I've had mixed results with wax-free seals on uneven floors:
- They're definitely easier for repositioning and adjustments.
- But yeah, if the floor's noticeably uneven, wax tends to mold better and fill gaps.
- I usually shim the toilet base first to level things out—helps either seal type work better.
"I usually shim the toilet base first to level things out—helps either seal type work better."
Yeah, shimming's definitely the way to go. I've found composite shims hold up better long-term than wooden ones—they resist moisture and don't compress over time. Worth the extra couple bucks, imo.
Composite shims sound interesting, never tried them myself. I've always used wood because that's what my mentor showed me, but now you've got me wondering—do composite ones really hold up that much better? Wood shims can get pretty nasty after a few years, especially if there's any hidden leaks or moisture buildup. Might have to grab a pack and test them out on my next job, see if they're worth the hype...
"Wood shims can get pretty nasty after a few years, especially if there's any hidden leaks or moisture buildup."
Yeah, I've seen that happen more than once. I switched to composite shims about a year ago after a particularly ugly bathroom repair—rotted wood shims had turned into mush under the toilet flange, total nightmare. Composite ones seem to handle moisture way better so far. Still curious how they'll hold up long-term, but definitely worth giving them a shot next time you tackle something like this...
I've considered composite shims too, but honestly, the cost difference made me hesitate. Instead, I've been using plastic shims from the hardware store—cheap, easy to trim, and zero moisture issues so far. Had them under my vanity for about three years now, and they're still solid. Composite might be great, but if you're budget-conscious like me, plastic's a decent middle-ground solution...just my two cents.
