It’s never a good sign when a toilet wobbles around when someone sits on it. Not only is this uncomfortable, but it can also be a sign of a serious problem. Wobbly toilets could cause leaks, water damage, and more if not repaired quickly.

Here are some of the common causes behind wobbly toilets:

A loose seat

Sometimes, it’s only the toilet seat that’s loose rather than the bowl itself. This is a common issue, and it’s relatively easy to identify. The seat may swivel around or won’t look completely straight, possibly jutting out over one side of the bowl.

Loose toilet seats commonly arise from simple wear and tear. Over time, the hinges loosen, and the fasteners don’t hold the seat as tightly as before. The seat may need adjusting or could require total replacement. An expert plumber will diagnose the issue and make the right call.

Broken toilet bolts

Unfortunately, in some cases, the entire body of the toilet feels loose, rather than just the seat. This is a more severe issue requiring professional attention. It often arises from damage to the bolts holding the toilet base.

The bolts are strong and long-lasting by design, but they won’t last forever. They can rust, corrode, or loosen as the years pass. They will usually need to be replaced entirely or require a little tightening to secure the toilet bowl back in position.

Damage to the floor

In some cases, a wobbly toilet may not indicate a problem with the toilet itself but the flooring underneath. Toilets need strong and stable foundations to hold them in place, but the structure may wobble if the flooring is weakened.

This is most common for toilets on a property’s second or third floors. There might be some damage beneath the bowl that needs fixing. This could arise from simple wear and tear or a leak in the pipes below the floor.

Flange and ring problems

Issues with key components like the toilet flange or wax ring can also cause unsteady toilets. The flange is the pipe fitting below the bowl, linking the toilet with the drainage pipe. Meanwhile, the wax ring is a waxy seal surrounding the flange to prevent leaks.

Flanges can break or suffer damage that might make the toilet wobble. Wax rings may also wear down over time, leaving little gaps between the toilet base and the flange. In either case, these issues need professional attention and repair.

Call in the pros to tackle wobbling toilets

Wobbly toilets are uncomfortable and have many possible causes. Fortunately, plumbing professionals can inspect the toilet, figure out what’s wrong, and take the necessary steps to make it stable again.

Royalty Plumbing offers high-quality residential plumbing services in the areas of Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, and Summerlin.