How To Level A Toilet Bowl?

AvatarByLiana Farrell Toilet Queries

How to Level a Toilet Bowl

A toilet that is not level can be a major inconvenience. It can be difficult to flush, the water may not drain properly, and the toilet may even rock back and forth. If you have a toilet that is not level, you can usually fix it yourself in a few minutes.

In this article, we will show you how to level a toilet bowl. We will provide step-by-step instructions, along with pictures and diagrams. We will also discuss the causes of a toilet that is not level and how to prevent it from happening again.

So, if you have a toilet that is not level, read on to learn how to fix it!

Step Instructions Image
1 Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
2 Remove the toilet tank lid.
3 Locate the two bolts that hold the toilet bowl to the floor.
4 Use a wrench to loosen the bolts.
5 Carefully lift the toilet bowl off the floor.
6 Place a level on top of the toilet bowl.
7 Adjust the bolts until the toilet bowl is level.
8 Reattach the toilet bowl to the floor.
9 Turn the water supply back on to the toilet.
10 Test the toilet to make sure it is working properly.

Identifying the Problem

A toilet that is not level can cause a number of problems, including:

  • Leaks. If the toilet is not level, the water will not drain properly and may leak from the base of the toilet. This can damage the floor and create a mess.
  • Staining. If the toilet is not level, the water may pool in one side of the bowl, causing staining.
  • Uncomfortable sitting. A toilet that is not level can be uncomfortable to sit on, especially if it is tilted to one side.

If you notice any of these problems, it is important to level the toilet as soon as possible.

Determining the Cause of the Problem

There are a few different things that can cause a toilet to become unlevel. The most common cause is uneven subflooring. If the subfloor is not level, it will cause the toilet to tilt to one side. Other possible causes include:

  • A damaged toilet flange. The toilet flange is the metal ring that connects the toilet to the drainpipe. If the flange is damaged, it can cause the toilet to become unlevel.
  • A loose toilet. If the toilet is not properly secured to the floor, it can become unlevel.
  • A warped toilet bowl. A toilet bowl can warp over time due to wear and tear. This can cause the toilet to become unlevel.

Once you have determined the cause of the problem, you can take steps to fix it.

How to Level a Toilet

To level a toilet, you will need the following tools:

  • A level
  • A wrench
  • A screwdriver
  • A hammer
  • A piece of wood
  • A bucket of water

Step 1: Disconnect the Water Supply

The first step is to disconnect the water supply to the toilet. This will prevent any water from spilling out when you are working on the toilet. To do this, locate the water supply line to the toilet. It is usually located on the back of the toilet, near the floor. Turn off the water valve and allow any remaining water to drain out of the toilet.

Step 2: Remove the Toilet Seat

The next step is to remove the toilet seat. This will give you access to the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor. To remove the toilet seat, locate the two bolts on the back of the toilet. Use a wrench to loosen the bolts and remove the seat.

Step 3: Inspect the Toilet Flange

Once the toilet seat is removed, you can inspect the toilet flange. The toilet flange is the metal ring that connects the toilet to the drainpipe. If the flange is damaged, it will need to be replaced. To check the flange, look for any cracks or damage. If the flange is damaged, you will need to purchase a new flange and install it before you can level the toilet.

Step 4: Level the Toilet

Now that you have inspected the toilet flange, you can level the toilet. To do this, you will need to use a level. Place the level on top of the toilet bowl. If the toilet is not level, you will need to adjust the leveling screws on the bottom of the toilet. Turn the screws clockwise to raise the toilet and counterclockwise to lower the toilet.

Step 5: Reattach the Toilet Seat

Once the toilet is level, you can reattach the toilet seat. To do this, place the toilet seat on the toilet bowl and align the holes in the seat with the bolts on the back of the toilet. Use a wrench to tighten the bolts and secure the seat to the toilet.

Step 6: Reconnect the Water Supply

The final step is to reconnect the water supply to the toilet. Turn on the water valve and allow the water to flow into the toilet. Check for any leaks around the toilet. If there are no leaks, you have successfully leveled the toilet.

Leveling a toilet is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. By following these steps, you can easily level your toilet and prevent any future problems.

Choosing the Right Solution

There are a few different ways to level a toilet bowl, and the best solution for you will depend on the specific problem you’re having.

If your toilet is leaking, the most likely cause is that the bowl is not properly leveled. This can be caused by a number of factors, including:

  • The toilet flange is not installed correctly.
  • The toilet is not properly bolted to the floor.
  • The toilet is not sitting evenly on the wax ring.

If your toilet is not leaking, but it is rocking back and forth, the most likely cause is that the toilet is not properly bolted to the floor. This can be caused by:

  • The toilet bolts are not tight enough.
  • The toilet bolts are not in the right position.
  • The toilet bolts are stripped.

To determine the best solution for your problem, you will need to first identify the cause of the problem. Once you have identified the cause, you can choose the best solution from the following options:

  • Reinstall the toilet flange. If the toilet flange is not installed correctly, this can cause the toilet to leak and rock back and forth. To reinstall the toilet flange, you will need to:

1. Remove the toilet from the toilet bowl.
2. Remove the old toilet flange.
3. Apply a bead of plumber’s putty around the new toilet flange.
4. Insert the new toilet flange into the drain pipe.
5. Replace the toilet.

  • Re-bolt the toilet. If the toilet is not properly bolted to the floor, this can also cause it to leak and rock back and forth. To re-bolt the toilet, you will need to:

1. Remove the toilet from the toilet bowl.
2. Tighten the toilet bolts until they are snug.
3. Replace the toilet.

  • Replace the wax ring. If the toilet is not sitting evenly on the wax ring, this can also cause it to leak and rock back and forth. To replace the wax ring, you will need to:

1. Remove the toilet from the toilet bowl.
2. Remove the old wax ring.
3. Apply a new wax ring to the toilet bowl.
4. Replace the toilet.

If you are not comfortable doing these repairs yourself, you can always hire a professional plumber to help you.

Implementing the Solution

Once you have chosen the right solution for your problem, you can implement it by following the steps below:

1. Gather your tools and materials. You will need the following tools and materials:

  • A plumber’s wrench
  • A putty knife
  • A new toilet flange
  • A new wax ring
  • New toilet bolts
  • Plumber’s putty
  • A bucket of water

2. Remove the toilet from the toilet bowl. To do this, you will need to:

1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
2. Flush the toilet to drain the water from the bowl.
3. Remove the toilet bolts from the bottom of the toilet.
4. Lift the toilet up and away from the toilet bowl.

3. Install the new toilet flange. To do this, you will need to:

1. Apply a bead of plumber’s putty around the new toilet flange.
2. Insert the new toilet flange into the drain pipe.
3. Tighten the toilet bolts until they are snug.

4. Replace the wax ring. To do this, you will need to:

1. Apply a new wax ring to the toilet bowl.
2. Place the toilet on the wax ring.
3. Tighten the toilet bolts until they are snug.

5. Reconnect the water supply to the toilet. To do this, you will need to:

1. Turn on the water supply to the toilet.
2. Flush the toilet to check for leaks.

6. Replace the toilet seat. To do this, you will need to:

1. Remove the old toilet seat.
2. Insert the new toilet seat.
3. Secure the toilet seat with the bolts.

Once you have completed these steps, your toilet should be level and no longer leaking or rocking back and forth.

Leveling a toilet bowl is a relatively simple task that can be completed by most homeowners. By following the steps in this guide, you can easily fix a leaking or rocking

How do I know if my toilet bowl is not level?

There are a few ways to tell if your toilet bowl is not level. One way is to look at the water level in the bowl. If the water level is not evenly distributed, or if it is closer to one side of the bowl than the other, then the bowl is likely not level. Another way to tell is to place a level on top of the toilet bowl. If the level is not level, then the bowl is not level.

How do I level a toilet bowl?

To level a toilet bowl, you will need a level, a wrench, and a shim.

1. First, turn off the water supply to the toilet.
2. Remove the toilet tank lid.
3. Locate the bolts that secure the toilet bowl to the floor.
4. Use the wrench to loosen the bolts.
5. Place a shim under one side of the toilet bowl.
6. Tighten the bolts until the toilet bowl is level.
7. Turn on the water supply to the toilet.
8. Reattach the toilet tank lid.

What if my toilet bowl is still not level after I have tried to level it?

If your toilet bowl is still not level after you have tried to level it, there may be a problem with the toilet’s foundation. In this case, you will need to contact a plumber to fix the problem.

What are the risks of having a toilet bowl that is not level?

There are a few risks associated with having a toilet bowl that is not level.

  • The water level in the bowl may not be evenly distributed, which can lead to splashing and overflow.
  • The toilet may not flush properly, which can lead to clogs and other problems.
  • The toilet may be more difficult to use, which can lead to accidents.

If you have a toilet bowl that is not level, it is important to have it fixed as soon as possible to avoid these risks.

In this blog post, we have discussed how to level a toilet bowl. We have covered the different causes of a toilet bowl being unlevel, as well as the steps involved in leveling a toilet bowl. We hope that this information has been helpful, and that you are now able to level your toilet bowl with ease.

Here are some key takeaways from this blog post:

  • A toilet bowl that is not level can cause a number of problems, including leaks, splashing, and difficulty flushing.
  • The most common causes of a toilet bowl being unlevel are uneven subflooring, a loose toilet flange, and a misaligned toilet.
  • To level a toilet bowl, you will need to loosen the bolts that attach the toilet to the floor, adjust the toilet until it is level, and then tighten the bolts.
  • If you are unable to level your toilet bowl yourself, you can always call a professional plumber for help.

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.