How to Tighten Up a Loose Commode
Rusted or corroded bolts can cause your commode to come loose. You can secure the toilet to the floor by changing the wax ring and bolts. Removing the old parts and replacing them can be done without too much difficulty in about an hour. Tightening the loose commode yourself can save you time and money. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Drain pan
- Pliers
- Sponge
- Open-end wrench
- Hacksaw
- Towel
- Utility knife
- Putty knife
- Wax gasket ring
- Retaining bolts
Instructions
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1
Turn the water off to the commode at the shut-off valve behind the fixture and flush the toilet to remove the water from the tank. Place a drain pan on the ground below the water inlet hose at the bottom of the tank and unfasten the inlet valve from the tank with pliers.
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2
Remove any water remaining in the toilet bowl with a sponge and wring it out in the drain pan. Take the plastic caps off the top of the two retaining bolts on either side of the toilet base and remove the bolts with an open-end wrench. If the bolts are rusted, use a small hacksaw to cut the bolts off the base.
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3
Set a towel on the floor in front of the toilet and use a utility knife to cut the caulk between the floor and the base of the toilet. Lift the toilet off the toilet flange and set it on the towel.
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4
Clean any remaining gasket material from around the flange with a putty knife and towel and remove the old bolts from the side of the flange. Turn the commode on its side and clean any remaining gasket material from the bottom of the base.
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5
Place a new wax gasket ring on top of the flange and attach the two new retaining bolts to the sides of the flange. Set the toilet on top of the wax ring with the bolts sticking up through the slots in the base.
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6
Press down on the toilet bowl to seal the wax ring to the bottom of the toilet and place a washer and nut over both of the bolts. Tighten the nuts with an open-end wrench and attach the water inlet hose to the bottom of the tank.
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7
Turn the water shut-off valve on and let the toilet tank fill up. Verify that there are no leaks in the toilet tank and remove the drain pan and towels.
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Tips & Warnings
Always shut off the water supply to the commode before attempting to tighten up the fixture.
