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Is your toilet rocking forwards and backwards? In this article, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about why your toilet is rocking and how to fix it.
The most common cause of a rocking toilet is an uneven floor, a loose flange or broken wax ring.
What is the cause of a toilet rocking forwards?
Uneven Flooring
Toilets can rock forwards if the floor beneath them isn’t level. This often happens when the toilet isn’t installed correctly or if there have been changes to the flooring, such as new tiles being laid.
Loose Flange
It is also possible for a toilet to rock if the flange that connects it to the waste pipe is loose. This can be due to a number of reasons, including poor installation or corrosion.
Broken Wax Ring
The wax ring that seals the gap between your toilet and the waste pipe can also break over time. If this happens, it can cause your toilet to rock forwards.
How to fix a rocking toilet?
Fixing a rocking toilet is relatively simple, but it does require some effort and patience. The first step is to ascertain what the underlying cause of the problem is.
Plastic Shims
A quick & easy temporary fix is to use Wobble Edges plastic shims. This levelling tool helps stop a tilting or wobbly toilet. You can trim the plastic wedges for a perfect fit too.
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Floor Level
If your floor isn’t level, you should use a spirit level to figure out which areas need levelling. Once you know where the problem areas are, apply some self-levelling compound to even out the floor.
- High accuracy 9-inch spirit level for easy leveling
Flange
To fix a loose flange, you’ll need to unscrew it from the waste pipe and then tighten it back up with a wrench or ratchet set. If the flange is too damaged or corroded, you will need to replace it.
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Flange Bolts
When tightening the bolts either side of your toilet, use caution to ensure you don’t damage the porcelain. Grab a pair of pliers or wrench and slowly twist each bolt until both sides feel evenly secured – no extra pressure needed.
It’s important that they’re tightened with care in order to avoid any costly repairs.
Wax Ring
If your wax ring is broken, you will need to replace it. You can do this either by yourself or with the help of a plumber.
If replacing it yourself, make sure that the new wax ring fits correctly and has no gaps.
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Caulk Around the Base
Once you’ve identified and dealt with the underlying cause, you can use a caulk gun to apply silicone around the base of the toilet.
This will ensure it is sealed and prevent any further rocking.
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How to prevent a toilet from rocking in the future?
To prevent a toilet from rocking in the future, make sure that it is installed and levelled correctly. If you’re noticing any wobbling or instability, don’t wait until it becomes too severe – check the your toilet bolts to ensure they are tightened properly.
Regularly check that the flange hasn’t become loose and replace the wax ring every few years. If you’re unsure about any of these steps, it’s best to call a professional plumber for advice.
By following the above steps, you can ensure that your toilet is rock-solid and stable – no more wobbles or rocking forwards.
Summary
Rocking toilets can be a nuisance and potentially even damaging, if not addressed correctly. It is important to identify the cause of rocking in order to take corrective measures.
The primary causes of toilet rocking are an uneven floor, a loose flange or broken wax ring. In order to fix the issue, you should first use a spirit level to check the floor’s level, then ensure that the flange is properly tightened and replace any broken wax ring.
To prevent rocking in the future, you should make sure the toilet is installed correctly, regularly check for loose bolts or flange, and replace wax rings every few years.
Calling a professional plumber can be beneficial in ensuring stability of the toilet over time.
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