Stop a Wobbly Toilet Before It Turns Into a Leak

A toilet should not move. At all. Rocking breaks the wax seal under the base, and then every flush leaks a little water into the floor — the kind of damage you find out about way too late.

How to fix the wobble

1. Sit on the lid and rock gently to find which side lifts.
2. Slide plastic toilet shims (sold in packs at hardware stores) under the low edge until the rocking stops.
3. Trim the shims flush with a utility knife.
4. Snug the base bolts — firm, not gorilla tight, or you'll crack the porcelain.
5. Run a bead of caulk around the front and sides, but leave the back uncaulked so a leak shows instead of hiding.

If the floor itself is soft or spongy, that's rot — a bigger job that needs attention soon.