Quick answer
To level a toilet, adjust the floor bolts or replace the wax ring. Tighten the bolts with a wrench and check the toilet flange for alignment. If the toilet still wobbles, replace the wax ring and reseat the toilet.
Confirm the symptom
- Toilet rocks or wobbles when you sit on it
- Toilet base rocks when you flush
- Toilet is visibly tilted from the floor
- Water leaks around the base when the toilet is used
- Floor near the toilet feels uneven
Tools and prep
- Adjustable wrench
- Screwdriver
- New wax ring (if needed)
- Plumber's putty or silicone sealant
- Bucket to catch water
- Towel or rags
- Turn off water supply to the toilet
- Remove water from the tank and bowl
Step-by-step troubleshooting
- Turn Off Water SupplyDo: Locate the shutoff valve behind the toilet and turn it clockwise to shut off the water supply.Observe: Water stops flowing into the tank.Means: Water is safely off to prevent leaks during the repair.Next: Drain water from the tank and bowl.
- Drain WaterDo: Flush the toilet to drain water from the tank and bowl. Use a sponge or towel to soak up remaining water.Observe: Tank and bowl are mostly empty.Means: You can now safely work on the toilet without water interference.Next: Loosen the floor bolts.
- Loosen Floor BoltsDo: Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the nuts on the floor bolts at the base of the toilet.Observe: Bolts become loose enough to move the toilet slightly.Means: The toilet can now be adjusted to level it.Next: Adjust the toilet position.
- Adjust Toilet PositionDo: Carefully rock the toilet back and forth to adjust its position. Check for level using a spirit level on the bowl.Observe: Toilet sits evenly on the floor without wobbling.Means: The toilet is properly aligned with the floor.Next: Tighten the floor bolts.
- Tighten Floor BoltsDo: Use the wrench to tighten the nuts on the floor bolts, ensuring the toilet remains level as you do so.Observe: Nuts are snug and the toilet stays level.Means: The toilet is securely fastened to the floor flange.Next: Reinstall the toilet seat and tank cover.
- Reinstall Toilet Seat and Tank CoverDo: Snap the toilet seat back into place and reattach the tank cover if it was removed.Observe: Toilet is fully assembled and ready for use.Means: The repair is complete and the toilet is functional.Next: Turn on the water supply and test for leaks.
- Test for LeaksDo: Turn the water supply back on and flush the toilet several times. Check the base for any signs of water leakage.Observe: No water leaks from the base of the toilet.Means: The toilet is properly sealed and functioning correctly.Next: Monitor the toilet for a few days to ensure it remains level.
Common causes
| Cause | Likelihood | Difficulty | Part often needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uneven floor The floor around the toilet is not level, causing the toilet to sit unevenly. | Common | Easy–Medium | Shims or leveling compound |
| Loose floor bolts The nuts on the floor bolts have loosened over time, allowing the toilet to shift. | Common | Easy | New floor bolts |
| Worn or damaged wax ring The wax ring between the toilet and the flange has degraded, causing the toilet to sit unevenly. | Common | Medium | New wax ring |
| Cracked or damaged toilet flange The flange is cracked or damaged, preventing the toilet from sitting level. | Sometimes | Medium–Hard | Toilet flange repair kit |
| Settling of the house or floor The house or floor has settled over time, causing the toilet to become unlevel. | Sometimes | Hard | Floor leveling compound |
| Improper installation The toilet was not installed correctly, leading to an uneven position. | Sometimes | Medium | New wax ring and floor bolts |
| Worn-out toilet base The base of the toilet has warped or worn out over time, causing it to sit unevenly. | Rare | Hard | New toilet |
Parts matching
Common parts needed to fix a toilet not level on the floor:
- Wax ring: Creates a watertight seal between the toilet and the flange
- Floor bolts: Secure the toilet to the floor flange
- Toilet flange repair kit: Repairs a damaged or cracked flange
- Shims or leveling compound: Levels an uneven floor
- Plumber's putty or silicone sealant: Seals the base of the toilet to the floor
Always use a new wax ring when reseating the toilet to ensure a proper seal and prevent leaks.
When to call a professional
- The toilet still wobbles after adjusting the floor bolts and replacing the wax ring
- The toilet flange is severely damaged and cannot be repaired
- The floor is significantly uneven and requires major leveling
- You notice water leaking from the base of the toilet after the repair
- You are unsure about the correct installation procedure or safety concerns
FAQ
How do I know if the toilet is level?
Place a spirit level on the bowl of the toilet. If the bubble is centered, the toilet is level. If it's off-center, the toilet is not level and needs adjustment.
Can I use shims to level the toilet?
Yes, you can use shims to level the toilet if the floor is slightly uneven. Place the shims under the toilet base before securing it with the floor bolts. Ensure the shims are evenly distributed for stability.
How often should I check if my toilet is level?
It's a good idea to check your toilet for levelness every few years or if you notice any wobbling or water leaks around the base. Regular checks can help catch issues early.
Can a wobbly toilet cause leaks?
Yes, a wobbly toilet can cause leaks if the wax ring is damaged or if the toilet is not properly sealed to the flange. A wobbly toilet can also cause cracks in the porcelain over time.
What should I do if the toilet flange is damaged?
If the toilet flange is damaged, you may need to repair or replace it. Use a toilet flange repair kit for minor damage, or consult a professional plumber for more extensive repairs.