Can i shim a toilet

Commercial shims come in packages from four pieces to eight, and even The length of a shim can stretch up to 12 or 16 inches long depending on the type, use, and brand, the same goes for the thickness of the shim. Shimming the toilet is quite easy. Gather the essentials tools like the shims and a rubber hammer. Plumbing shims as mentioned above are tile setters used to balance out the space between the flooring and the toilet.

They are fitted in between the spacing to even out the height and prevent the toilet from rocking back and forth. The best use of the toilet shims is the toilet itself, however, because of the plastic or rubber material, it can be used in any other wet area in the house. By now, you may have noticed plastic and rubber shims have been used interchangeably all through the article.

Well, you can use either material for your toilet shimming. But what about plastic vs rubber? Well, plastic toilet shims are made of composite blends of post-consumer recycled plastic. Secondly, they come in two varieties, hard and soft plastic. The two kinds are easy to use, it just boils down to the use of the shim. For friction on the rubber holds them together tightly avoiding slips. They will compress over time and are notoriously vulnerable to moisture damage.

Besides the shims, you will also need a utility knife, a rag or paper towels, and tub and tile caulk that is the same color as your toilet and floor. If the base of the toilet is not dry, you may have a leak. Check for water around the base of the toilet.

If it is dry, there is no leak, and you can start your repair. If there is water around the base , it may mean that the wax ring around the toilet may be old and flattened. If this is the toilet has to be removed, and the ring has to be replaced. Check the base of the toilet and find where shims may be needed. You will identify these spots by seeing gaps between the toilet and the floor.

If you rock the toilet from side to side, the gaps will be easy to see. If you are having trouble seeing smaller holes, try sliding the shim under the toilet and check how far the shim goes under the base. It is now time to level the toilet. You can steady the toilet by inserting the shims into the gaps that you have found. It may take a few tries to get the toilet leveled, but you can try different shims in different places. Try sitting on the seat and rocking it from side to side to see if the toilet is level.

Keep repeating these steps until the toilet is stable. You will now need to cut the plastic toilet shims, so they are flush with the base. Use a utility knife to trim as close as you can. Use caution as you do not want to cut into the flooring.

Once the shims are cut, you can now begin caulking the toilet. Apply a thin, even layer of caulk around the base of the toilet, making sure you cover the gap between the floor and the toilet. You also want to make sure that you hide the shims. Smooth the caulk with your finger and use a paper towel or a rag to wipe your finger clean frequently. Master Plumber Mark , Sep 18, Joined: Sep 18, Location: Michigan. Quikcrete Shimming My tile floor is uneven so any toilet rocks back and forth.

Not expecting to replace the toilet for a long time, I decided to use a tube of QuikCrete. The thinking behind this is that I needed something that would harden and stop any rocking motion once it set up. I had traced the outline of the toilet with a pencil before setting it. I layed a bead of Quikcrete just inside the line before setting the toilet. After it was set and snugged down, I used my finger to smooth the seam and a wet sponge to finish and clean up the edges on the toilet base and floor.

I don't know how sticky this stuff is or how hard it will be to remove it but it looks pretty good right now. It's grey and matches the grout in the floor. Tomorrow I will find out if it is a problem as the toilet I just put in is an American Standard Champion and I've decided based on the horror stories on this website and the lousy cleanup flush it does to remove it and take it back for a refund.

I'll post the results after I find out. TomCat , Sep 18, I've never had trouble with that one, just run a blade down the one easy side to get to and rock that side of the toilet off first Kristi , Sep 18, Joined: May 10, Location: Northern Virginia. I'm with Kristi. Silicone has always worked great for me. A good razor knife and out comes the bowl. Also it doesn't "yellow" up as fast as regular chaulk. Last edited by a moderator: Mar 14, Cal , Sep 19, Johnny Shim for toilets If you want to install a toilet right, look for Johnny Shims.

They're made by EZ-Shim. I know they sell them online. They're designed specifically for toilets and pedestal sinks. Don't even bother with those little soft square ones - and I definitely don't recommend using concretes or epoxies to set a toilet.

Last edited by a moderator: Mar 12, I would certainly never shim the front of a bowl unless there was something dire happening. Always shim the back of the bowl.