If your toilet tends to rock when you sit on it, it is time to take some steps to stop that rock!  Leveling a toilet is not a difficult task.  Leveling a toilet is different than leveling the WATER level in a toilet.  Leveling a toilet is necessary for a number of reasons.   Whether you are installing a new toilet, or you have been dealing with an existing rocking toilet, leveling a toilet is a simple task.

Leveling a toilet with LESS than a ¼ inch gap

Shims are a great way to level a toilet, as long as the gap is not more than ¼ inch.  NEVER use wood shims.  Bathrooms tend to be damp and wood shims will rot, which will cause even more problems.  Clear plastic shims are available at most plumbing supply stores.  You may need to loosen the hold down bolts.  Insert shims until they are tight and the toilet does not rock.  Take a level and place it on top of the toilet to be sure it is level.  Cut off the exposed portion.  Retighten the hold down bolts. 

Leveling a toilet that is MORE than ¼ inch gap

Materials and Tools:

• Plastic shims
• Pencil
• Epoxy mortar
• Wax paper
• Latex caulk
• Utility knife

 If your gap is more than ¼ inch, shims will not be enough.  The steps below will help you to level a toilet the proper way.

Steps for leveling a toilet with more than a ¼ inch gap

1. Make a pencil mark on the floor around the base of the toilet.
2. Place plastic shims about 1/8 inch from the pencil line.  
3. Mix up a small batch of epoxy mortar.  Place a continuous mound of epoxy mortar between the outside of the closet flange and inside of the pencil line, being careful not to disturb the shims.
4. Place a layer of wax paper over the mortar, without covering the closet flange, and lower the toilet into place.  Anchor the toilet.  
5. The wax ring should be seated on the closet flange and the excess mortar should ooze out around the base of the toilet.
6. Wring out a damp cloth to remove the excess mortar, leaving a slight recess at the joint.  
7. When the mortar is set, use a utility knife with a sharp blade to trim the excess wax paper.  
8. Install a bead of latex caulk over the mortar at the joint between the bottom of the toilet and the floor.

Using the wax paper prevents the china at the underside of the toilet from taking the moisture out of the mortar.  This will prevent your toilet and tile floor from sealing.  This is important if you would need to remove the toilet later on.

Remember that if your gap is less than ¼ inch, you may be able to simply shim up the toilet.  You do not have to deal with a rocking toilet anymore.  Leveling a toilet is a simple DIY project that can make a difference in your bathroom.

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Comments (7)

• |2009-08-01 07:48:32 Da Plumber  - Levelling a toilet
  I'm curious about the use of shims when levelling a toilet with a gap greater than 1/4 inch. What purpose do they serve if the epoxy mortar is being used? The gap I'm attempting to overcome is ~1/2 inch and the shims I purchased require 4 stacked one on top of the other in order to come close to touching the bottom of the new toilet. I just want to be sure I understand this before I proceed. Thanks.
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• |2009-12-16 13:06:58 DanW  - Leveling a toilet less 1/4"
  That worked great. I was afraid I needed to take out the toilet and replace the wax seal.
  No leaks!
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• |2010-01-22 18:56:31 Anonymous  - re: Levelling a toilet
  Da Plumber wrote:

  I'm curious about the use of shims when levelling a toilet with a gap greater than 1/4 inch. What purpose do they serve if the epoxy mortar is being used? The gap I'm attempting to overcome is ~1/2 inch and the shims I purchased require 4 stacked one on top of the other in order to come close to touching the bottom of the new toilet. I just want to be sure I understand this before I proceed. Thanks.
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• |2010-01-24 15:57:23 Anonymous
  I'd guess the shims are to support the toilet and keep it level while the mortar cures. Otherwise the toilet may slump to one side or the other.
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• |2010-01-24 16:25:37 Anonymous
  Ok, so if I use a bed of mortar to create a foundation for the base what happens when I replace the toilet and the new base has a different footprint?
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• |2010-03-26 19:12:47 Lumber-Jack  - Grinding the casting to level
  My toilet rocked, so I checked the underside with a straight edge and found that the casting was not even on the ribbing and was causing the rock. So I ground it smooth with an angle grinder and stone grinding disk. It no longer rocks and there is no need for shims. Just do not take the grinder close to the edge of the finished surface or you may get chipping, but it was very easy to accomplish.
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• |2010-04-18 17:11:45 InfinityPlayer  - Rocking toilet and wooden floor
  I live in an old house. It's 672 sq f, and entirely of Cyprus wood, including the bathroom. It disturbs us that the toilet rocks as badly as it does. This wood doesn't rot. So it naturally concerns us, cos it rocks quite a bit. Would these shimies work for us too?
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