How To Level Floor Under Toilet? (6 Steps Inside!)
One thing that always surprises me is how many people think leveling a floor under a toilet is some kind of Herculean task best left to the pros.
You know, the old “You need to be a professional plumber or contractor to level the floor under a toilet” myth?
Well, I’m here to bust that myth wide open!
The truth is, with a little know-how and some basic tools, you can absolutely tackle this project yourself.
I’m going to walk you through the entire process, step-by-step, so you can confidently fix that wobbly throne and save yourself a few bucks in the process.
Section 1: Understanding the Importance of a Level Toilet
So, why is a level toilet so important anyway?
Well, for starters, it’s crucial for proper function and hygiene.
Think about it: an unlevel toilet can lead to all sorts of problems.
- Leaks: When a toilet isn’t sitting flush with
the floor, the wax ring seal can be compromised,
leading to nasty leaks and potential water damage. - Rocking: A wobbly toilet is just plain annoying.
Plus, all that rocking puts stress on the plumbing connections,
increasing the risk of leaks and other issues. - Difficulty Flushing: An unlevel toilet can
affect the flushing mechanism, making it harder to clear the bowl.
But the benefits of a level toilet go beyond just preventing problems.
A level toilet is more stable, reduces the risk of damage, and enhances your overall comfort.
Who wants to sit on a lopsided throne, right?
Section 2: Tools and Materials Needed
Alright, let’s get down to brass tacks.
Here’s a comprehensive list of the tools and materials you’ll need to level that floor:
-
A Level: You’ll need a good quality level
to determine how uneven the floor is.
A carpenter’s level or a laser level will work.
I personally prefer a 4-foot level for this task. -
Shims: These little wedges are your best friend for
filling in small gaps and creating a level surface.
You can use wood or plastic shims.
I usually keep a variety pack on hand. -
Caulking Gun and Caulk: Once the toilet is level,
you’ll want to seal around the base with caulk to
prevent water from seeping underneath.
I recommend a mildew-resistant caulk. -
Floor Patching Compound: If the floor is significantly
uneven, you’ll need a floor patching compound to fill in the low spots.
Make sure to choose a compound that’s compatible
with your existing flooring material. -
Trowel: You’ll need a trowel to apply and smooth
the floor patching compound. A small, flexible trowel works best. -
Measuring Tape: This is essential for measuring
the dimensions of the area around the toilet and
determining how much patching compound you’ll need. -
Screwdriver or Wrench: You’ll need these to
disconnect the toilet from the floor and the water supply.
Make sure you have the right size for your toilet. -
Safety Gear: Don’t forget to protect yourself!
Wear gloves and goggles to avoid contact with
potentially harmful materials.
Section 3: Step-by-Step Guide to Leveling the Floor Under a Toilet
Okay, now for the fun part!
Here’s a step-by-step guide to leveling the floor under your toilet:
1. Preparation and Safety Measures
First and foremost, safety first!
Turn off the water supply to the toilet. You’ll usually find a shut-off valve behind the toilet.
Once the water is off, flush the toilet to empty the tank as much as possible.
You can use a sponge to soak up any remaining water.
Next, disconnect the water supply line from the toilet.
Have a bucket handy to catch any drips.
Now, it’s time to disconnect the toilet from the floor.
Most toilets are held in place by bolts or screws.
Remove these carefully.
With the bolts removed, gently rock the toilet back and forth to break the wax ring seal.
Lift the toilet straight up and set it aside in a safe place.
Be careful, as it may be heavy!
I usually place it on a tarp or old towel to protect the floor.
2. Assessing the Current Floor Level
With the toilet out of the way, you can now assess the floor level.
Place your level across the area where the toilet was sitting.
Check for any gaps between the level and the floor.
If you’re using a laser level, simply shine the laser across the floor and look for any areas where the beam is not level.
Identify any low or high spots that need addressing.
You can use a pencil to mark these areas.
3. Choosing the Right Leveling Method
Now that you know how uneven the floor is, you can choose the right leveling method.
- Shims: Shims are best for minor unevenness,
such as a slight dip or a small gap.
They’re easy to use and relatively inexpensive. - Floor Patching Compound: Floor patching compound
is ideal for more significant unevenness, such as
a large dip or a cracked floor.
It provides a more permanent solution but requires more effort.
If the unevenness is less than 1/4 inch, shims should be sufficient.
If it’s more than 1/4 inch, you’ll likely need to use floor patching compound.
4. Applying Shims
If you’re using shims, start by placing them in the low areas.
Insert the shims under the toilet flange (the ring that connects the toilet to the drainpipe).
Use as many shims as needed to create a level surface.
Make sure the shims are placed securely and won’t shift when the toilet is reinstalled.
You may need to trim the shims for a snug fit.
Use a utility knife or a pair of scissors to trim the excess material.
Be careful not to trim too much, as you want the shims to provide adequate support.
Once the shims are in place, check the level again to make sure the floor is now level.
5. Using Floor Patching Compound
If you’re using floor patching compound, start by cleaning the area thoroughly.
Remove any dirt, debris, or loose material.
Mix the patching compound according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Apply the compound to the low areas with a trowel.
Smooth the compound out so that it’s level with the surrounding floor.
Allow the compound to cure completely before proceeding.
This may take several hours or even a day, depending on the product.
Once the compound is cured, sand it smooth with sandpaper.
This will help to create a seamless transition between the patched area and the existing floor.
6. Reinstallation of the Toilet
Now that the floor is level, it’s time to reinstall the toilet.
Place a new wax ring on the toilet flange.
Carefully lower the toilet onto the flange, making sure it’s centered.
Press down firmly to create a tight seal.
Reattach the bolts or screws that hold the toilet to the floor.
Tighten them gradually, alternating between each bolt to ensure even pressure.
Reconnect the water supply line to the toilet.
Turn the water supply back on and check for leaks.
If you see any leaks, tighten the connections or replace the wax ring.
Finally, caulk around the base of the toilet to seal it to the floor.
This will prevent water from seeping underneath and causing damage.
Section 4: Post-Leveling Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Once your toilet is level, it’s important to maintain it over time.
Check the toilet periodically for any signs of shifting or settling.
If you notice any rocking or movement, you may need to adjust the shims or reapply the floor patching compound.
Here are some troubleshooting tips for common issues that might arise after leveling:
- Persistent Rocking: If the toilet continues to rock after
leveling, it may be due to an uneven subfloor.
In this case, you may need to remove the toilet and level
the subfloor before reinstalling it. - Leaks: If you experience leaks after leveling, it’s likely
due to a faulty wax ring. Replace the wax ring and make sure
the toilet is properly sealed to the flange.
Conclusion: Empowering Homeowners
So there you have it! Leveling a floor under a toilet is definitely a manageable task that can significantly enhance the functionality and comfort of your bathroom.
Don’t be intimidated by the process.
With the right tools and knowledge, you can tackle this project confidently and effectively.
And trust me, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of knowing you fixed something yourself and saved a few bucks in the process.
So go ahead, grab your tools, and get to work!
You’ve got this!
