Your Loose Toilet Is a Ticking Time Bomb For Your Subfloor

Toilets make noise. The whoosh of the flush and clack of the lid closing are familiar bathroom noises for many people. However, if you hear clanking simply because you sit down on or stand up from your commode, you might be dealing with a wobbly toilet.

This May Also Interest You: My Toilet Is Leaking! Now What?

Is It Normal for a Toilet to Wobble Slightly?

No, toilets should always be securely installed to the floor or wall, depending on the type of toilet. A wobbly toilet indicates an issue with the flooring, the toilet or the installation.

Reasons for a Wobbly Toilet

A loose or rocking toilet can be caused by:

• Improper installation. One of the most common culprits for wobbly toilets is loose bolts due to poor installation work or bolts changing position over the years.

• Corroded or damaged parts. Corroded bolts can cause the same issue, as can broken toilet flanges and worn-out seals between toilets and floors.

• Uneven flooring. Any time a floor isn't level, it can contribute to a wobbling toilet. Reasons for uneven bathroom flooring can include poor tile work, soft spots from previous water damage or rotting subflooring.

It's also possible you think you have a wobbling toilet when you don't. Sometimes, the toilet tank isn't connected well to the bowl. The tank itself may move around as you use the toilet, creating clanking sounds and the appearance of movement even when the base of the toilet remains steady.

How Long Can You Leave a Wobbly Toilet Before It Causes Leaks or Damage to the Subfloor?

You should fix a wobbly toilet as quickly as you can, as regular movement of the toilet can lead to further damage. The more the toilet wobbles, the more the wax ring is compromised, leading to leaks you may not be able to see. Within a few weeks, that moisture can weaken subflooring further and contribute to rotting and mold. While a toilet wobble isn't usually a plumbing emergency, if you can't identify an easy fix — like a bolt that needs tightening — consider calling in a professional plumber within a week.

Signs Your Bathroom Subfloor Is Rotting

If you're concerned you might have a cracked toilet flange, broken seal or other issue that's led to moisture in your subfloor, you might also wonder if it's time to rip things up. Warning signs of a rotting subfloor can include:

• Sagging. Sections of your floor may visibly dip. You can check for sagging by placing a ball on the floor to see if it rolls into a dip.

• A "soft" feeling when you walk on the floor. When you walk on soft spots, the subfloor beneath you doesn't hold up as rigidly as the rest of the structure, creating the feeling that you're stepping on a sponge.

• Noise when you walk on the floor. Creaking and popping can indicate part of your floor is starting to give or is damaged.

• Cracks in the floor. Visible cracks in tiles or other floor material can be signs of larger issues beneath.

• Mildew smells. Persistent musty smells, especially after you've cleaned the bathroom, may mean moisture is trapped under your floor.

• Visible water damage. Stains, warped flooring and discoloration can occur when water is leaking under your floor.

More Related Articles:

• Plumbing Repair Costs

• 5 Benefits of Maintaining Your Plumbing System

• Do Plumbing Upgrades Increase Home Value?

• How Often Do You Need to Replace Your Toilet?

• Stop Flushing Money Down the Toilet: Go Low-Flow

How to Fix a Wobbly Toilet

To fix a wobbly toilet, first determine the reason for it. You can replace or tighten bolts and re-caulk the base of your toilet if needed. Plastic shims may help reduce movement. Ensure you turn off water supplies and use caution when handling plumbing fixtures to prevent further damage.

DIY steps for shimming a toilet include:

• Ensuring all bolts on the toilet base are in good condition and tightened

• Testing whether the toilet still rocks once bolts are snug

• Looking for gaps between the toilet and the floor

• Sliding plastic shims into gaps and tapping them in place lightly

• Testing again for wobble

• Cutting the extra shim material off once the toilet is steady

• Caulking the base of the toilet to keep everything stable in the future

However, if you notice water damage from a wobbly toilet or suspect a leak around your toilet, shimming might only slow down the damage. Instead, consider calling a plumber who can address the issue and help you understand the depth of any subfloor damage.