So, how to shim a toilet? Have you ever experienced a wobbly toilet? Not only is it annoying, but also unsafe. To address this issue, shimming the toilet can help restore its stability and levelness against the floor.
Shimming involves narrowing the gap between the underside of your toilet and the drain pipe. To do this, you need several supplies such as tape measure, a level, putty knife, shims and tile caulk.
Here are the steps to follow when you’re shimming a toilet:
1. First, measure the gap between your toilet and the drain pipe. This is the space that needs to be filled in with shims. Take note of the measurement to ensure that you get the right size shims.
2. Next, place a level on top of your toilet seat and check if it’s level against the floor. If not, make use of a putty knife to press down gently on one side until it’s even with the other side.
How to Shim a Toilet?
Shimming a toilet is an important step to ensure it is level and properly aligned. This can help prevent the toilet from shifting or causing leaks in your bathroom. Thankfully, shimming a toilet is something that you can do yourself with just a few simple steps and some basic tools.
Step 1: Check the Toilet for Gaps
In order to properly check the toilet for gaps, make sure that you thoroughly clean around the base of the toilet. Any dirt or dust buildup should be removed in order to reveal even the smallest holes or gaps.
Check for uneven parts of the bathroom floor and also any width and height differences between the porcelain base and the floor. Check gaps all around the circular base of the toilet in order to inspect the entire bowl. With this, you can properly check your toilet for any gaps and take action accordingly.
Step 2: Insert the Shims
To insert the shims correctly, make sure you place them with their sharp edges facing the toilet base gap. Insert the shim slowly and carefully so that it fills in the gap completely. Use your fingers to press against the shim until it is lying flat against the floor.
Depending on the size of the gap, you may need to use more than one shim. Insert additional shims in the same way and make sure they are laid flat against each other in order to level out the surface.
Once you are satisfied with the fit of the shims, you can proceed with screwing them into position. Use a screwdriver to secure each shim into the floor, making sure that they are tightly fastened. When all your shims are in place, you have successfully levelled out your toilet flange repair kit and can enjoy a more comfortable experience whenever you use it!
Step 3: Trim the Shims
Once you have finished trimming the shims, it is important to ensure that they fit properly and securely against the toilet bowl. To do this, use a utility knife to cut each piece of shim to size. Trimming the shims is essential as any excess material can cause problems when reinstalling or maintaining the toilet.
Make sure to take care when cutting, as the knife can scratch your floor if you are not careful. Trimming the shims in line with the shape of the toilet bowl will also help make them look more aesthetically pleasing. Lastly, check that each shim is securely in place and that it covers the gap completely before reattaching the toilet.
Step 4: Test Your Toilet
Testing your toilet is a simple yet important task, to ensure it’s properly installed and functioning correctly. To start, you need to check for wobble. Test the toilet from all sides and angles gently pushing on it with your hand. The toilet should not budge or move when pushed against, but if it does this could be an indication of an improper installation.
Next, you need to check for leaks. Flush the toilet a few times and make sure there are no visible signs of water leaking out at the base or around the shims after they have been trimmed.
A leaky toilet can cause extensive damage and costly repairs so it’s important to test it thoroughly. With these simple steps, you can be sure your newly installed toilet is up to the job. Test your toilet today and rest easy!
Step 5: Caulk the Toilet Base
Caulking the toilet base can be a tedious and sometimes intimidating task, but it is necessary to ensure that the toilet is securely sealed. Caulking around the bowl creates an airtight seal that prevents water from leaking toilet out of the toilet and causing further damage.
Before caulking, make sure to clean both the toilet base and the floor around it. It helps to have a smooth, clean surface to work with so that the caulk can adhere properly. Additionally, apply masking tape to the bowl before caulking in order to prevent any spills on the floor.
Step 6: Applying caulk
Applying caulk is an essential step when installing a toilet to ensure that the shims and the base are properly sealed to the floor, preventing any undesirable odors from escaping. To apply caulk correctly, it is important to wear rubber gloves and cover both the base and the floor with masking tapes.
Then, using a caulk gun, fill the gaps between the shims, base and floor with caulk. Push the caulk in using your gloved thumb and wait for it to dry completely before taking off the masking tapes. Though not as flexible as other materials such as glue, caulk is still an effective way of sealing joints and closing up any gaps between surfaces.
Basic Types of Shims
Metal shims are another common option for leveling surfaces. They come in small and large sizes, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs. Metal shims are usually made from stainless steel or aluminum and offer excellent strength for heavier objects like toilets and shower stalls. Additionally, metal shims are more corrosion-resistant and less likely to break down over time. On the downside, they are more expensive than plastic shims.
Overall, there are many basic types of rubber shims available for leveling surfaces. Plastic toilet shims provide an affordable option for quick installation, while metal or plastic ring shims offer more durability and strength for heavier items.
Does my toilet have to be perfectly level?
Many bathrooms have flooring that is not perfectly level, and this often leads to questions about whether a toilet needs to be perfectly level for it to work properly. Fortunately, most toilets do not need to be perfectly level in order to flush properly and operate without issue.
Generally, a slight incline or decline of 1/4 inch or less won’t affect the performance of the toilet. However, if there is a larger gap between the ground surface and the bowl, it may be helpful to shim underneath the toilet in order to level it out. This can help keep large gaps from forming that could potentially cause leaking issues down the line.
Can you put a shim under a toilet?
Yes, you can put a shim under a toilet to help stabilize the toilet and eliminate toilet rocking. Plastic toilet shims are an easy solution for addressing a wobbly or loose toilet. These clear plastic shims feature a ribbed design that fits snugly beneath your toilet bowl, filling in any gaps between your bathroom floor and the bottom of your toilet, preventing rocking toilet. Installing a shim is a quick and easy way to keep your toilet stable and secure. Read also…
