Leveling a toilet is a crucial step in ensuring proper functioning and preventing leaks or cracks in your plumbing. This guide will walk you through the process, from gathering tools to the final adjustments, to help you achieve a perfectly level toilet.
Tools Needed
Before you begin, make sure you have the following tools on hand:
- Tape measure
- Level
- Shims (plastic or wooden)
- Wax ring
- Toilet bolts
- Adjustable wrench
- Screwdriver (if your toilet has a plastic bolt cover)
Preparation
Before you start, turn off the water supply to the toilet and flush to empty the tank. Place a bucket underneath the water supply line to catch any remaining water. Remove the old wax ring and clean the area around the drain.
Measuring and Leveling
The first step in leveling your toilet is to ensure it's centered over the drain and level with the floor. Here's how:
- Place the toilet bowl on the floor without securing it yet. Center it over the drain.
- Use a tape measure to ensure the toilet is equidistant from all four walls. Adjust as needed.
- Place a level on the rim of the toilet bowl. If it's not level, use shims under the base of the toilet to raise or lower it as needed.
Once you've achieved a level toilet, mark the spots where the shims are placed. This will help you replicate the leveling when you secure the toilet.
Securing the Toilet
Now that your toilet is level, it's time to secure it to the floor:
- Remove the toilet from the floor, keeping the shims in place.
- Install the new wax ring onto the horn (the pipe at the bottom of the toilet).
- Carefully lower the toilet back onto the bolts, ensuring the wax ring seals against the drain.
- Place the nuts and washers onto the bolts and tighten them with an adjustable wrench. Be careful not to overtighten.
Testing the Toilet
Once the toilet is secured, it's time to test it:
- Reconnect the water supply line and turn on the water.
- Flush the toilet to ensure water flows into the bowl and drains properly.
- Check for leaks around the base of the toilet and the water supply line.
If everything is working properly, you've successfully leveled and installed your toilet!
