Plumbing: Loose Toilet Issues
Toilets can become loose through regular use. The two main concerns with a loose toilet are an increased chance of leaks and the possibility of sewer gas entering the home.
Tighten Those Bolts
If a toilet is only slightly loose, tightening the bolts may be all that is needed, possibly with shims or caulk at the floor.
Consider a New Wax Ring
For a more serious loose toilet, the usual recommendation is to pull the toilet off its flange and reset it on a new wax ring. This is advised when the toilet has moved enough that the wax ring may be compromised.
Stop Any Rocking
Making sure the toilet is level and sitting firmly on the floor is key to keeping it from loosening again. Shims are sometimes needed so the toilet does not rock or move during use.
Tank Issues
Loose tanks are usually a fairly simple fix. Most toilets have two bolts connecting the upper tank to the lower bowl. Gently tightening those bolts, and sometimes replacing the washers that seal them, is often all that is required. A cracked tank or another defect that causes leaking may require a replacement part or a new toilet.