Shimming a toilet

handy man88 · 08-02-2009, 03:35 PM

As many know, the basement floor is usually not perfectly level. Tile that's placed on top of this slab in basement bathrooms end up not level also.

If the toilet is slightly shaky, what's the best way to shim it up without removing anything? Wood shim like a carpenter?

jerryh3 · 08-02-2009, 04:29 PM

Use composite/plastic shims.

Mike Swearingen · 08-02-2009, 06:15 PM

Yep, as suggested, use those beveled plastic shims made for the purpose, and a level across the bowl.
Snap the shims off at the outer edge of the base and caulk the base and sides of the toilet base with anti-mildew tub-and-tile caulk, but leave the back of the base open for early future leak detection.
Good Luck!
mike

handy man88 · 08-02-2009, 08:13 PM

Thanks guys. I've never seen plastic shims before. I assume you can buy them at HD or Lowe's? Which section would they be located?

Thurman · 08-02-2009, 08:33 PM

In my area, available at Lowe's, HD, and even Wally World (Wal-Mart). At Lowe's and HD, they are available in clear, white, and ivory

. Do as Mike said and you will be sitting on your throne with a level, er---head.

Good Luck, David

buddy builder · 08-02-2009, 08:49 PM

i do plumbing and wiring so i am around 12-2 with ground a lot. if i need to shim a little, i cut a piece of 12-2 about 3 or 4 inches long and pull the conductors out and use just the jacket. if it needs a thick shim, i leave the conductors in. you can bend it to any curve if needed. you welcome, buddy builder

08-02-2009, 03:35 PM	#1
handy man88 Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 1,753	Shimming a toilet As many know, the basement floor is usually not perfectly level. Tile that's placed on top of this slab in basement bathrooms end up not level also. If the toilet is slightly shaky, what's the best way to shim it up without removing anything? Wood shim like a carpenter?

08-02-2009, 04:29 PM	#2
jerryh3 Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Baltimore, MD Posts: 1,802	Shimming a toilet Use composite/plastic shims.

08-02-2009, 06:15 PM	#3
Mike Swearingen Long-Time DIYer Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: On Albemarle Sound In Northeastern NC Posts: 1,460	Shimming a toilet Yep, as suggested, use those beveled plastic shims made for the purpose, and a level across the bowl. Snap the shims off at the outer edge of the base and caulk the base and sides of the toilet base with anti-mildew tub-and-tile caulk, but leave the back of the base open for early future leak detection. Good Luck! mike

08-02-2009, 08:13 PM	#4
handy man88 Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 1,753	Shimming a toilet Thanks guys. I've never seen plastic shims before. I assume you can buy them at HD or Lowe's? Which section would they be located?

08-02-2009, 08:33 PM	#5
Thurman Household Handyman Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Albany, Ga. Posts: 2,212	Shimming a toilet In my area, available at Lowe's, HD, and even Wally World (Wal-Mart). At Lowe's and HD, they are available in clear, white, and ivory . Do as Mike said and you will be sitting on your throne with a level, er---head. Good Luck, David

Shimming a toilet