How to Shim a Toilet for a Level Seat (Step-by-Step Guide)

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How to Shim a Toilet

A toilet that is not properly shimmed can wobble, leak, and even damage your floor. Shims are small, wedge-shaped pieces of material that can be used to level a toilet and prevent these problems. In this article, we will show you how to shim a toilet so that it sits level and securely.

We’ll also provide tips on how to choose the right shims for your toilet and how to install them properly. By following these steps, you can easily fix a wobbly toilet and ensure that it functions properly for years to come.

Step Tools Instructions
1 Level, Tape measure, Pencil, Combination square, Utility knife, Shims, Pliers
  1. Locate the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor.
  2. Use a level to make sure the toilet is level.
  3. Measure the distance between the bottom of the toilet and the floor.
  4. Cut shims to the appropriate thickness.
  5. Insert the shims between the toilet and the floor.
  6. Tighten the bolts to secure the toilet to the floor.
2 Plumber’s putty
  1. Apply a bead of plumber’s putty around the base of the toilet.
  2. Press the toilet firmly against the floor to seal the putty.
3 Test the toilet
  1. Flush the toilet to make sure it is working properly.
  2. Check for leaks around the base of the toilet.

How to Shim a Toilet?

A toilet that is not level, leaking, or rocking can be a major nuisance. Fortunately, shimming a toilet is a relatively simple DIY project that can be completed in just a few minutes.

Identify the Problem

The first step to shimming a toilet is to identify the problem. There are three common problems that can cause a toilet to become unlevel, leak, or rock:

  • The toilet is not level. If the toilet is not level, it will not drain properly and may leak. To check if your toilet is level, use a level to measure the difference in height between the front and back of the toilet. If the difference is more than 1/4 inch, the toilet is not level and will need to be shimmed.
  • The toilet is leaking. A toilet that is leaking can be caused by a number of problems, including a damaged wax ring, a loose toilet flange, or a cracked toilet tank. To determine the cause of the leak, you will need to inspect the toilet and the surrounding area. If you are unable to identify the cause of the leak, you should call a plumber.
  • The toilet is rocking. A toilet that is rocking can be caused by a loose toilet flange or a damaged subfloor. To check if your toilet is rocking, try to move it back and forth. If the toilet moves more than an inch, it is rocking and will need to be shimmed.

Gather the Supplies

To shim a toilet, you will need the following supplies:

  • Shims. Shims are small, flat pieces of material that are used to level a toilet. They are available in a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, and metal.
  • Tape measure. A tape measure is used to measure the height of the toilet and the distance between the toilet and the floor.
  • Level. A level is used to check if the toilet is level.
  • Pencil. A pencil is used to mark the location of the shims.
  • Screwdriver. A screwdriver is used to remove the toilet bolts.
  • Penetrating oil. Penetrating oil is used to loosen the toilet bolts.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Shimming a toilet is a relatively simple process that can be completed in just a few minutes. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet. The water supply to the toilet is usually located behind the toilet tank. To turn off the water supply, locate the shut-off valve and turn it clockwise until it is closed.
2. Flush the toilet. Flushing the toilet will drain the water from the tank and bowl.
3. Remove the toilet bolts. The toilet bolts are located at the back of the toilet tank. To remove the toilet bolts, use a screwdriver to loosen them.
4. Place the shims under the toilet. The shims should be placed under the toilet so that the toilet is level. The shims should be placed evenly around the toilet, with one shim under each leg.
5. Reinstall the toilet bolts. Once the shims are in place, reinstall the toilet bolts. Tighten the bolts until they are snug.
6. Turn on the water supply to the toilet. Turn the water supply valve back to the open position.
7. Flush the toilet. Flush the toilet to check for leaks. If there are no leaks, the toilet has been successfully shimmed.

Troubleshooting

If you are having trouble shimming the toilet, here are a few troubleshooting tips:

  • Make sure the shims are the right size. The shims should be thick enough to level the toilet, but not so thick that they make the toilet too high.
  • Make sure the shims are evenly spaced. The shims should be placed evenly around the toilet so that the toilet is level.
  • Make sure the toilet bolts are tight. The toilet bolts should be tightened until they are snug, but not so tight that they damage the toilet.
  • Check for leaks. After you have shimmed the toilet, flush it to check for leaks. If there are any leaks, you may need to adjust the shims or reinstall the toilet bolts.

Shimming a toilet is a relatively simple DIY project that can be completed in just a few minutes. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can easily level, repair, and prevent leaks

How To Shim A Toilet?

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

  • Leaks
  • Difficulty flushing
  • Uneven wear on the toilet seat
  • Damage to the floor

Shimming 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 is level and functioning properly.

Tools and Materials

  • Level
  • Tape measure
  • Pencil
  • Combination or socket wrench
  • Penetrating oil
  • Shims (wood or plastic)
  • Rubber mallet
  • Toilet plunger

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Remove the toilet seat.

To remove the toilet seat, locate the two bolts that hold it in place. These bolts are typically located on the back of the toilet, just below the rim. Use a combination or socket wrench to loosen the bolts and remove the seat.

2. Locate the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor.

The bolts that hold the toilet to the floor are typically located on the back of the toilet, just above the floor. Use a level to make sure the toilet is level. If the toilet is not level, you will need to shim it before you can proceed.

3. Apply penetrating oil to the bolts.

This will help to loosen the bolts and make them easier to remove.

4. Loosen the bolts.

Use a combination or socket wrench to loosen the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor. Be careful not to overtighten the bolts, as this could damage the toilet.

5. Insert shims between the toilet and the floor.

Use shims to level the toilet. Shims can be made of wood or plastic. They should be the same thickness and should be placed under all four corners of the toilet.

6. Tighten the bolts.

Once the shims are in place, tighten the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor. Be careful not to overtighten the bolts, as this could damage the toilet.

7. Replace the toilet seat.

Replace the toilet seat and tighten the bolts that hold it in place.

8. Test the toilet.

Flush the toilet and check for leaks. Make sure the toilet is level. If the toilet is not level, you may need to add or remove shims.

Additional Tips

  • Use a level to make sure the toilet is level before and after you shim it.
  • Use shims that are the same thickness.
  • Do not overtighten the bolts.
  • If you are unable to shim the toilet yourself, you can hire a plumber to do it for you.

Shimming 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 is level and functioning properly.

How do I know if my toilet needs to be shimmed?

There are a few signs that your toilet may need to be shimmed. These include:

  • The toilet is not level. This can be seen by looking at the base of the toilet. If the toilet is not level, it may rock back and forth when you sit on it.
  • The toilet is leaking. If the toilet is leaking from the base, it may be because it is not properly shimmed.
  • The toilet is difficult to flush. If the toilet is difficult to flush, it may be because it is not properly shimmed.

How do I shim a toilet?

To shim a toilet, you will need the following materials:

  • A level
  • A pencil
  • A measuring tape
  • A utility knife
  • A hammer
  • A variety of shims (wood, plastic, or metal)

1. First, make sure that the toilet is turned off and the water supply to the toilet is shut off.
2. Next, remove the toilet seat.
3. Use the level to check the level of the toilet. If the toilet is not level, you will need to shim it.
4. Mark the locations where you need to shim the toilet with a pencil.
5. Cut the shims to the appropriate length.
6. Insert the shims under the toilet at the marks you made.
7. Replace the toilet seat.
8. Turn the water supply to the toilet back on.
9. Flush the toilet to make sure that it is working properly.

What are the different types of shims?

There are three main types of shims that can be used to shim a toilet:

  • Wood shims are made of thin pieces of wood. They are easy to use and can be cut to any length.
  • Plastic shims are made of a flexible plastic material. They are easy to insert and remove.
  • Metal shims are made of a rigid metal material. They are more durable than wood or plastic shims, but they can be more difficult to insert and remove.

Which type of shim should I use?

The type of shim you use will depend on the specific needs of your project. If you are not sure which type of shim to use, consult with a professional plumber.

How much does it cost to shim a toilet?

The cost of shimming a toilet will vary depending on the type of shims you use and the amount of labor involved. The average cost to shim a toilet is between $50 and $100.

Can I shim a toilet myself?

Shimming a toilet is a relatively simple DIY project that can be completed in about an hour. However, if you are not comfortable working with tools or if you are not sure how to properly shim a toilet, it is best to hire a professional plumber.

Shimming a toilet is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a matter of minutes. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your toilet is level and properly supported, preventing leaks and other problems.

Here are the key takeaways from this article:

  • A toilet that is not level can cause leaks, damage to the floor, and other problems.
  • The most common cause of a crooked toilet is uneven subflooring.
  • To shim a toilet, you will need a level, shims, and a screwdriver.
  • The first step is to remove the toilet tank.
  • Then, you will need to identify the high spots under the toilet bowl.
  • Once you have identified the high spots, you can place shims under the toilet to level it.
  • Finally, you can reinstall the toilet tank and secure it with the bolts.

By following these steps, you can easily shim your toilet and ensure that it is level and properly supported.

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.