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Why Does My Toilet Tank Wobble?

BY WHITE'S PLUMBING, LLC

If you’re a homeowner, there are some certainties in life you’ve got to deal with. One of them being that you’re most likely to encounter toilet issues. Toilet issues are pretty common in many homes. This article will cover why your toilet wobbles, what you can do to stop it, and much more, so dig in!

What Makes My Toilet Tank Wobble?

Here are some possible reasons why your toilet tank is wobbling. Please remember that we aren’t talking about the toilet seat or the handle but specifically the tank.

Loose Bolts

Depending on the kind of toilet you have, you might see a valve connected to it. You will find this valve between the toilet tank and the wall. It can turn off the water that gets to your toilet. Turn the valve till you think it’s right. 

Turning it will cut off the supply of water to the tank so you can drain it. Check inside your tank for any loose bolts that attach the toilet bowl to the tank. If you find any loose ones, tighten them up. Make sure they aren’t too tight, or they might cause the tank to crack. 

A Loose Gasket

The gasket is a hole in your toilet tank that connects to the toilet bowl. It is a rubber ring that seals the tank and prevents any water from leaking.

A Cracked Tank

You can get cracks in your tank if the bolts are too tight. A cracked tank may leak a lot, and depending on the extent of the cracking, you might have to either buy a new tank or fix the crack with patching.

Misaligned Tank and Bowl

One reason your toilet tank may wobble is that the tank and bowl could be misaligned. Toilets are designed so that the tank sits securely on the bowl with no movement. However, if the tank is not positioned properly or has shifted over time, it may wobble or move when touched.

How Misalignment Occurs

This misalignment can happen due to improper installation or after repairs where the tank wasn’t reassembled correctly. It’s also possible that the bolts connecting the tank and the bowl have loosened over time, causing the tank to shift out of its proper position.

Fixing the Misalignment

To fix a misaligned tank, you will need to follow these steps:

  1. Turn off the water supply and flush the toilet to empty the tank.
  2. Loosen the bolts connecting the tank to the bowl using a wrench, being careful not to overtighten or crack the porcelain.
  3. Once the bolts are loosened, carefully realign the tank so that it sits flush on the bowl.
  4. Retighten the bolts by hand first, and then use a wrench to give them a small quarter turn until the tank feels secure.

Make sure to check that the tank is level and sits evenly on the bowl. If done correctly, the wobbling should stop.

Worn or Deteriorated Rubber Gaskets

Over time, the rubber gaskets that help seal the tank to the bowl and provide stability can wear out or deteriorate. These gaskets are designed to cushion the connection between the tank and the bowl, preventing movement and leaks. However, like most rubber components, they can become brittle, crack, or shrink due to age, frequent use, or exposure to water.

Signs of Worn Gaskets

You can tell that the gaskets are worn out if:

  • The toilet tank wobbles even after tightening the bolts.
  • You see water leaks around the connection between the tank and the bowl.
  • There’s a visible gap or unevenness where the tank meets the bowl.

Replacing the Rubber Gaskets

Replacing worn gaskets is relatively simple:

  1. Turn off the water supply and empty the tank.
  2. Unscrew the bolts that connect the tank to the bowl and gently lift the tank off the bowl.
  3. Remove the old gaskets and replace them with new ones. Make sure you buy the right size and type for your specific toilet model.
  4. Reassemble the toilet, ensuring that the new gaskets are seated properly between the tank and the bowl.

Once the gaskets are replaced and the bolts are tightened, your toilet tank should be more stable, and the wobbling should stop.

Uneven Flooring or Toilet Installation

Sometimes the problem isn’t with the toilet itself but with the flooring or the way the toilet was installed. An uneven floor can cause the toilet to sit unevenly, which may make the tank wobble when you use it.

How to Identify Uneven Flooring

To check if your toilet is wobbling due to an uneven floor:

  • Place a level on top of the toilet tank to see if the tank is sitting level.
  • Check around the base of the toilet for any visible gaps between the toilet and the floor.

If the floor is uneven, the toilet may not have been installed with enough shims or leveling materials to keep it stable. This can cause the entire toilet, including the tank, to move when pressure is applied.

Fixing an Uneven Toilet Installation

Here’s how you can fix this issue:

  1. Turn off the water and drain the toilet.
  2. Gently lift the toilet and place shims or leveling pads under the base to ensure it sits evenly on the floor.
  3. Reinstall the toilet, making sure it is level and securely in place.

If you’re uncomfortable lifting the toilet on your own, a professional plumber can help with the process. Once the toilet is properly leveled, the tank should no longer wobble.

By addressing these three additional issues—misaligned tank and bowl, worn rubber gaskets, and uneven flooring—you can ensure that your toilet tank stays stable and secure, preventing further wobbling and potential damage. Regular inspections and maintenance of your toilet can help catch these issues early before they lead to more significant problems, such as leaks or cracks.

Is Your Toilet Tank Supposed to Wobble?

No, your toilet isn’t meant to wobble. It’s supposed to be sturdy and hold your weight comfortably. If your toilet is wobbly, you can check if some of the issues we’ve mentioned above might be the cause. If they are, you can try to DIY and if not, make sure you call on a professional plumber to fix it. 

A wobbly toilet might have leaks, and water damage can be costly to repair. The sooner you get it fixed, the better for your pocket and your valuables.

How Tight Should the Toilet Tank Be?

Porcelain toilets are pretty brittle. So, ensure you should tighten toilet tank bolts very carefully. The best way to ensure you’re tightening the tank bolt nuts is to hand-tighten them, then make a quarter-inch turn on each nut using a wrench. 

Once you’ve tightened the nuts, ensure the tank isn’t leaking or wobbling. If it isn’t sealing water or seems a little loose, tighten the bolts gradually. All the bolts should be equally tightened so that there isn’t any stress that could cause cracks on your toilet. Observe the tank for 24 hours and if it’s still leaking, tighten the bolts carefully until it doesn’t leak anymore.

Over-tightening the toilet tank bolts can cause cracks in the tank because of the brittle nature of porcelain. Porcelain can’t flex, nor can it bend, so if you crack the tank, you will have to replace it or fill up the broken part depending on the extent of the crack. Remember to work slowly and use a small wrench when tightening the bolts. 

Can You Tighten a Toilet Tank?

Yes, you can DIY a toilet tank tightening. You only need an adjustable wrench and a screwdriver. It might seem intimidating, but you shouldn’t be daunted by the thought of fixing your toilet tank. As long as you follow the advice we’ve given you above on over-tightening the tank, you should be OK. Here are some tips for how to tighten your toilet tank.

Using Rubber Washers

You can find toilet tank bolt kits in hardware stores or online. Most of them include rubber washers. If you can, get a few extras to ensure you have more. You will need a rubber washer in between a metal or plastic washer that’s pressed against a porcelain toilet tank when you tighten the bolt.

  • Place the rubber washer against the toilet tank bottom. It should come between the metal flat washer and the bolt.
  • Place a rubber washer outside the toilet tank against the porcelain. It should be followed by the metal washer and then held in place by the nut.

This system allows you to have a rubber washer inside the toilet tank and the bottom of the flange where the tank and bowl connect. Rubber washers flex slightly once you begin tightening and absorb any strain that could cause cracking. 

Hand-tightening and Quarter-Turn

Once you’ve put the washers in place, it’s time to thread the nuts into the bolts. First, use your fingers to turn the nuts and tighten them. Do the same with all the bolts. You might have to do this twice or thrice, depending on the toilet model you have.

  • Use your hands to thread the nuts onto the bolts
  • Use your fingers to tighten all the nuts and bolts
  • Once the nuts are tight enough, use a wrench to make quarter turns on each of them gently
  • You can achieve a quarter turn on each nut by turning it to 90° using the wrench. 

Can You Over-Tighten a Toilet Tank?

Yes, you can easily over-tighten a toilet tank if you aren’t careful. Most of the time, you will only need to use your fingers to tighten the nuts and maybe one quarter-turn. Remember that you shouldn’t put too much strain on your toilet tank.

The bolts between the toilet tank and the toilet bowl are only there to ensure the rubber seal between these two parts is leak-proof. Keep in mind that:

  • You don’t have to tighten the tank bolts too much. They aren’t made to bear too much strain.
  • The bolts are there to create a seal where the toilet bowl and tank meet.

Keep in mind that your bolts should be tight enough to do the job without causing strain to the toilet tank and the ceramic toilet base.

 

Have White’s Plumbing Solve The Issue

If you are still having trouble with your toilet tank wobbling, maybe you should consider contacting professionals. We can solve all of your plumbing issues here at White’s Plumbing. We are here to serve the Triangle area in North Carolina. Don’t hesitate to call today!

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