To prevent the toilet seat from sliding around, you will need to know the type of toilet seat you have and the type of screws used to hold it in place. Especially when it comes to materials, because if you tighten plastic screws too tightly, for example, you can risk snapping them under excessive pressure. Our guide will explore this further, showing you how to tighten toilet seats, how toilet seat fittings vary for old and new models of toilets, and more.
Table of contents:
Why you should fix your loose toilet seat
A toilet seat moving around isn’t just uncomfortable to use. It’s also a potential safety hazard. Children or elderly people, in particular, might fall and seriously injure themselves. Whether you own your home or rent, a loose toilet sink must be dealt with sooner or later, especially if you live in a large household. Luckily, a wobbly toilet seat is quick and easy to deal with.
How to fix a loose toilet seat
So you need to stop the toilet seat from moving. Here’s what you need:
- Gloves
- Wrench or pliers
- Slotted Screwdriver
Now you’re all set to fix the wobbly seat!
Important: Before you get to work, ensure you wear gloves. Even a spotless-looking toilet is likely to have some dirt or germs somewhere. Most toilet cleaning products also contain large amounts of bleach and strong chemicals, which can irritate or damage your skin. So gloves are an extra precaution. Now onto the tightening process!
Now, most toilet seats are attached to the toilet with two long toilet seat screws that go through the porcelain. In many older models, these are typically mounted from the bottom rather than the top. You can easily check if you’re dealing with that type by looking at the underside of your toilet at the back.
Do you see any protruding screws? If yes, test to see if they’re loose. If so, centre the toilet seat and tighten the nut from below with a ratchet wrench or pair of pliers. You don’t need a specific toilet seat tightening tool.
Please note: Be extra careful when working with plastic screws. These are liable to snap if too much pressure is applied. This shouldn’t be an issue when working with steel screws.
Test the toilet seat to see if initial tightening has made a difference. If it’s still a little loose, tighten the seat bolts from the top. Start by finding the screws on the top. In these models, they’re typically found just behind the seat and covered with plastic flaps. Use a slotted screwdriver to lift the caps and then tighten the screws as necessary.
Pro tip: Don’t overtighten steel screws, as you might crack the toilet bowl.
I’ve tightened the screws. Why does my toilet seat keep moving?
If none of the previous fixes have worked and your toilet seat is still wobbly, you’ll probably have to replace the bolts. In that case, it’s a good idea to buy a toilet seat fixing kit. These come complete with everything you need to get the job done, including rubber washers you can fit underneath the bowl.
How to tighten a toilet seat with hidden fixings
Modern toilets typically have their fixings hidden in the design. If you have this particular style, you will need:
- Gloves
- Screwdriver (typically a Phillips screwdriver, but this will vary depending on screw types)
To tighten a toilet seat with concealed fixings, you’ll have to remove the toilet seat first. With the seat up, locate the release mechanism. More often than not, it’s a pair of metal buttons on the inside of the seat, directly above the wobbly metal caps. Other models might feature a single release button in the centre, but this design is less common. Either way, simply press the release mechanism and lift the seat carefully.
Then, take off the metal caps to reveal the screws next to the metal anchors. Ensure the anchors are evenly spaced so that the toilet seat isn’t crooked. Once you’re satisfied with their location, use a suitable screwdriver to tighten the screws.
Pro tip: Be careful not to overtighten to avoid damaging your toilet.
Finally, replace the metal caps and slot the toilet seat back into position, pressing down firmly until you hear the anchors click.
There you have it! A non-sliding toilet seat!
Final thoughts
With more and more toilets featuring a sleek design that elegantly conceals all fixings for a minimalist, contemporary look, many people are unsure how to go about fixing a loose toilet seat.
The good news is, as far as home repair DIY projects are concerned, this one is as simple as they come! Say goodbye to the uncomfortable and, frankly, dangerous wobbly toilet seat.
Now that you know exactly how to tighten a toilet seat with or without concealed fixings, all you need are a few basic tools, a pair of safety gloves and a few minutes of your time to fix this common issue like a pro.
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