
Have you ever sat on the toilet, and all of a sudden it moved? Maybe it moves just a bit, and you don’t give it much thought. If it still flushes, it must be in good working order, right? Not necessarily.
If your toilet wobbles or rocks back and forth, even a little, there may be a problem with its base which could be potentially harmful to homeowners. It could result in costly damage, and something you should take seriously.
There are several possible causes for a rocking toilet, and these issues can lead to expensive repair costs and could even be safety hazards.
Sometimes, the fix is as simple as tightening a bolt, but other times the problem goes deeper than that. The longer an unstable toilet is left to rock back and forth with use, the more likely you are to have extra damage to deal with.
It’s definitely possible to troubleshoot a rocking toilet on your own, but if you want a quick and effective resolution, you should contact an experienced plumber.
Dangers and Causes of a Wobbly Toilet
Loose Pipes and Leaking Sewage
One of the main dangers of rocking toilets is the possibility of sewage leakage. If the toilet is loose from the floor, the material in the flush can leak out. That’s about as raw as you can get when it comes to sewage.
When a toilet rocks or wobbles, the wax seal around the toilet base gets compromised and starts leaking water from waste pipes. Most toilets have a wax ring or seal under them. This is the soft attachment between the porcelain toilet and the plumbing drain pipe. It is designed to protect the unit from leaking or producing sewer odors.
If the homeowner doesn’t replace this wax seal and the leakage continues, possible damage includes rotting floor and/or wall materials, the growth of bacteria, and organics providing mold and mildew. Plus, a very offensive odor.
Settlement Damage
This type of damage is when the foundation beneath the toilet starts to deteriorate, creating a sinking feeling as the toilet rocks back and forth. This type of damage is caused by several factors, from settling soil to foundation cracks, and it can be devastating for home resale value.
Uneven Flooring
Something as simple as a cracked floor tile or a slightly uneven floor can cause a rocking toilet. This is often easily fixed by an adjustment to one of the legs of the toilet.
Damaged Floor Flange
This is a more common problem in homes with a basement. In many cases, this floor flange is damaged in a fire or other type of accident. It is usually noticeable as black, charred wood, or even a more considerable dent in the floor. You may need to replace the floor flange to fix this problem.
Loose Flange Bolts
Another common cause of a toilet rocking back and forth is loose flange bolts. These are the bolts that hold the toilet down at an even level with the floor in your bathroom. Sometimes the bolts themselves aren’t exposed, and are instead covered with more visually pleasing pieces to match the design of the toilet.
Improper Installation of Base
This is perhaps the most likely cause of a rocking toilet, especially in new homes. When houses are built, the toilet base must be installed correctly.
Trust Flader to Secure Your Wobbly Toilet
If your once secure toilet has begun to slightly wobble or rock, you might consider the movement a minor nuisance. However, a toilet not mounted securely to the floor can be hazardous to your family and home, and it is wise to address the issue right away.
To eliminate the hazards to humans and potential costly repairs associated with a wobbly toilet, call a licensed plumber who can properly remount your toilet.
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Flader Plumbing and Heating is uniquely suited to assist you in determining the solution that best fits your home and family’s needs. We’ve been serving your neighbors and our community for over 100 years and 4 generations.
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Whether you need a toilet secured, a new water heater, or your old furnace is on its last legs, we are knowledgeable and experts in delivering the services you need. Our professional technicians arrive on time, listen to your concerns, and answer your questions. They will recommend the right solution and deliver as promised.
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