The base of a toilet should feel solid and steady. If the toilet rocks, shifts slightly when you sit, or makes a faint creaking sound, it might mean that the bolts or the floor area around it are not as secure as they should be.

A loose toilet can slowly break the wax or rubber seal between the toilet and the drain pipe. Once that seal is compromised, water and waste can leak out under the toilet with every flush. At first, it may just be a bit of dampness or a faint smell. Over time, it can rot wooden floors, damage tiles or create mould and stains below.

By occasionally checking – just gently testing for movement – you catch looseness early. Tightening bolts, re-seating the toilet, or replacing seals at this stage is far easier and cheaper than repairing structural damage later.

It’s a quick check that takes seconds but can prevent a very unpleasant and costly mess.