Why is My Toilet Not Flushing With the Floor?

A toilet that is not flush with the floor can be both annoying and potentially damaging. If the toilet is not properly secured and leveled, it can rock from side to side, which can cause water damage and other issues.

In this article, we will explain the reasons why a toilet might not be flush with the floor, and provide step-by-step instructions for how to fix the problem. We will also discuss the tools and materials you will need, and provide some tips for ensuring a successful repair.

Why is My Toilet Not Flushing With the Floor?

There are several reasons why your toilet might not be flush with the floor, including:

The Toilet Flange is Too High

As mentioned above, the toilet flange is the round piece of plastic or metal that connects the toilet to the drain pipe. If this flange is higher than the surrounding flooring, it can cause the toilet to rock from side to side. This can happen if the flange was installed incorrectly or if it has become damaged over time.

The Toilet is Not Properly Secured

If the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor are not tight or are missing, the toilet will be able to move around and will not be flush with the floor. This can happen if the bolts were not properly installed or if they have become loose over time.

The Flooring is Uneven

If the flooring beneath the toilet is uneven, it can cause the toilet to rock and not be flush with the floor. This can happen if the floor was not properly leveled during installation or if it has become uneven over time due to settling or other factors.

The Toilet is Old or Damaged

Over time, toilets can become worn or damaged, which can cause them to rock and not be flush with the floor. This can happen if the toilet is old and has been in use for many years, or if it has been damaged due to a plumbing issue or other accident.

In general, if your toilet is not flush with the floor, it is best to have it inspected and repaired by a plumber. This can help ensure that the toilet is properly secured and functioning correctly, and can prevent further damage or issues in the future.

Is It Important to Level the Toilet Higher Than the Floor?

The importance of leveling toilet highter than floor:

Prevention of Water Damage

One of the main reasons why it is important to level the toilet higher than the floor is to prevent water damage. If the toilet is not properly leveled, it can cause water to leak out from the base of the toilet and onto the floor. This can lead to water damage to the surrounding flooring and potentially even to the underlying subfloor or joists.

Prevention of Rocking

Another reason why it is important to level the toilet higher than the floor is to prevent rocking. If the toilet is not properly secured and leveled, it can rock from side to side, which can be both annoying and potentially damaging to the toilet and the surrounding flooring.

Improved Comfort

Properly leveling the toilet higher than the floor can also improve comfort when using the toilet. If the toilet is not properly secured and leveled, it can be uncomfortable to sit on and can cause discomfort or even injury if it rocks while in use.

Proper Drainage

Properly leveling the toilet higher than the floor can also help ensure that waste water and sewage are properly drained from the toilet. If the toilet is not properly leveled, it can cause the waste water and sewage to back up or not drain properly, which can be both unsanitary and potentially damaging to the plumbing system.

Easy Cleaning

Properly leveling the toilet higher than the floor can also make it easier to clean the toilet and the surrounding area. If the toilet is not properly secured and leveled, it can be difficult to clean the base of the toilet and the surrounding flooring, as water and debris can easily accumulate in the gaps between the toilet and the floor.

Improved Aesthetic Appearance

Properly leveling the toilet higher than the floor can also improve the overall aesthetic appearance of the bathroom. If the toilet is not properly secured and leveled, it can appear unprofessional and unappealing, which can detract from the overall look and feel of the space.

Cons

One potential disadvantage of leveling the toilet higher than the floor is that it can be more difficult to install the toilet. This is because it requires more precise measurements and adjustments to ensure that the toilet is properly secured and leveled. Additionally, if the toilet is leveled too high, it can be uncomfortable to use and can cause difficulty when sitting down or standing up.

How to Fix My Toilet Not Flush With the Floor?

If your toilet is not flush with the floor, there are several steps you can take to try to fix the problem. These include:

Adjust the Toilet Flange

If the toilet flange is the cause of the problem, you may be able to adjust it to make the toilet more level. This can involve either raising or lowering the flange using shims or other spacers, or replacing the flange entirely if it is damaged or worn.

Tighten the Toilet Bolts

If the toilet is not properly secured to the floor, you may be able to fix the problem by tightening the bolts that hold it in place. This can involve using a wrench to tighten the bolts and making sure that they are evenly tightened to prevent the toilet from rocking.

Level the Floor

If the floor beneath the toilet is uneven, you may be able to fix the problem by leveling the floor. This can involve using a level to determine which areas of the floor are higher or lower, and then adding or removing material to level the floor.

Replace the Toilet

In some cases, the problem may be caused by an old or damaged toilet that is no longer able to properly sit flush with the floor. In this case, the best solution may be to replace the toilet entirely with a new one that is properly installed and leveled.

It is important to note that these steps may not work in all cases, and you may need to hire a plumber to diagnose and fix the problem if it persists. A plumber will have the knowledge and experience to properly assess the cause of the problem and determine the best course of action to fix it.

How to Rise Floor Level for Toilet?

To raise the floor level for a toilet, you will need several tools and materials, including:

• A piece of plywood
• A saw or other cutting tool
• A grease pencil
• Shims
• Mortar mix
• A straight edge
• A caulking gun
• Caulk
• A wax ring

You may also need a wrench to loosen and tighten the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor, and a level to ensure that the plywood and mortar are level. It is also a good idea to have a bucket and some water on hand to mix the mortar, as well as some gloves and other protective gear to avoid getting mortar on your hands and clothes.

To raise the floor level for a toilet, you will need to create a plywood form and fill it with mortar. This will create a raised platform for the toilet to sit on, which will help it sit more securely and level on the floor. Here are the steps for how to do this:

1. Place the toilet on the floor and make sure that it is not bottoming out on the floor flange. Use shims to raise the toilet slightly so that it is level and not touching the flange.
2. Measure all around the bottom edges of the toilet to determine the highest and lowest points. Add 3/8” to these measurements to ensure that there will be enough clearance for the wax ring.
3. Use a grease pencil to scribe the outline of the bottom of the toilet base onto the floor.
4. Cut a piece of plywood to the height that you need to raise the toilet, and then carefully cut out the center of the plywood using the scribe marks on the floor as a guide.
5. Place the outside portion of the plywood on the floor and use shims to level it.
6. Mix some mortar to a stiff consistency and pour a 3” ring of it inside of the plywood form. Use a straight edge to level the mortar with the top of the plywood.
7. Remove the plywood form and place the cutout piece on the mortar bed, aligning it with the scribe marks on the floor. Work the mortar around the edges so that it has vertical sides, and make sure that it is slightly smaller than the base of the toilet so that none of the mortar will stick out.
8. Let the mortar dry completely.
9. Install the toilet on the mortar base, making sure to use a wax ring to seal it.
10. Once the toilet is installed, use caulk to seal the bottom of the toilet, matching the caulk color to the color of the toilet.

By following these steps, you can create a raised platform for your toilet to sit on, which will help it sit more securely and level on the floor. This can help prevent water damage, rocking, and other issues that can occur when a toilet is not properly secured and leveled.

Things You Should Take in Mind

When working with a toilet that is not flush with the floor, there are several things you should keep in mind to ensure a successful repair. These include:

1. Measure carefully: It is important to carefully measure the toilet and the surrounding flooring to determine the cause of the problem and the steps you need to take to fix it. This will help ensure that you raise the floor level to the correct height and that the toilet is properly secured and leveled.
2. Use the right materials: It is also important to use the right materials for the job, such as high-quality plywood and mortar mix. This will help ensure that the raised platform you create is strong and durable, and will not break or crumble over time.
3. Work carefully and slowly: When cutting the plywood and mixing the mortar, it is important to work carefully and slowly to avoid making mistakes or damaging the materials. This will help ensure that the raised platform is properly formed and will support the weight of the toilet.
4. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions: If you are replacing the toilet or the toilet flange, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure that the toilet is installed correctly and will function properly.
5. Protect yourself and your home: Finally, it is important to protect yourself and your home while working on the toilet. This can involve wearing gloves and other protective gear to avoid getting mortar or other materials on your hands and clothes, and cleaning up any spills or messes to prevent damage to the floor or surrounding areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some reasons why a toilet might not be flush with the floor?

• The toilet flange is too high
• The toilet is not properly secured
• The flooring is uneven
• The toilet is old or damaged

How can I fix a toilet that is not flush with the floor?

• Adjust the toilet flange
• Tighten the toilet bolts
• Level the floor
• Replace the toilet

What tools and materials do I need to raise the floor level for a toilet?

• Plywood
• A saw or other cutting tool
• A grease pencil
• Shims
• Mortar mix
• A straight edge
• A caulking gun
• Caulk
• A wax ring

Are there any safety considerations when working on a toilet that is not flush with the floor?

Yes, it is important to protect yourself and your home while working on the toilet. This can involve wearing gloves and other protective gear to avoid getting mortar or other materials on your hands and clothes, and cleaning up any spills or messes to prevent damage to the floor or surrounding areas.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a toilet that is not flush with the floor can be both annoying and potentially damaging. If your toilet is not properly secured and leveled, there are several steps you can take to try to fix the problem, such as adjusting the toilet flange, tightening the bolts that hold the toilet to the floor, and leveling the floor beneath the toilet.

It is also important to use the right tools and materials, and to work carefully and slowly to avoid mistakes or damage. By following these steps, you can fix a toilet that is not flush with the floor and ensure that it is properly secured and functioning correctly.