Why is my toilet loose from the floor?

Probably the easiest fix, your loose toilet may simply be due to your loose toilet mounting bolts needing to be tightened. Simply remove the small plastic bolt caps at the base of your toilet (they will be on each side, and can be pried off with a small screwdriver).

Can a plumber fix a wobbly toilet?

To fix the loose toilet, the plumber will replace the flange and remedy any moisture problems, leaks or loose connections. Poor installation: Shoddy workmanship on a toilet installation can cause problems down the road, such as a wobbly toilet.

How much does it cost to fix a wobbly toilet?

Homeowners pay an average of $250 to fix a broken toilet. Project costs typically range from $148 and $359. In some cases, a professional plumber will charge a flat rate for a project. Depending on location, a pro might charge anywhere from $45 to $200 per hour for their services.

Is it normal for my toilet to move?

Your toilet should never move. If your toilet moves when you sit on it or push it, this can lead to water and waste leaking out from underneath your toilet. To prevent your toilet from “having an accident” on your bathroom floor, its best to contact a plumber to inspect the problem.

Should a toilet be caulked to the floor?

Caulk Keeps the Toilet Secure

Think again! Caulk keeps your toilet secure the floor, and avoids any chance of injury or toilet malfunctioning. It's actually required by the International Plumbing Code to caulk a toilet to the floor, and now knowing the reasoning behind it, why would you not want to?

How to Fix a Wobbly Toilet | Ask This Old House

What holds a toilet to the floor?

The toilet flange, also known as a closet flange, is the part of the toilet that secures the unit to the floor and connects to the drain pipe. Usually made of PVC, rubber or metal, this piece is circular in shape and usually secured in place with a few bolts.

Does a toilet need to be bolted down?

Closet (toilet) flanges must be 1/4" above a finished floor. This is so the wax ring seals properly to the flange and the hub on the toilet. If a proper seal is not achieved it will result in leaking. If the flange is lower than or flush with the floor they make foam rings that cover the distance for a proper seal.

How often should you change the wax seal on a toilet?

In theory, the wax ring “should” last the lifetime of the toilet, or certainly 20 to 30 years.

Should you silicone around the base of a toilet?

Caulk prevents a fouling area. If mop water, bathtub water, or a less pleasant “bathroom liquid” gets underneath the toilet, there is no way to clean it up. Caulking around the base of the toilet will prevent this from happening.

How do I know if my toilet is leaking from underneath?

The main signs of a leaking toilet may include a damp area on the floor around the bottom of the toilet, a spongy feeling in the floor at the bottom of the toilet seat, signs of dampness on the ceiling in the room underneath your toilet, or the occasional smell of sewer gas and the flooring coming up in the area around ...

How often should toilets be replaced?

Most plumbers agree that an average toilet can last around 50 years. However, this is only when the toilet is well maintained and gently used. If it was improperly installed or frequently misused, it may not last as long.

Why is my toilet rocking back and forth?

The flange bolts are loose

One of the most common things that causes a toilet to rock back and forth are loose flange bolts. These are the bolts that hold the toilet down at an even level with the floor in your bathroom.

How long does it take a plumber to replace a toilet?

It takes approximately 2 to 4 hours for a plumber to install a toilet at a base rate of $65 per hour. If the plumber runs into any unexpected issues after the installation begins, it can raise labor costs by as much as $800.

How long does it take to replace a wax ring on a toilet?

Attach the new toilet to the floor with new toilet bolts by placing a wax ring on the flange and dropping it onto it. Turn on the water when the toilet is secured. The job should take two to three hours.

How much does it cost to reseat a toilet?

While a professional plumber can change as much as $200 for a service call to reset a toilet, a DIYer can do it for just $10 to $20, the cost of a new wax ring. It does require careful work, however, to ensure that you don't crack or otherwise damage the toilet as you move it.

What is the best caulk to use around a toilet?

Caulk usually comes in a tube and 100% silicone caulk is best for use on a toilet since it's more resistant to water than other types of caulk, such as acrylic. Silicone caulk is typically a bit more expensive than other types, but that extra money will save you the problems that come with an improper seal.

How do I know if my wax ring is sealed?

To test that a bad seal is the problem, grab a couple of towels and wipe up the water. Go on with your day, checking periodically to see if the water has returned. If the floor is still dry, chances are that the water wasn't coming from the toilet's base.

Can you glue a toilet to the floor?

Remove the toilet and turn it on its side. Measure the depth and width of the gluing edge of the bowl. Next, move your caulk gun to the inset depth you just measured and apply caulk directly to the floor, maintaining the inset depth as you follow the tape. Install the wax ring and lower the toilet onto the flange.

Can you put two wax seals on a toilet?

You can certainly install a toilet with multiple wax rings, in fact sometimes it is necessary to make sure you don't have a leak. The most common case is when a homeowner will install a tile floor (or really any thick floor).