Why Is My Toilet Rocking Back and Forth?

Feeling your toilet rock back and forth can definitely make you a little nervous, especially if you're sitting on it when it happens. A few common reasons for an unstable toilet include uneven flooring and damaged parts.

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If your toilet wobbles and the underlying cause is minor, you may be able to repair the issue on your own. However, if your toilet must be replaced or requires significant repairs, you may want to enlist the services of a licensed plumber.

My Toilet Wobbles Around and Feels Unstable — What Is the Cause?

The main reason a toilet wobbles is that it's not flush with the underlying floor. This can occur for a variety of reasons, ranging from loose bolts to broken toilet parts. Improper installation is another common issue that can make your toilet feel wobbly and unbalanced. If you notice visible gaps between the base of your toilet and the underlying floor, parts of your floor may be tilted or uneven.

The flange and wax ring are two important toilet components. The flange is a plastic fitting that's located directly beneath your toilet on the floor and connects to the underlying drainpipe. If the flange is loose, it may cause your toilet to rock or wobble. If the flange is cracked, you may notice water leaking around the toilet base. A cracked flange can also cause sewer gas odors to escape, and there may be a strong, pungent odor in your bathroom.

The wax ring sits between the flange and your toilet, creating a seal that prevents leaks and keeps odors at bay. When the wax ring becomes dried out and cracked, it can cause your toilet to wobble. Wax rings are generally easy to replace as a DIY project, but you'll need to thoroughly inspect your toilet for other potential issues. If you suspect the flange is damaged and you smell sewer gas or the actual toilet tank is cracked, contact a professional plumber.

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How Can I Fix the Issue on My Own?

Certain issues, such as a damaged wax ring and spaces between the bottom of your toilet and the floor, can usually be fixed on your own. However, it's important to note that toilets have many working parts, and there may be a few issues occurring at once that are causing your toilet to wobble. If you notice signs like water leaking around the toilet base or strong odors coming from beneath your toilet, these issues are best handled by licensed professionals.

To replace a wax ring, you'll first need to purchase a replacement at your local hardware store. It's also important to mention that while replacing the ring itself is fairly simple, you'll need to physically remove your toilet in order to complete the process. Follow these steps to replace the wax ring:

• Turn off the water supply.

• Flush the toilet multiple times to remove remaining water.

• Use an adjustable wrench to remove toilet bolts.

• Gently pull the toilet off the floor and move it to the side.

• Use a putty knife to scrape the old wax ring off the floor.

• Place the new wax ring per the packaging instructions.

If your toilet wobbles but there are no leaks, odors or cracks, you may be able to repair the issue with plastic shims. This is a simple fix that should only take about 15 minutes. Plastic shims are available at most hardware and home improvement stores. You'll also need some tub or tile caulk. Follow these instructions to make your toilet wobble-free:

• Check the bolts on the sides of your toilet and tighten if necessary.

• Use a flashlight to locate gaps between the toilet and the floor.

• Insert the plastic shims into each gap.

• Sit on the toilet to check for stability.

• Use a sharp utility knife to cut the shims down close to the toilet base.

• Apply caulk around the toilet base, making sure to cover all gaps.

• Allow the caulk to dry overnight.