How to Use Toilet Shims to Level Your Toilet (with Pictures)

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How to Use Toilet Shims

A toilet that’s not level can be a real pain. It can leak, wobble, and make all sorts of noise. If you’re dealing with a crooked toilet, you may be able to fix it yourself by using toilet shims.

Toilet shims are small, wedge-shaped pieces of material that you can insert under the toilet bowl to level it. They’re typically made of plastic or rubber, and they’re available at most hardware stores.

Using toilet shims is a relatively simple process, but it’s important to do it correctly to avoid damaging your toilet. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of using toilet shims, so you can get your toilet back to level in no time.

Step Instructions Image
1 Measure the gap between the toilet and the floor.
2 Cut the shims to the correct size.
3 Place the shims under the toilet, evenly spaced around the base.
4 Tighten the nuts on the toilet bolts until the toilet is level.

What are toilet shims?

Toilet shims are small, thin 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 inserted between the toilet and the floor to create a level surface. This helps to prevent the toilet from rocking or leaking.

Toilet shims are a simple and inexpensive way to fix a crooked toilet. They are easy to install, and they can be used on any type of toilet.

How to choose the right toilet shims

When choosing toilet shims, there are a few things to keep in mind.

  • The thickness of the shims: The thickness of the shims will determine how much they will raise the toilet. If you need to raise the toilet a lot, you will need to use thicker shims.
  • The material of the shims: The material of the shims will affect how durable they are. Wood shims are the most common type of shim, but they can be susceptible to moisture damage. Plastic and metal shims are more durable, but they can be more expensive.
  • The size of the shims: The size of the shims will determine how many you need to use. If you have a large toilet, you will need more shims than if you have a small toilet.

Once you have considered these factors, you can choose the right toilet shims for your needs.

How to install toilet shims

Installing toilet shims is a simple process.

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. Insert the toilet shims between the toilet and the floor.
5. Tighten the bolts to secure the toilet to the floor.
6. Turn on the water supply to the toilet.
7. Test the toilet to make sure it is level and does not leak.

Toilet shims are a simple and effective way to fix a crooked toilet. They are easy to install, and they can be used on any type of toilet. If you are having trouble with a crooked toilet, toilet shims may be the solution for you.

How to Install Toilet Shims?

Installing toilet shims is a simple process that can help to level your toilet and prevent leaks. Here are the steps involved:

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

  • Toilet shims
  • Tape measure
  • Pencil
  • Level
  • Rubber mallet
  • Penetrating oil

2. Measure the toilet. Use a tape measure to measure the distance from the bottom of the toilet to the floor on all four sides.

3. Mark the shims. Use a pencil to mark the shims at the same distance from the bottom of the toilet as you measured in step 2.

4. Apply penetrating oil to the toilet bolts. This will help to prevent the bolts from becoming stuck when you are tightening them.

5. Place the shims under the toilet. Place the shims under the toilet so that they are level with the marks you made in step 3.

6. Tighten the toilet bolts. Use a rubber mallet to tap the toilet bolts into place. Tighten the bolts until they are snug, but do not overtighten them.

7. Check the toilet. Use a level to check the toilet to make sure it is level. If the toilet is not level, adjust the shims as needed.

8. Reattach the toilet tank. Once the toilet is level, you can reattach the toilet tank.

Here are some additional tips for installing toilet shims:

  • Use the same thickness of shims on all four sides of the toilet.
  • Make sure the shims are evenly spaced around the toilet.
  • Do not overtighten the toilet bolts.
  • Check the toilet periodically to make sure it is still level.

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

How to Adjust Toilet Shims?

If your toilet is not level, you may need to adjust the toilet shims. Here are the steps involved:

1. Locate the toilet shims. The toilet shims are usually located under the toilet, near the bolts that attach the toilet to the floor.

2. Remove the toilet tank. To access the toilet shims, you will need to remove the toilet tank.

3. Inspect the toilet shims. Check to see if the shims are the same thickness on all four sides of the toilet. If the shims are not the same thickness, you will need to replace them with shims that are the same thickness.

4. Adjust the toilet shims. If the toilet is not level, you will need to adjust the toilet shims. To do this, remove the shims and add or remove shims as needed.

5. Reattach the toilet tank. Once the toilet shims are adjusted, you can reattach the toilet tank.

6. Check the toilet. Use a level to check the toilet to make sure it is level. If the toilet is not level, adjust the toilet shims as needed.

Here are some additional tips for adjusting toilet shims:

  • Use the same thickness of shims on all four sides of the toilet.
  • Make sure the shims are evenly spaced around the toilet.
  • Do not overtighten the toilet bolts.
  • Check the toilet periodically to make sure it is still level.

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

How do I use toilet shims?

To use toilet shims, follow these steps:

1. Measure the gap between the toilet and the floor. You will need to know the width and height of the gap in order to choose the right shims.
2. Choose the right shims. Toilet shims are available in a variety of sizes and materials. Choose shims that are the same width as the gap and that are made of a material that is compatible with your toilet.
3. Install the shims. Place the shims under the toilet, evenly spaced around the perimeter. The shims should be level with the floor.
4. Tighten the toilet bolts. Once the shims are in place, tighten the toilet bolts to secure the toilet to the floor.

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 that is easy to install.
  • Rubber shims: These are a good option for toilets that are installed on uneven floors. Rubber shims can help to absorb the shock of the toilet and prevent it from rocking.

How do I know if I need toilet shims?

You may need toilet shims if your toilet is:

  • Not level
  • Rocking back and forth
  • Leaking around the base

If you notice any of these problems, you should take a look at the gap between the toilet and the floor. If the gap is more than 1/8 inch, you will need to install toilet shims to level the toilet and prevent leaks.

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

Installing toilet shims under a cast iron toilet is slightly different than installing them under a porcelain toilet. Here are the steps:

1. Remove the toilet tank. This will give you access to the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor.
2. Place the shims under the toilet bowl. Place the shims evenly spaced around the perimeter of the toilet bowl. The shims should be level with the floor.
3. Reinstall the toilet tank. Once the shims are in place, reinstall the toilet tank.
4. Tighten the toilet bolts. Tighten the toilet bolts to secure the toilet to the floor.

What are the benefits of using toilet shims?

There are several benefits to using toilet shims, including:

  • They can help to level a toilet that is not level.
  • They can prevent a toilet from rocking back and forth.
  • They can help to prevent leaks around the base of the toilet.
  • They can make a toilet more comfortable to use.

How often should I replace toilet shims?

Toilet shims should be replaced if they become worn or damaged. You should also replace them if your toilet starts to rock back and forth or leak around the base.

Can I use anything other than toilet shims to level a toilet?

You can use a variety of materials to level a toilet, including:

  • Wood shims
  • Coins
  • Bottle caps
  • Cardboard

However, it is important to use a material that is sturdy and will not damage the toilet. Toilet shims are the best option for leveling a toilet because they are designed specifically for this purpose.

In this article, we have discussed how to use toilet shims. We have covered the different types of shims, how to measure and install them, and how to troubleshoot any problems. We hope that this information has been helpful and that you are now able to use toilet shims to level your toilet and ensure a proper seal.

Here are a few key takeaways from this article:

  • Toilet shims are used to level a toilet that is not sitting properly.
  • There are two main types of shims: wood shims and plastic shims.
  • To measure the correct size of shim, you will need to measure the distance between the toilet and the floor on all four sides.
  • To install a shim, you will need to place it under the toilet leg on the side that is too high.
  • If you are having trouble leveling your toilet, you may need to adjust the toilet flange.

We hope that this article has been helpful. If you have any other questions about toilet shims, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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.