Toilet rocking or not sitting level

Free DIY guide — no sign-up required. Written by a qualified Gas Safe engineer.
DIY Friendly💷 £5£4020–45 min

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Most likely cause & what to check

1

Turn off the water and flush to empty the cistern before moving the toilet.

2

Check whether the pan is rocking because the floor is uneven, or because the fixing bolts have come loose.

3

Tighten the floor bolts carefully — over-tightening can crack the pan base.

4

If the floor is uneven, use plastic shims (wedges) under the pan base to level it. Do not use timber wedges as they absorb moisture and rot.

5

Once level, apply a thin bead of silicone sealant around the base of the pan to the floor — leave the back unsealed to allow any leak to show rather than pool under the pan.

6

If the toilet pan itself is cracked, it must be replaced.

🛠 Tools & materials you may need

Screwdriver Spirit levelPlastic wedges or plumber's repair putty

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