When using the toilet, you would want to sit in a comfortable bowl. However, most people complain about their seats being too wobbly.
This can happen even to the best toilet seat, and a toilet seat replacement might suffice. Sometimes the bolts and nuts that solidify the seat on the bowl can have loose ends.
Simply fastening them can minimize or stop the shaking altogether. In this article, we will talk about how to tighten a loose toilet seat so that the next time you encounter one,you better know how to fix it.
Without further ado, let me share my knowledge on how to restrict the seat from unnecessary movements.
What Are the Factors that Make the Toilet Seat Unstable
There could be several reasons why a toilet seat moves when you sit on them.
Don’t worry, wobbling seats are pretty common, and they are fixable. I am here to discuss a few possibilities of why a seat moves and later talk about fixing them.
Maybe You Haven’t Set the Seat Properly
The first reason could be that the seat was not installed properly. If you observe the seat moving sideways when the toilet is newly fitted, then it is the improper installation to blame.
Check the Screws
Sometimes tightening the screws and bolts too tightly can cause unwanted movements, and too loose components can also be a pain in the neck.
We advise you to look closely and figure out the culprit. If the bolts are the problem, you can spot it right away.
Maybe You Broke Your Toilet Seat?
Daily wear can be another problem with toilet seats. Using the seat excessively can break it too. Things get worse if you don’t notice the crack.
Shutting the lid too hard can cause cracks in the seat and its attaching components.
Some models have enclosed compartments that hide the screws and bolts. In that case, pop opens the cover and scour the tightening materials carefully.
Prepping for the Fix
Before putting yourself to the main tasks, I advise you to clean your toilet properly.
Using sanitation wipes or antibacterial wash can take off the germs that stick to the surface of your toilet. I suggest you wear nitrile cleaning gloves to avoid any skin contact with potential bacteria and even cleaning agents.
Figure out the core of the problem and see if any screws or bolts are loose, which might eventually cause the frequent shifting.
Inspect for cracks and broken parts, if there are any. If the problem is too severe, then replacement is the only solution.
If it’s just the tightening components, then a simple tweak or new additions can work wonders.
How to Secure the Toilet Seat
After inspecting the problem and finishing the cleaning process, you are up to the real fix. The solution will depend on the severity of the issue.
Below you will find some crucial ways to secure a loose toilet seat.
1. For Loose Bolts – Tighten Them Using a Screwdriver
Toilet seats have a simple mechanism; they are attached to the bowl using bolts and nuts. The bolts go into the slotting on the back of the toilet bowl and are secured from the underside of the bowl.
If one or more bolts are loose, the seat can shake. In some cases, there is a cap on top of the connecting components, unlatch it with a hand or a flathead screwdriver.
Once you are there and have spotted the loose ends, it’s time to put your hands to the test. Take the screwdriver and run it in a clockwise motion to secure the bolts.
2. Locate Loose Nuts and Tighten Them With a Wrench
The bots can be patched in with nuts; in that case, you will need an adjustable wrench to hold the components tightly into their place.
To work on restricted space, you might need a socket wrench to have better reach.
3. Replacing the Worn-Out Components
Sometimes tightening the nuts and bolts might not solve the problem. In that case, you have to go and replace the critical components.
Having new bolts can solve the issue. Before that, look for the exact size that you need. The bolt measurement should be mentioned in the product specification.
If not, then seek help from a plumber. Grab new bolts and nuts that comply with the size and hook them into the slotting using the screwdriver and wrench.
4. Get a Seat Repair Kit
People who don’t have the necessary tools at their disposal should opt to purchase a repair kit. This is actually what the name suggests.
A kit that has everything you need to fix the toilet seat, starting from screwdrivers, wrenches, new nuts and bolts, and a few other critical tools.
Before finalizing the purchase, make sure it has everything inside and most importantly, if it is suitable for your toilet setting.
Some kits are dedicated to particular bathroom fittings, so talk to the store official and ask for assistance. Don’t be shy about it!
5. When Everything Fails – Replace the Seat
Extreme damages will need total replacement of the seat, so start by measuring the seat length and width and purchase a suitable one matching the readings.
Before removing the seats, make sure you have the necessary equipment like screwdrivers, nuts, bolts, and wrenches.
First, lift the seat cover and locate the compartment that has the bolts. In case it is covered, use a butter knife to detach the cap.
Once you are there, locate the bolt and use the screwdriver to loosen them. Use the wrench to undo the nuts as well. If done properly, every component should come off easily.
Remove the seat from the bowl and place it in the new one that you bought. Now reverse the whole nut and bolt fastening thing to secure the new seat in place.
Ways to Prevent Loose Toilet Seat
You are now familiar with securing loose toilet seats, but after that, it’s wise that you know about some solidifying methods to prevent them from going awry again.
- Placing Shims to Cover for Uneven Surface
Even if you’ve done a fine job tightening the bolts, it could be the uneven surface underneath your toilet that may bring back the seat movement.
Placing shims in uneven slots can work wonders to stabilize the toilet.
- Adding Seat Stabilizers to Restrict Wobble
You can purchase a seat stabilizer kit from home improvement stores. They are ideal for keeping the seat in position.
Mainly they are attached using screws or adhesives and are placed underneath the seat. You will have to drill holes and latch on the rubber strips, so I advise you to read the user guide for proper installation.
- Use a Soft Close Seat
Slamming the seat regularly can loosen the tightening components. So I would suggest you pick a soft close seat to minimize the damage.
These seats are made in a way to avoid noise and forced shutdown. No banging, no destruction!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I stop my toilet seat from moving sideways?
Adding seat stabilizers can be a worthy way to avoid sideways movement. Grab a seat stabilizer kit and follow the manufacturer’s directions to install them properly.
2. How do I tighten my toilet seat with concealed fittings?
Concealed fittings are usually slotted under plastic caps. Remove the cap using your hand or flathead screwdriver to get access to the fittings. Now use the necessary tools to fasten the bolts.
3. Why does my new toilet seat keep moving?
Toilet seats can move no matter if they are new or old. Older ones usually wear and tear over time, due to which the fastening components get loose. New fittings are known to show movement when the installation is done wrong. Make sure you have fastened everything properly to avoid unnecessary movements.
Final Thoughts
I hope my tips and tricks on how to tighten a loose toilet seat turn out to be helpful for you. If you ever come across a moving seat on your toilet, get yourself prepared with the necessary equipment and start fastening the loose ends.
It is fairly easy, and you should not need any help. If you are good with screwdrivers and have an understanding of how to use them, you can fix the movement in no time.
In case you are wondering why stress yourself when you can call a professional? I have to tell you that pro-people might charge 50-80 dollars just to fix your seat stability.
Whereas you, on your own, can work wonders without spending a dime on extra charges.
