Is your toilet feeling a bit… unsteady? A wobbly toilet isn't just annoying; it can actually damage your plumbing and flooring over time. The culprit is often those humble toilet anchor bolts! Don't worry, replacing them is a surprisingly simple DIY project. Let's get your throne back on solid ground.
Why Replace Toilet Anchor Bolts?
Anchor bolts, also known as closet bolts, secure your toilet to the floor. They're usually made of brass or plastic, but over time, they can corrode, rust, or even break, leading to that annoying wobble. Ignoring the problem can cause:
- Leaks around the base of the toilet.
- Damage to the floor.
- Cracked toilet bowl (ouch!).
What You'll Need
Before you start, gather your supplies:
- New toilet anchor bolt kit (available at any hardware store).
- Small bucket or container.
- Sponge or cloths.
- Adjustable wrench or pliers.
- Putty knife or scraper.
- Gloves (optional, but recommended).
- Toilet shims (if needed – we’ll get to that!).
Step-by-Step: Replacing Those Pesky Bolts
1. Turn Off the Water Supply
Locate the shut-off valve behind the toilet (usually on the wall) and turn it clockwise to completely shut off the water supply. Flush the toilet to empty the tank as much as possible.
2. Disconnect the Water Supply Line
Using your adjustable wrench or pliers, carefully disconnect the water supply line from the toilet. Have your bucket handy to catch any remaining water in the tank or line. Use a sponge to soak up any drips.
3. Remove the Old Toilet
- Cap Removal: Pop off the decorative caps covering the old anchor bolts. You might need a small screwdriver or putty knife to gently pry them off.
- Loosening the Bolts: Carefully loosen the nuts securing the toilet to the flange. If they're rusted and stuck, try spraying them with a penetrating oil like WD-40 and letting it sit for a few minutes.
- Lifting the Toilet: With the nuts removed, gently rock the toilet back and forth to break the seal between the toilet and the floor. Lift the toilet straight up and carefully set it aside (preferably on some old towels or cardboard). It will be gross, so be prepared!
4. Scrape Away Old Wax Ring Residue
Using your putty knife or scraper, thoroughly remove the old wax ring from both the toilet flange (the ring on the floor) and the bottom of the toilet. This is crucial for a good seal with the new wax ring.
5. Install the New Anchor Bolts
- Insert the Bolts: Insert the new anchor bolts into the slots on the toilet flange. Most kits come with washers – make sure to put them on in the correct order, as indicated in the instructions.
- Positioning is Key: Position the bolts so they line up with the holes in the base of the toilet.
6. Reinstall the Toilet
- New Wax Ring: Place a new wax ring onto the toilet flange, centering it over the opening.
- Lower the Toilet: Carefully lower the toilet straight down onto the flange, aligning the holes in the base of the toilet with the anchor bolts. Apply even pressure to ensure the wax ring seals properly.
- Secure the Toilet: Place the washers and nuts onto the anchor bolts and hand-tighten them. Then, using your wrench or pliers, tighten them a bit more, alternating between the bolts to ensure even pressure. Don't overtighten, or you risk cracking the porcelain!
7. Check for Level and Shim If Needed
Place a level on the toilet bowl. If it's not level, use toilet shims to level it. Insert the shims between the toilet base and the floor until the toilet is level. Snap off any excess shim material.
8. Reconnect the Water Supply
Reconnect the water supply line to the toilet tank. Turn the water supply valve back on slowly and check for any leaks around the connection. Tighten the connection if needed.
9. Caulk (Optional)
Some people prefer to caulk around the base of the toilet to prevent water from seeping underneath. If you choose to do so, use a mildew-resistant caulk and apply a thin, even bead around the base, leaving a small gap at the back to allow for drainage.
Congrats! You've Done It!
Give your toilet a few flushes to ensure everything is working properly and there are no leaks. You now have a stable, wobble-free throne! Not so scary, right?