Thank you Sam. It is so refreshing to see a video that respects the time of the viewer -- short, totally to the point, no intro, no "sponsored by", no fluff, no outro, no distracting background music ... this is how all CZcams "how to" videos should be -- more about the viewer than about generating money for the provider. You're doing a great service for your fellow man, Sam!
Thanks for the tip. I have been around for a long time and have never heard of a toilet shim. I've installed/replaced quite a few toilets over the years and I must have been very lucky because I've never had a rocking toilet...... until today. We retiled our guest bathroom and installed a new toilet. The floor is level but the toilet is rocking. I will definitely be buying some toilet shims. Thanks for the info. Best wishes. 👍
In my case, my toilet was wobbling because the Flange was installed too high. I lowered the flange about a 1/4 inch and toilet rim lays perfectly on the finished floor. No wobble what so ever. Some flanges, especially adapter flanges are a little thicker and can lead to height problems.
Cut them bolts and cap em dude! Don't think my guts would work with those bolts showing! Don't tell too many people about the shims, your going to put a lot of plumbers out of business. Thank you for posting.
I'LL SET MINE WITHOUT THE WAX RING TRACE A PENCIL LINE AROUND IT LAY DOWN A BEAD OF GROUT THEN SET IT. LEVEL UP AS NEEDED CLEAN UP THE OVERAGE LET DRY .. worky like a 🏆 champ😁
I've always been told if you caulk around the base of a toilet it will prevent leak detection and water will find its way under the flooring where it is cut at the flange. Good video though.
my issue is that my toilet is not level from front to back, not side to side. Any tips on how to install shims to the front of the toilet? My toilet was already installed so I dont know how to lift it off the ground?
Turns? It recline also? You might be mistaking a recliner for your toilet... happened to my pops in his latter years.. had to cut a hole in it and put a bucket inside there for a while..
The Mansfield Vanquish toilet doesn't give much room for a thicker flange, so the flange needs to be installed a little lower so the toilet doesn't ride on the flange and wobble all over.
Great job...switched from ceramic tile to vinyl like this video...but my toilet seems to have rocked backward and is higher in the front...can someone give me a suggestion on how to fix please...
Yeah we didn’t know was going on and we found out that somethings going on with her foundation basically right where her toilet is so this is very helpful it’s weird I have to just kind of a MacGyver something thank you
I've heard the great debate. Some say YOU MUST caulk the toilet... others say YOU MUST NOT!... In reality i do a little of both. I will usually leave a small opening in the back of the toilet that a homeowner or prospect can't see and caulk around the rest of the toilet that is visible :) ... I appreciate the feedback and thank you for the input!
I just made sure to completely seal the flange and tile around it plus with the sub floor coated with red guard and a waterproof membrane, self leveling cement, then tile i think im good.. more worried about water getting under the trim... but my aim is too bad not to seal around the target... handicapable..
I just fixed my rocking toilet. If you have a very small wobble, then shims might work. Just understand that you're going to have to readjust the shims often. If you have a big wobble, you can get a can of low-expansion foam. (I used the Great Stuff brand, but there are others.) Make sure your bolts are tight. Then put wide painter's tape onto the floor around the toilet. Then spray the foam under the toilet. Go all the way around the toilet and fill up as much of the space as you can. The stuff will expand and cure overnight. There will be some squeeze-out. Which is why you put down the painter's tape. Wait at least 8 hours, but it's probably better to wait at least 12. Then clean up any foam.
Yes I have seen wood shims used in the field. As you stated it is temporary as moisture does corrode the wood. Preferably you do want to use the plastic shims.
Hope you’ll let me know about my toilet??? Mine is rocking, I tightened & it worked but I can’t seem to get it perfectly tight. I’d like to know where I can get the Shem your talking about ? I don’t have anybody to help as I live alone & can’t afford a Plummer, oh yeah it’s not leaking so that’s good news right ? Ok let me know if you ever read this & thanks for the video
@@JayTobi Thanks a lot, Kinda made a crummy Shem or should say temporary Shem & that appears to be what I need. Yes it helped & thank goodness for helpful videos for widows .
If a toilet is rocking on a flat floor you need to fix your flange, not prop it up above any wax that might be left after all of the movement. This is terrible not to mention potentially dangerous because sewer gases are flowing into the room. I'd at least run an exhaust fan 24/7 for anybody following this mess.
I seen these shims.. My toilets wobble a bit.. Seems like the shims over hard tile could over stress and throw off the distribution of weight tho.. I am thinking wider shims would be better but I haven't figured out how to make my own yet. I wonder if anyone has cracked a bowl using these shims say for a large or obese person with a lot of weight. I will probly sand down a plastic paint stir stick when I get around to it
I have never has an issue. I know some people like using the wood shims. I'm not a fan because the wood eventually overtime breaks apart that is why I prefer the plastic shims. If need be you can use more than one shim. You will be fine as far as any concerns you have. Thank you for watching!
Cut the shims and they shoot underneath the toilet! Ever see the edges of the bottom of the toilet bowl? It is a small raceway around the edge where your toilet meets the floor. I would silicone them in, than cut them and hope they stay intact.
Correct -- what is happening is the pressure on the outer edge "raceway" is pinching the shims and they shoot off into the abyss. Try placing the shims on the small "raceways" that run from the outer toilet edge to the center. Its much easier to plan ahead if you have the toilet completely off so you can see these "raceways" before hand.
Many bolt caps just unscrew. If that doesn't work, try using a small flat head screwdriver with something between the screwdriver and porcelain that will prevent chipping. Pry gently until it comes off.
The real problem is the mounting bolts are no longer securely holding in the foundation . This is not even a good temporary fix. The bolts need to be secured into the foundation.
@@MiKa-fu2wi what he's saying is that the wax ring under that toilet is now most likely ruined since the toilet was rocking bacuase the flange and hence also the ring are set too high.
Yes, the wobble likely already broke the wax seal so it’s best to start with a fresh, new wax ring and level before tightening the bolts so you can create a good seal AFTER the wobble is fixed.
There are 2 sides to the great debate... some say don't you ever caulk the toilet while others (and we are talking about those in the plumbing trade) would advise it is necessary to always caulk the toilet...😅 I have come to the place where I do what the homeowner/ tenants asks. Just the other day... I chose not to caulk the toilet and the homeowner stated your caulking my toilet right? So I have learned that the customer is always right... if they inquire of me as to which is best I share both sides of the argument and let them choose... 😅 With that said you do bring up a valid point. Thank you for the feedback!
Logical Musicman, I caulk around it for appearance but I also leave an opening behind it so that if there’s a leak the water will usually be visible on the floor and not trapped under the caulking/floor.
If you put the toilet up against the wall the entire toilet up against the wall it won't Rock the toilet needs to be up against the wall the toilet tank the toilet itself the toilet tank it needs to be up against the wall and your toilet won't rock or move Bro.
Our toilet tank is tight against the wall. Won't wobble in the slightest when I try to move it by hand. It is the base of the toilet that's moving; having the tank against the wall does not fix that problem and cannot fix that problem unless no one heavier than a small child is going to be sitting on the toilet. We're all heavier than the tank😂 The base of the toilet has to be snugged to the floor regardless of the tank placement.
Thank you Sam. It is so refreshing to see a video that respects the time of the viewer -- short, totally to the point, no intro, no "sponsored by", no fluff, no outro, no distracting background music ... this is how all CZcams "how to" videos should be -- more about the viewer than about generating money for the provider. You're doing a great service for your fellow man, Sam!
Thank you. Extremely easy to follow. We replaced everything and still it moves. I wish I had found this sooner.
An easy and efficient way to fix this problem! Glad I found this video so I can fix my toilet this weekend. Thanks!
Thanks man, just bought two new American Standards and paid $120 to have them installed, should of trusted myself! Worked like a charm!
Thank you for you kindness and sharing your knowledge with us! A very helpful video and easy to understand.
Thanks bro i berly have 8 months being a Plummer and I love it and I had a toilet in leveled and you saved my life lol
Excellent video! One of the most articulately explaned videos i've seen!!
Thanks, man! My toilet has been driving me nuts! I'm off to lowes for shims. 👌🤘🏼
I just went to Home Depot and got it. Works great!! Thanks!!!
Thanks for the tip. I have been around for a long time and have never heard of a toilet shim. I've installed/replaced quite a few toilets over the years and I must have been very lucky because I've never had a rocking toilet...... until today. We retiled our guest bathroom and installed a new toilet. The floor is level but the toilet is rocking. I will definitely be buying some toilet shims. Thanks for the info. Best wishes. 👍
Thanks for the video. I used some wood scrap that came off the old fence and it worked too.
Good job bro! Short & to the point!
thanks for this. we converted our floor to vinyl on the weekend and notice the wobble.
Great tip. Thank you so much! Gonna head to the hardware store and pick up some toilet shims.
Thank you, this is what I was looking for!
good job, and thumbs up on finished look!
Nice job bro. Quick and simple.
DAMNIT!! YOU SAVED ME A TON OF TIME AND MONEY!! THANKS FOR THE VIDEO!!
I was going to use beer coasters, glad I found this video. Lol
I used beer coasters cause it was the closest thing to me ,cause that's what beer does to me
🤦🏼♀️🤦🏼♀️😂
In my case, my toilet was wobbling because the Flange was installed too high. I lowered the flange about a 1/4 inch and toilet rim lays perfectly on the finished floor. No wobble what so ever. Some flanges, especially adapter flanges are a little thicker and can lead to height problems.
Sounds like that’s the normal method to ensure it lays flat from the research I’m doing . This video provides a good idea too.
Thanks for the video!
Thank you SO much for posting this!
Subbed! Nice work
Thank you. I watched 2 others prior and this one by far was the most helpful for my situation.
Thanks Sam! Great video!!
Thank you! Appreciate the feedback!
Thanks for your help.. it's much appreciated
Cut them bolts and cap em dude! Don't think my guts would work with those bolts showing! Don't tell too many people about the shims, your going to put a lot of plumbers out of business. Thank you for posting.
very helpful...thx!
Thank you!!
Thank you Sam.
My man!
Thank you 👊🏾
Good job used shims for years
Thank you soooo much!
Think your flange is loose how the bolt raises with the toilet but there are times u have to use shims great video
Thanks I'll give it a try
I'LL SET MINE WITHOUT THE WAX RING TRACE A PENCIL LINE AROUND IT LAY DOWN A BEAD OF GROUT THEN SET IT. LEVEL UP AS NEEDED CLEAN UP THE OVERAGE LET DRY .. worky like a 🏆 champ😁
I've always been told if you caulk around the base of a toilet it will prevent leak detection and water will find its way under the flooring where it is cut at the flange. Good video though.
I was taught both ways 🤷🏽♂️
That's why you only caulk the front and the sides and leave the back opened. That way if it leaks, it will go out the back.
my issue is that my toilet is not level from front to back, not side to side. Any tips on how to install shims to the front of the toilet? My toilet was already installed so I dont know how to lift it off the ground?
Thanks bro
My ears never home and when he is he doesn’t do anything, thank you
Thank you! My toilet rocks and also turns…I’m hoping this helps!
Turns? It recline also? You might be mistaking a recliner for your toilet... happened to my pops in his latter years.. had to cut a hole in it and put a bucket inside there for a while..
Do certain brands of toilets rock because of the mold during manufacturing process if your floor is level>?
Richard Lisacki no, not unless it was a bad cast.
Can almost guarantee that your floor is not level lol. It's practically impossible to build a truly level floor.
The Mansfield Vanquish toilet doesn't give much room for a thicker flange, so the flange needs to be installed a little lower so the toilet doesn't ride on the flange and wobble all over.
Thank you...
Glad I found this video my toilet is loose and Idk why but I don’t like it.
Great job...switched from ceramic tile to vinyl like this video...but my toilet seems to have rocked backward and is higher in the front...can someone give me a suggestion on how to fix please...
SHim the back of the toilets you can stack those shims also to get your desired height
Yeah we didn’t know was going on and we found out that somethings going on with her foundation basically right where her toilet is so this is very helpful it’s weird I have to just kind of a MacGyver something thank you
What about leaks bottom not flushing water floods..thanks you.
Are these things we can buy in home depot ???
Yes any home improvement store will carry these shims.
😂😂😂😂 probably not judging that it's a home improvement store
NEVER CAULK AROUND TOILET!!!. You won't know if you have a leak and water will be forced into floor/sub floor wood
I've heard the great debate. Some say YOU MUST caulk the toilet... others say YOU MUST NOT!... In reality i do a little of both. I will usually leave a small opening in the back of the toilet that a homeowner or prospect can't see and caulk around the rest of the toilet that is visible :) ... I appreciate the feedback and thank you for the input!
i like to caulk since kids spill water outside of tub and it can run under toilet causing water to not evaporate
Like Sam said. Caulk around the toilet and leave a decent opening in the back.
I just made sure to completely seal the flange and tile around it plus with the sub floor coated with red guard and a waterproof membrane, self leveling cement, then tile i think im good.. more worried about water getting under the trim... but my aim is too bad not to seal around the target... handicapable..
F@cking Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!
I just fixed my rocking toilet. If you have a very small wobble, then shims might work. Just understand that you're going to have to readjust the shims often. If you have a big wobble, you can get a can of low-expansion foam. (I used the Great Stuff brand, but there are others.) Make sure your bolts are tight. Then put wide painter's tape onto the floor around the toilet. Then spray the foam under the toilet. Go all the way around the toilet and fill up as much of the space as you can. The stuff will expand and cure overnight. There will be some squeeze-out. Which is why you put down the painter's tape. Wait at least 8 hours, but it's probably better to wait at least 12. Then clean up any foam.
What is it called a toilet chins??? Need help please. 🙏
But, what if the flange underneath?
Would a wood shim work for a while?
Yes I have seen wood shims used in the field. As you stated it is temporary as moisture does corrode the wood. Preferably you do want to use the plastic shims.
Hope you’ll let me know about my toilet??? Mine is rocking, I tightened & it worked but I can’t seem to get it perfectly tight. I’d like to know where I can get the Shem your talking about ? I don’t have anybody to help as I live alone & can’t afford a Plummer, oh yeah it’s not leaking so that’s good news right ? Ok let me know if you ever read this & thanks for the video
Just go to any home improvement store and you'll see them in the plumbing area or just ask a clerk to help you find them. Hope it helps
@@JayTobi Thanks a lot, Kinda made a crummy Shem or should say temporary Shem & that appears to be what I need. Yes it helped & thank goodness for helpful videos for widows .
@ 3:45 looks like it's still wobbly??
I agree, it looks like it's wobbling to me too.
Yea i saw that also when i was watching
If a toilet is rocking on a flat floor you need to fix your flange, not prop it up above any wax that might be left after all of the movement. This is terrible not to mention potentially dangerous because sewer gases are flowing into the room. I'd at least run an exhaust fan 24/7 for anybody following this mess.
Looks like it was still moving.
I seen these shims.. My toilets wobble a bit.. Seems like the shims over hard tile could over stress and throw off the distribution of weight tho.. I am thinking wider shims would be better but I haven't figured out how to make my own yet. I wonder if anyone has cracked a bowl using these shims say for a large or obese person with a lot of weight. I will probly sand down a plastic paint stir stick when I get around to it
I have never has an issue. I know some people like using the wood shims. I'm not a fan because the wood eventually overtime breaks apart that is why I prefer the plastic shims. If need be you can use more than one shim. You will be fine as far as any concerns you have. Thank you for watching!
Can you also use cedar siding shingles or cedar shims?
I wouldn’t, plastic the best
Wood is not a good idea near the moisture.
Hi what’s the name of this thing,can I find them @ Home Depot??
Toilet shims. 🙂
He literally said it 15 times 🤦🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️
@@geewhizz1970 ok troll
Home Depot and Lowe's had no toilet shims.
Every other toilet in my school lmao
Cut the shims and they shoot underneath the toilet!
Ever see the edges of the bottom of the toilet bowl?
It is a small raceway around the edge where your toilet meets the floor.
I would silicone them in, than cut them and hope they stay intact.
Correct -- what is happening is the pressure on the outer edge "raceway" is pinching the shims and they shoot off into the abyss. Try placing the shims on the small "raceways" that run from the outer toilet edge to the center. Its much easier to plan ahead if you have the toilet completely off so you can see these "raceways" before hand.
How do I get the caps off?
Many bolt caps just unscrew. If that doesn't work, try using a small flat head screwdriver with something between the screwdriver and porcelain that will prevent chipping. Pry gently until it comes off.
Are you left handed? '
The real problem is the mounting bolts are no longer securely holding in the foundation . This is not even a good temporary fix. The bolts need to be secured into the foundation.
Both sides of terlit?
You squished the wax ring too much. Must set toilet once onto fresh wax ring !
Wax ring is not made to prevent toilet from wobbling dumbass
@@MiKa-fu2wi what he's saying is that the wax ring under that toilet is now most likely ruined since the toilet was rocking bacuase the flange and hence also the ring are set too high.
@@Dogedows wax rings can’t be set too high
Yes, the wobble likely already broke the wax seal so it’s best to start with a fresh, new wax ring and level before tightening the bolts so you can create a good seal AFTER the wobble is fixed.
@MoreThanMaintenance This is a very simple and straightforward video. Thank you for the time put into this!
Isn't this also a sign of a bad wax ring
How are you so sure that is not tje screw too lose
Do not caulk a toilet down your asking for more trouble in the future Like tearing the floor when you have to pull the toilet next time
There are 2 sides to the great debate... some say don't you ever caulk the toilet while others (and we are talking about those in the plumbing trade) would advise it is necessary to always caulk the toilet...😅
I have come to the place where I do what the homeowner/ tenants asks. Just the other day... I chose not to caulk the toilet and the homeowner stated your caulking my toilet right? So I have learned that the customer is always right... if they inquire of me as to which is best I share both sides of the argument and let them choose... 😅
With that said you do bring up a valid point. Thank you for the feedback!
@@MoreThanMaintenance I have heard both sides as well, but neither has given good reasons. Could you elaborate a little or do a video about it? Thx!
Logical Musicman, I caulk around it for appearance but I also leave an opening behind it so that if there’s a leak the water will usually be visible on the floor and not trapped under the caulking/floor.
But then you got shims sticking out...
Stopped the video short.
Lol
I can’t trust a professional who doesn’t use proper grammar 😂
If you put the toilet up against the wall the entire toilet up against the wall it won't Rock the toilet needs to be up against the wall the toilet tank the toilet itself the toilet tank it needs to be up against the wall and your toilet won't rock or move Bro.
Does the toilet need to be up against the wall?
Our toilet tank is tight against the wall. Won't wobble in the slightest when I try to move it by hand. It is the base of the toilet that's moving; having the tank against the wall does not fix that problem and cannot fix that problem unless no one heavier than a small child is going to be sitting on the toilet. We're all heavier than the tank😂 The base of the toilet has to be snugged to the floor regardless of the tank placement.