Alexei Volkov
Installing plastic toilet shims is a crucial step in ensuring your toilet remains stable and secure. Whether you're dealing with an uneven floor or a rocking toilet, shims provide the necessary support to prevent wobbling and potential damage to the wax ring and floor. While various materials can be used for shimming, plastic shims, such as Wobble Wedges®, offer an effective solution by cushioning the porcelain and providing stability. This guide will explore the process of installing plastic toilet shims, from preparing your toilet to securing the shims and ensuring a sturdy final result.
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right shim
When choosing the right shim, it's important to consider the size and material of the shim in relation to your toilet and flooring. Firstly, measure the gap between the toilet and the floor to determine the width and height of the gap. This will help you choose a shim with the right thickness and width. If you need to raise the toilet significantly, opt for thicker shims.
The two main types of toilet shims are wood shims and plastic shims, with plastic shims being the most common type. Plastic shims are typically made from lightweight plastic, easy to install, and suitable for discreetly filling gaps. They are more durable than wood shims, but they can be challenging to cut to size and may require specialized tools. Plastic shims are ideal for stabilizing and levelling toilets, preventing them from rocking or wobbling.
Wood shims are the most common type, but they are susceptible to moisture damage. Metal shims are also an option and are known for their durability, although they can be more expensive. If you have delicate flooring, such as wooden floors, rubber shims are a good choice as they are flexible, absorb vibrations, and are less likely to cause damage. They are also ideal for toilets installed on uneven floors as they help absorb shock. However, they are more expensive than plastic shims.
Another option is foam shims, which are made of soft foam designed to be compressed under the weight of the toilet, providing a firm and stable base. Foam shims are the most affordable option, but they may compress over time and lose their effectiveness.
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Shim placement
Before placing the shims, it is essential to identify any wobbling or rocking motions in the toilet. This can be done by performing a dry run without the wax ring in place. Place the toilet bowl on top of the closet bolts and observe if there is any movement. If the toilet wobbles, it is necessary to use shims to stabilize it and prevent future issues.
When placing the plastic toilet shims, insert them around the edges of the toilet bowl. Push the shims as far as they can go under the edge of the toilet. If the shims are too thick, you can trim them down to the appropriate thickness. Mark the excess portion with a pen and cut it off carefully. Soft plastic or rubber shims are easier to cut and adjust than hard plastic ones.
To secure the shims in place, you can use tape or a small amount of silicone. Apply silicone to the bottom of the shim and slide it under the toilet until it feels snug. The silicone will help hold the shim in place and prevent it from moving.
If you are unable to find plastic shims of the desired thickness, you can use alternative materials such as old credit cards, plastic business cards, or a piece of self-stick floor tile. These materials can be shaved, trimmed, or peeled to fit the required thickness.
After shim placement, it is important to test the stability of the toilet again. Ensure that there is no more wobbling or rocking and that the toilet feels secure. If the shims are properly placed, the toilet should be stable and level.
By following these instructions and tips, you can ensure that your plastic toilet shims are placed correctly, providing a stable and secure base for your toilet.
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Securing the shim
Before securing the shim, it is crucial to test fit the toilet without the wax ring and ensure that any rocking is corrected. This can be done by dry-setting the toilet and checking for wobbling or rocking. If the toilet is unsteady, plastic shims can be used to stabilise it. Soft plastic shims, also known as Wobble Wedges®, are effective in cushioning the porcelain and providing stability. Hard plastic shims can also be used, but they may be more challenging to cut and install.
To secure the shim, start by placing the shim under the edge of the toilet. Push it as far as it will go, and then mark the excess material with a pen or a similar tool. Remove the shim and carefully cut off the marked portion using a utility knife or a putty knife. For hard plastic shims, you may need to take them out, cut them to size, and then put them back in place. Soft plastic shims are easier to cut and can be trimmed while in place using a putty knife.
Once the shim has been trimmed to size, reinsert it under the toilet, ensuring it is snugly in place. You can use a putty knife to help push the shim firmly into position. To prevent the shim from moving, apply silicone or tape to hold it in place. This step is crucial in ensuring the shim remains secure when you remove the toilet bowl to add the wax ring.
After the shim is secured and the wax ring is in place, you can proceed with the rest of the toilet installation process. Remember to follow the manufacturer's instructions and take the necessary safety precautions. Check for leaks and ensure that all bolts are tightened properly. Finally, some people choose to caulk around the base of the toilet for added stability, but this is optional and may hide leaks.
By carefully following these steps, you can effectively secure the shim during the installation of a plastic toilet shim, ensuring a stable and wobble-free toilet.
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Trimming excess shim
First, it is crucial to allow the caulk to dry completely before trimming the shim. This step cannot be rushed, as it ensures the shim is secure and stable. Once the caulk is dry, you can proceed with trimming.
Next, inspect the shim and identify the areas that require trimming. You want to trim the shim as close to the base of the toilet as possible. Use a sharp utility knife or a box cutter to carefully trim the excess shim. Be cautious not to cut into the flooring or damage the toilet base. Make sure you have a steady hand and a sharp blade to achieve a clean cut.
When trimming, it is recommended to test fit the shim first and mark the cut area. This will make it easier to snap off the excess shim once it is installed. You can score the shim on both sides with a knife or a box cutter, creating a weak point that will facilitate snapping it off later.
In some cases, you may need to use specialised tools to cut the shim, especially if it is made of durable and hard plastic. Some shims might be too thick, and you may need to use an alternative like a penny with silicone on the bottom, sliding it under the toilet until it is snug.
Finally, after trimming the shim, you can finish the job by caulking the front and sides of the toilet. This step serves two purposes: it helps to secure the shim in place and also provides a neat and discreet finish by hiding the shim. Make sure to smooth the caulk with your finger and keep it clean with a paper towel or rag.
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Preventing leaks
Toilet shims are a great way to prevent leaks. If your toilet is wobbly or rocking, it can cause a seal to break and start leaking from the base. Shims help to secure the toilet in place, keeping everything secure and
To install plastic toilet shims, first, determine how much shimming is needed. You can do this by laying a level on top of the toilet and adjusting it until it is perfectly balanced. Then, measure the distance from the floor to the bottom edge of the level. This will indicate how much shimming is required. Next, clean the floor around the toilet and remove any debris or dust that might get in the way.
Turn off the water supply to the toilet and remove the toilet tank lid. Locate the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor. Place the shims evenly under the toilet bowl, spaced around the perimeter. Tap the shims gently with a hammer to ensure they hold, and then score each shim with a box cutter or utility knife to remove the excess. Tighten the bolts to secure the toilet to the floor and turn on the water supply.
Finally, test the toilet to make sure it is level and does not leak. If there are small leaks, some bolts may need to be tightened further. If there is a leak around the floor, the wax ring may be damaged and need replacing.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic toilet shims are used to level a toilet on an uneven floor. They are placed around the edges of the toilet bowl to prevent it from wobbling.
First, do a test fit without the wax ring and before the bolts are tightened. If the toilet wobbles, use plastic shims to stabilise it. Insert the shims around the edges of the toilet bowl and tape them down to prevent them from moving. Then, cut off any exposed portions of the shims with a utility knife.
Some alternatives to plastic toilet shims include plaster, dimes, pennies, old credit cards, plastic business cards, and self-stick floor tiles.
When buying a new toilet, measure from the wall to the closet bolts on your old toilet to ensure your new toilet will fit. Also, be sure to wear gloves when handling the toilet in case the porcelain breaks.
