small, thin pieces of material that are used to level an object. They are typically made of wood, plastic, or metal, and they come in a variety of sizes.

To install toilet shims, you will need the following materials:

  • A new toilet flange
  • A set of toilet shims
  • A level
  • A pencil
  • A saw
  • A hammer
  • A screwdriver

Instructions

1. Remove the old toilet flange.
2. Place the new toilet flange on the floor and mark the location of the holes with a pencil.
3. Drill holes in the floor for the new toilet flange.
4. Insert the toilet shims into the holes so that they are level with the floor.
5. Place the new toilet flange on the shims and secure it with screws.
6. Reinstall the toilet.

Tips

  • Make sure that the toilet is level before you install the shims. You can use a level to check the level of the toilet.
  • Use shims that are the same thickness. If you use shims that are different thicknesses, the toilet will not be level.
  • Be careful not to overtighten the screws when you are securing the toilet flange. Overtightening the screws can damage the toilet flange.

By following these instructions, you can easily install toilet shims and fix a wobbly toilet.

Step Instructions Image
1 Gather your materials. You will need:
2 Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
3 Remove the toilet tank lid.
4 Locate the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor.
5 Place a shim under each bolt.
6 Tighten the bolts until the toilet is level.
7 Turn the water supply back on.
8 Replace the toilet tank lid.

What are toilet shims?

Toilet shims are thin, wedge-shaped pieces of material that are used to level a toilet. They are typically made of wood, plastic, or metal, and they come in a variety of thicknesses. Toilet shims are installed between the toilet and the floor to create a level surface, which prevents the toilet from rocking or leaking.

Toilet shims are a relatively simple and inexpensive way to fix a crooked toilet. However, it is important to note that toilet shims are only a temporary solution. If the floor is uneven, you will need to fix the underlying problem before the toilet will be level and stable.

When do you need toilet shims?

You may need to use toilet shims if your toilet is:

  • Rocking or wobbling
  • Leaking from the base
  • Not flushing properly
  • Not draining properly

If you notice any of these problems, it is important to have your toilet inspected by a plumber to determine the cause of the problem. In some cases, the problem may be something that can be fixed with toilet shims. However, in other cases, the problem may be more serious and require more extensive repairs.

If you decide to install toilet shims yourself, it is important to follow the following steps:

1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
2. Remove the toilet tank lid.
3. Locate the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor.
4. Loosen the bolts enough to allow the toilet to move.
5. Insert the toilet shims between the toilet and the floor.
6. Retighten the bolts.
7. Turn on the water supply to the toilet.
8. Test the toilet to make sure it is level and not leaking.

If you are not comfortable installing toilet shims yourself, you can hire a plumber to do the job for you.

Toilet shims are a simple and inexpensive way to fix a crooked toilet. However, it is important to note that toilet shims are only a temporary solution. If the floor is uneven, you will need to fix the underlying problem before the toilet will be level and stable.

If you have any questions about toilet shims, or if you need help installing them, you can contact a plumber.

How to install toilet shims

Toilet shims are small, thin pieces of wood or plastic that are used to level a toilet that is not sitting evenly on the floor. They can be found at most hardware stores.

To install toilet shims, you will need:

  • A toilet shim kit
  • A level
  • A hammer
  • A screwdriver

1. Prepare the toilet. Remove the toilet seat and flush the toilet to drain the water from the tank.
2. Locate the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor. There are usually two bolts, one on each side of the toilet.
3. Loosen the bolts with a screwdriver. Be careful not to loosen them too much, as you don’t want the toilet to fall off.
4. Insert the toilet shims under the toilet. Place the shims under the toilet so that they level the toilet. You may need to use more than one shim to level the toilet.
5. Retighten the bolts. Tighten the bolts until the toilet is secure.
6. Replace the toilet seat.

Once you have installed the toilet shims, you should check to make sure that the toilet is level. You can do this by using a level. If the toilet is not level, you may need to adjust the shims.

Tips for installing toilet shims

Here are a few tips for installing toilet shims:

  • Use shims that are the same thickness. If you use shims of different thicknesses, the toilet may not be level.
  • Place the shims under the toilet evenly. If you place the shims too far to one side, the toilet may not be level.
  • Tighten the bolts securely. If the bolts are not tight enough, the toilet may not be secure.
  • Check to make sure that the toilet is level before replacing the toilet seat.

By following these tips, you can easily install toilet shims and level your toilet.

Toilet shims are a simple and inexpensive way to level a toilet that is not sitting evenly on the floor. By following the steps in this guide, you can easily install toilet shims and level your toilet.

How do I install toilet shims?

1. Gather your materials. You will need:

  • Toilet shims (available at most hardware stores)
  • Tape measure
  • Pencil
  • Level
  • Rubber mallet
  • Penetrating oil

2. Prepare your toilet. Turn off the water supply to the toilet and flush the toilet to drain the water. Remove the toilet tank lid.

3. Measure the distance between the toilet flange and the floor. The toilet flange is the metal ring that the toilet bolts to. The distance between the flange and the floor should be between 1/2 inch and 1 inch. If the distance is not correct, you will need to shim the toilet.

4. Apply penetrating oil to the bolts on the toilet. This will help to loosen the bolts and make them easier to remove.

5. Remove the bolts from the toilet. Use a wrench to loosen the bolts and remove them.

6. Place the toilet shims under the toilet. The shims should be placed between the toilet and the floor. The shims should be evenly spaced and should be the same thickness.

7. Reinstall the toilet. Place the toilet back on the shims and secure it with the bolts. Tighten the bolts until the toilet is secure.

8. Turn on the water supply to the toilet and flush the toilet. Check the toilet to make sure it is level and that it is not leaking.

What are the different types of toilet shims?

There are two main types of toilet shims:

  • Plastic shims: These are the most common type of toilet shims. They are made of a lightweight plastic material and are easy to install.
  • Metal shims: These are a more durable option than plastic shims. They are made of a metal material and can withstand more weight.

How do I know which type of toilet shim to use?

The type of toilet shim you use will depend on the weight of your toilet. If your toilet is light, you can use plastic shims. If your toilet is heavy, you should use metal shims.

How many toilet shims do I need?

You will need enough toilet shims to level the toilet. The number of shims you need will depend on the distance between the toilet flange and the floor.

How do I install toilet shims under a cast iron toilet?

Installing toilet shims under a cast iron toilet is similar to installing them under a porcelain toilet. The main difference is that you will need to use a hammer and chisel to remove the old wax ring from the toilet flange.

1. Gather your materials. You will need:

  • Toilet shims (available at most hardware stores)
  • Tape measure
  • Pencil
  • Level
  • Rubber mallet
  • Chisel
  • Penetrating oil

2. Prepare your toilet. Turn off the water supply to the toilet and flush the toilet to drain the water. Remove the toilet tank lid.

3. Measure the distance between the toilet flange and the floor. The toilet flange is the metal ring that the toilet bolts to. The distance between the flange and the floor should be between 1/2 inch and 1 inch. If the distance is not correct, you will need to shim the toilet.

4. Apply penetrating oil to the bolts on the toilet. This will help to loosen the bolts and make them easier to remove.

5. Remove the bolts from the toilet. Use a wrench to loosen the bolts and remove them.

6. Remove the old wax ring from the toilet flange. Use a hammer and chisel to carefully remove the old wax ring from the toilet flange.

7. Place the toilet shims under the toilet. The shims should be placed between the toilet and the floor. The shims should be evenly spaced and should be the same thickness.

8. Reinstall the toilet. Place the toilet back on the shims and secure it with the bolts. Tighten the bolts until the toilet is secure.

9. Turn on the water supply to the toilet and flush the toilet. Check the toilet to make sure it is level and that it is not leaking.

What are the common mistakes people make when installing toilet shims?

Some of the most common mistakes people make when installing toilet shims include:

  • Using too many shims. This can cause the toilet to be unstable and can

    In this blog post, we have discussed how to install toilet shims. We have covered the different types of toilet shims, the steps involved in installing them, and the common mistakes to avoid. We hope that this information has been helpful and that you are now able to install toilet shims with confidence.

Here are some key takeaways from this blog post:

  • Toilet shims are used to level a toilet that is not sitting evenly on the floor.
  • There are two main types of toilet shims: plastic and metal.
  • To install toilet shims, you will need to remove the toilet from the floor, place the shims under the toilet base, and then reattach the toilet.
  • It is important to make sure that the toilet is level before reattaching it.
  • If you are not comfortable installing toilet shims yourself, you can hire a plumber to do the job for you.

Author Profile

Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell
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.