Family Handyman

You’ll end up with a much bigger problem

If your toilet isn’t solidly fastened to the floor, there may be trouble in your future. Any movement of the toilet damages the wax seal. That leads to leaks and major repairs. To steady a rocking toilet, cut plastic shims to fit and slip them underneath (you may have to remove caulk before adding shims). Then caulk around the toilet and snug down the nuts on the bolts. But don’t crank them down super-tight; that can crack the toilet.

Ever wonder why old houses have a random toilet in the basement? Here’s why.

Don’t think you should caulk your toilet? See why you should in the video below.

Toilet Tune-Ups

Clean the Rim Jets

Get a Flapper with a Chain Float

Switch to Single-Ply

Try a Different Flapper

Adjust the Water Level

Tighten the Flush Handle

Open the Water Supply All the Way

Adjust the Flapper Chain

Aim the Refill Tube