Q: We removed the tile in our bathroom and replaced it with linoleum. This left the toilet flange higher and now the toilet swivels and rocks. Should I worry?

J. Smoot, via E-mail

A: It's definitely a good idea to make sure your toilet stays put. One that swivels and rocks will tend to squeeze and push on the wax seal until it develops a leak, creating new problems. To fix the rocking, start by pulling the toilet and resetting it with a new wax ring, but don't tighten down the toilet bolts (plan on replacing these as well).

Set a level across the bowl's rim and tighten the toilet until there's just a bit of play between the toilet bolt's washer and the toilet's base. (If you tighten the bolts too much, you risk cracking the toilet during the next step.) Carefully level the toilet with some plastic shims like EZ-Shims (EZ-Shim at 800 772-0024). Break or cut the excess shim material and push the remaining shim under the base slightly so it won't interfere when you caulk around the base. Carefully tighten the toilet bolts and seal around the base of the toilet with a high-quality acrylic latex caulk or silicone sealant. For the complete toilet installation, see "How to Install a Toilet," Dec./Jan. '99, p. 67.

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