How to Level a Toilet: A Step-by-Step Guide

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How to Shim a Toilet

A toilet that is not properly aligned can cause a number of problems, including leaks, uneven wear on the toilet bowl, and difficulty flushing. If you find that your toilet is rocking or not sitting level, you may need to shim it. Shims are small, wedge-shaped pieces of material that can be used to raise or lower a toilet so that it sits level.

Shimming a toilet is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. However, it is important to follow the steps carefully to ensure that the toilet is properly aligned and that you do not damage the toilet or the floor.

In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to shim a toilet. We will also discuss the different types of shims that are available and the best way to choose the right shim for your toilet.

So, if you are experiencing problems with a wobbly toilet, read on to learn how to shim it and get your toilet back in working order!

Step Instructions Image
1 Gather your materials. You will need a shim kit, a level, a tape measure, and a pencil.
2 Locate the bolts that are holding the toilet to the floor. These are typically located in the back of the toilet, near the floor.
3 Insert the shims between the toilet and the floor, under the bolts. You will need to use enough shims to level the toilet.
4 Tighten the bolts to secure the toilet to the floor.
5 Check to make sure the toilet is level. You can do this by using a level.

How to Shim a Toilet

This guide will show you how to shim a toilet that is not level. Shims are small, wedge-shaped pieces of material that can be used to raise or lower a toilet so that it is level.

1. Identifying the Need for Shims

Toilets that are not level can cause a number of problems, including:

  • Leaks
  • Uneven wear on the toilet seat and bowl
  • Difficulty flushing

To determine if your toilet needs shims, you can:

  • Look for signs of leaks around the base of the toilet.
  • Check to see if the toilet is wobbly.
  • Flush the toilet and watch to see if it rocks back and forth.

If you see any of these signs, your toilet may need shims.

2. Choosing the Right Shims

Shims are available in a variety of materials, including:

  • Wood
  • Plastic
  • Metal

The type of shim you choose will depend on the type of flooring you have.

  • If you have hardwood floors, you will want to use wooden shims.
  • If you have tile or vinyl floors, you can use plastic or metal shims.

You will also need to choose the right thickness of shims.

  • The thickness of the shims will depend on how much the toilet needs to be raised.

3. Installing the Shims

To install the shims, you will need the following tools:

  • A hammer
  • A screwdriver
  • A level

1. First, turn off the water supply to the toilet.
2. Remove the toilet seat.
3. Locate the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor.
4. Loosen the bolts slightly with a screwdriver.
5. Insert the shims between the toilet and the floor.
6. Tighten the bolts until the toilet is level.
7. Turn on the water supply to the toilet.
8. Replace the toilet seat.

4. Testing the Shims

Once you have installed the shims, flush the toilet and check to see if it is level. The toilet should not rock back and forth, and there should be no leaks around the base of the toilet.

If the toilet is still not level, you may need to add or remove shims.

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 properly functioning.

Here are some additional tips for shimming a toilet:

  • Use a level to check the toilet’s levelness before and after installing the shims.
  • Make sure the shims are the same thickness.
  • Insert the shims evenly around the toilet.
  • Tighten the bolts until the toilet is level, but not too tight.
  • If you are unsure how to shim a toilet, you can always call a plumber for help.

Shimming a toilet is a great way to fix a toilet that is not level. By following these steps, you can ensure that your toilet is level and properly functioning.

3. Installing the Shims

To install the shims, you will need:

  • A level
  • A hammer
  • A screwdriver
  • The shims

The following steps will show you how to install the shims:

1. Place the level on top of the toilet.
2. Adjust the shims so that the toilet is level.
3. Hammer the shims into place.
4. Screw the toilet to the floor.

4. Placing the Level on Top of the Toilet

The first step is to place the level on top of the toilet. This will help you to determine if the toilet is level and if you need to add any shims.

To place the level on top of the toilet, follow these steps:

1. Place the level on top of the toilet bowl.
2. Make sure that the level is level.
3. If the level is not level, adjust the shims until the toilet is level.

5. Adjusting the Shims

Once you have placed the level on top of the toilet, you can adjust the shims. The shims are used to level the toilet. To adjust the shims, follow these steps:

1. Use a hammer to tap the shims into place.
2. Tap the shims until the toilet is level.
3. Make sure that the toilet is level in all directions.

6. Hammering the Shims into Place

Once you have adjusted the shims, you can hammer them into place. To hammer the shims into place, follow these steps:

1. Use a hammer to tap the shims into place.
2. Tap the shims until they are secure.
3. Make sure that the shims are not sticking out from under the toilet.

7. Screwing the Toilet to the Floor

Once you have hammered the shims into place, you can screw the toilet to the floor. To screw the toilet to the floor, follow these steps:

1. Use a screwdriver to screw the toilet to the floor.
2. Screw the toilet in place until it is secure.
3. Make sure that the toilet is not wobbly.

By following these steps, you can easily shim a toilet. Shims are a great way to level a toilet that is not level. Shims are also a great way to prevent a toilet from wobbling.

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. You can check this by using a level to measure the slope of the toilet bowl. The toilet should be level from front to back and side to side.
  • The toilet wobbles when you sit on it.
  • The toilet leaks around the base.
  • The toilet is difficult to flush.

What are the different types of shims?

There are two main types of shims: wood shims and plastic shims. Wood shims are made from thin pieces of wood, while plastic shims are made from a variety of plastic materials. Wood shims are typically more durable than plastic shims, but they can be more difficult to install. Plastic shims are easier to install, but they may not be as durable as wood shims.

How do I install a shim under a toilet?

To install a shim under a toilet, you will need:

  • A level
  • A measuring tape
  • A hammer
  • A screwdriver
  • Wood shims or plastic shims

1. First, you will need to determine how much the toilet needs to be shimmed. To do this, place a level on top of the toilet bowl. The toilet should be level from front to back and side to side. If the toilet is not level, you will need to shim it until it is level.
2. Once you have determined how much the toilet needs to be shimmed, you can begin installing the shims. Place the shims under the toilet bowl, starting at the front of the toilet. The shims should be placed evenly around the toilet bowl.
3. Once you have installed the shims, you can tighten the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor. Be careful not to overtighten the bolts, as this could damage the toilet.

What are the common mistakes people make when shimming a toilet?

There are a few common mistakes people make when shimming a toilet. These include:

  • Using the wrong type of shims. Wood shims are typically more durable than plastic shims, but they can be more difficult to install. Plastic shims are easier to install, but they may not be as durable as wood shims.
  • Installing the shims incorrectly. The shims should be placed evenly around the toilet bowl and should be level. If the shims are not installed correctly, the toilet may not be level and could leak.
  • Overtightening the bolts. Overtightening the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor could damage the toilet. Be careful not to overtighten the bolts.

How can I prevent my toilet from needing to be shimmed again?

There are a few things you can do to prevent your toilet from needing to be shimmed again. These include:

  • Make sure the toilet is installed on a level surface.
  • Use the correct type of shims.
  • Install the shims correctly.
  • Do not overtighten the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor.

By following these tips, you can help prevent your toilet from needing to be shimmed again.

In this article, we have discussed how to shim a toilet. We have covered the different types of shims, how to choose the right shim for your toilet, and how to install the shims properly. We hope that this information has been helpful and that you are now able to shim your toilet like a pro!

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

  • A toilet shim is a thin, wedge-shaped piece of material that is used to level a toilet.
  • There are three main types of shims: plastic, metal, and wood.
  • The type of shim you need will depend on the type of toilet you have and the condition of your subfloor.
  • To install a shim, first remove the toilet from the toilet bowl. Then, place the shims under the toilet base, evenly spaced around the perimeter. Finally, replace the toilet and tighten the bolts.

Shimming a toilet is a relatively easy task that can be completed in a few minutes. By following the steps in this article, you can ensure that your toilet 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.