[woodnthings]

My question is somewhat similiar to TF, but my issue is this: When screwed down tight the bowl still needs about 1/8th of shim underneath to keep it from wobbling. Do I make an spacer out of hardboard or some other waterproof material. If I can't lower the flange (I haven't taken the bowl off yet) but I will when I install the self stick floor tile, which will add about 1/16th in height. Two layers of floor tile 18" sq pieces under the bowl possibly? Seat the whole bowl in a bead of silicone on the new tile? Is this a common issue, the flange sitting too high? I think the install was planning for ceramic tile, which I never had, it's only sitting on the subfloor. Thanks, bill

 

[majakdragon]

Plastic shims made for this specific purpose are available at Home Centers such as HD and Lowes. It may just be the bowl or the floor that is causing the gap.

 

[woodnthings]

Plastic shims

I guess the reason I was asking about the hardboard or floor tile doubled up was that I didn't want to just jam some shims underneath and call it good. I wanted a gap free layer like a gasket more or less so that no "crud" can get under and start a organic reaction, if you know what I mean! pwewh! I was wondering if there was a more "craftsman like approach"? I am retired and have a little more time than the contractor might to do the job. No Offense, Guys! Also somewhat of a perfectionist!
I'm sure this is a common occurance, but I haven't run into this as I'm basically a woodworker, not a plumber. Thanks for any advice, tho,:yes: bill

 

[majakdragon]

Common procedure when needing to use shims is to caulk around the toilet base after installing them. Always leave the back side of the bowl open so if there is a leak later, it will show from this area and not just be trapped and rot the floor.

 

[woodnthings]

I think I get it

The leak will occur at the bowl/wax/flange intersection and build up inside if it were trapped or sealed all the way around, right? Thanks, bill

 

[majakdragon]

Yes, thats the reason. Some floor surfaces and some bowls are just not flat and even. When you need to use shims, it adds another step to the process, and that is using caulk or grout.

 

[woodnthings]

Thanks for the help

:thumbsup: , bill

 

[mstplumber]

Shimming a toilet

Hey Bill,

Any time I have to use shims to keep a toilet form wobbling, I like to fill the gap with grout, as opposed to caulk. You can still leave a gap at the back, but the grout sets up hard and adds support all the way around the bowl. Just pack it in with your fingers and use a sponge to dress it up.