Composite plastic shims can definitely help with moisture, but just a quick heads-up—make sure your toilet flange isn't sitting too high or low first. I've seen folks shim toilets without checking flange height, and it ends up wobbling again in no time. Best bet: dry-fit the toilet first, check for rocking, then shim as needed. And don't forget to caulk around the base afterward...keeps moisture out and makes cleanup easier if disaster strikes again (fingers crossed it doesn't).
Good tips on checking flange height beforehand—I've overlooked that step myself once or twice and regretted it later. One thing I'm curious about though: when you're caulking around the base, do you typically leave a small gap at the back? I've heard some plumbers recommend this to help spot leaks sooner, but others say it's unnecessary. Wondering if anyone's had experience either way and noticed a difference in leak detection or moisture buildup...
I've actually tried it both ways myself. When we redid our bathroom a few years back, I left that small gap at the back because I'd read exactly what you're mentioning—that it's easier to spot leaks early. Honestly, I never had any issues with moisture buildup or mold, and it gave me peace of mind knowing I'd see a leak right away.
But then last summer, my brother-in-law helped me install a new toilet in our guest bath, and he insisted on sealing all around the base completely. He argued that leaving any gap could let dirt and grime build up under there. So far, no leaks there either (knock on wood!), but I do find myself occasionally wondering if I'd notice quickly enough if something did go wrong.
Now you've got me thinking... does anyone know if there's an eco-friendly caulk that's easier to remove or replace if you do need to check underneath later? Seems like that might be a good compromise between sealing fully and still being able to inspect occasionally.
I've actually used an eco-friendly caulk called Eco-Bond before, and it worked pretty well. It's water-based, non-toxic, and doesn't have that harsh chemical smell. Plus, it's fairly easy to remove if you need to check underneath later—much easier than the traditional silicone stuff. Just use a plastic scraper or putty knife, and it comes off without too much hassle. Might be worth looking into as a middle-ground solution...
I've never tried Eco-Bond specifically, but I did use something similar from another brand when we had a toilet disaster of our own last year. Long story short, my youngest decided flushing action figures was an Olympic sport... Anyway, the eco-friendly caulk was definitely easier to work with than the silicone stuff I'd used before. Like you said, no nasty fumes, and cleanup was way less of a headache.
Only minor downside I noticed was durability—after about a year or so, it started looking a bit worn around the edges. Not terrible, but something to keep in mind if you're looking for a long-term fix. Still, considering how easy it was to scrape off and reapply, I'd probably go that route again. Beats wrestling with silicone any day.