Receiving Helpdesk

why wont my toilet seat tighten

by Jaycee Swaniawski Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Part of a video titled How to fix a loose toilet seat - YouTube
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These bolts are loose and once tightened the toilet seat won't slide around the toilet bowl anymore.MoreThese bolts are loose and once tightened the toilet seat won't slide around the toilet bowl anymore. The first thing I need to do is remove the plastic covers that are over each bolt.

Full Answer

Why won’t my Toilet Seat stay up?

The most common reason for a seat that won’t stay up is that it’s installed too far back, especially if it’s not installed by a professional plumber. Basically, the angle between the seat and the bowl needs to be beyond 90 degrees or it will fall down.

Are toilet seats supposed to be tight or loose?

If the toilet seats has plastic bolts, then the wingnuts are normally hand tight. Toilet seats with metallic bolts have nuts and washers and are adjusted using a flathead screwdriver and a wrench. Some metallic bolts however use wingnuts which do not need a wrench to tighten. Check your toilet seat carefully.

How do you tighten a toilet seat that won't stay up?

If necessary, you can tighten the mounting nut from underneath. From under the bowl, turn the toilet seat nuts clockwise until they are tight. A ratchet wrench with a deep socket is usually the easiest way to tighten these bolts, but an adjustable wrench can also be used. Replace the Bolts (Optional)

Why do my toilet seats have loose nuts?

This might happen due to the loose nuts and bolts that connect your toilet seat with the surface of your toilet. The nuts often get loose because of frequent uses or maybe the quality of the nuts is not good. Some people use plastic nuts, which can also be a reason. So, using metallic nuts can work like a charm.

What does it mean when a toilet seat is loose?

How to fix a slow close toilet seat?

What is skirted toilet?

What is a top fixing toilet seat?

How to tighten a quick release toilet seat?

How are toilet seat bolts secured?

What are toilet seat bolts?

See more

How do I stop my toilet seat from moving sideways?

How to Fix a Loose Toilet: Locate and install seat stabilizers. Then install a set of toilet seat stabilizers, such as Safe-T-Bumpers. Loop the rubber band around the toilet seat and center the stabilizers so they touch the inside rim of the bowl. Drill a starter hole and secure the stabilizers with screws from the kit ...

How do you tighten a toilet seat?

Tighten From Below From under the bowl, turn the toilet seat nuts clockwise until they are tight. A ratchet wrench with a deep socket is usually the easiest way to tighten these bolts, but an adjustable wrench can also be used.

How do I keep my toilet seat screws tight?

Using your fingers or a broad tip screwdriver, turn the bolts clockwise to tighten. If the bolts spin and don't tighten, you'll need to use pliers to grip the nut on the underside of the toilet while turning the top of the bolt with a screwdriver. Tighten until the seat stops wiggling.

How do you tighten a toilet seat with conceal fittings?

2:093:10How to fix a toilet seat with hidden fixings - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can see there there's a little screw on the top. And we need to tighten up that screw. So we canMoreYou can see there there's a little screw on the top. And we need to tighten up that screw. So we can take a phillips head screwdriver. Tighten that one up nicely. Once we're done we can put our cap.

Why does my toilet seat keep getting loose?

A. Toilet seats often wobble because the holes in the toilet-bowl rim are larger than the diameter of the bolts, allowing movement that eventually makes the nuts loose. Tightening the nuts seldom works very well.

How do you fix a toilet seat hinge?

0:031:23Fix loose toilet seat - replace hinge bolts - EASY DIY - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd take off the nut these pieces go through the top. And this piece will connect on the bottom. AndMoreAnd take off the nut these pieces go through the top. And this piece will connect on the bottom. And if you look it takes a screwdriver.

How do you keep a nut from unscrewing?

Nylon or metal inserts inside a nut (sometimes called a “lock nut”) can add extra friction to prevent loosening. A related idea is to fit a spring inside the nut, which firmly grasps the bolt threads and is designed to move in the opposite direction of the nut if vibration or other forces cause it to unwind.

How do you tighten a toilet seat with a metal hinge?

0:211:11Metal Hinge Installation - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipReach under the bowl and thread the nut onto the bolt finger tighten the nut as firmly as you canMoreReach under the bowl and thread the nut onto the bolt finger tighten the nut as firmly as you can finish by checking your work and making sure the seat is set straight and works easily.

How do you tighten a toilet seat with no access underside American standard?

STEP 1: Begin by lifting up the seat, and simultaneously press the buttons and pull up to remove it. STEP 2: Remove the hinge covers. STEP 3: Using a screwdriver, tighten the screws – be careful not to overtighten. STEP 4: Replace the hinge covers, and place the seat back onto the toilet hinges.

Are toilet seat fittings universal?

No, not all toilet seats fit the same because toilets come in a variety of different shapes, so you'll need to check yours before buying. There are three types of toilet shapes commonly found in UK homes. These are round, D-shape, and square seats.

How do you tighten a loose toilet seat UK?

0:071:27Fixing a loose toilet seat - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then we tighten up the screws. On the toilet seat right make sure you don't do up let's theMoreAnd then we tighten up the screws. On the toilet seat right make sure you don't do up let's the screws too tightly. Okay make sure it's nice and adjusted. So it's in line with the pan.

How to tighten a bolt that is not tightening?

If bolts fail to tighten, try holding the nut at the base of the bolt in place with a pair of pliers in one hand while turning the bolt clockwise with the screwdriver in the other hand. Once again, take care not to go too far and damage the bolt or strip it; once it stops turning, you’re done.

How to cut off a bolt that won't budge?

If the bolts are frozen in place and just won’t budge, cut them off with a miniature hacksaw. Place the saw blade just beneath the bolt’s head and saw slowly until you’ve gone all the way through the metal.

What causes a toilet seat to loosen?

A loose toilet seat is a common problem caused by the constant opening, closing, and sitting that eventually loosens the bolts securing the seat to the body of the toilet. As DIY home repair projects go, it is about as easy as it comes—all that's required, usually, is a screwdriver. On rare occasion, you might need pliers, ...

How to tighten toilet seat nuts?

If necessary, you can tighten the mounting nut from underneath. From under the bowl, turn the toilet seat nuts clockwise until they are tight. A ratchet wrench with a deep socket is usually the easiest way to tighten these bolts, but an adjustable wrench can also be used.

Introduction

Tighten a loose or wiggly toilet seat with inexpensive rubber bushings and seat stabilizers. It's a 15-minute fix that'll last for years.

The basics of toilet seat repair

Forum reader “tank_military” asked for advice on keeping a toilet seat tight for more than a few months at a time. Another forum member advised that he change out the plastic toilet seat bolts to steel. We think that’s just a temporary fix too.

How to Fix a Loose Toilet: Install rubber bushings

To begin remove the toilet seat nuts and insert the rubber bushings. Install the rubber bushing with the tapered side facing up toward the toilet seat. Then use the tightening tool from the kit to snug up the nut.

What is the difference between a round and elongated toilet seat?

There are two standard commercial toilet seat shapes: round and elongated. The round seats are perfectly round, while the "elongated" seats are oblong and egg-shaped. Buy the seat that matches your bowl. Try to find a seat made by the same company that manufactured your toilet to fit it perfectly.

What kind of screw do you use to put a toilet seat on?

Then, use a small screwdriver to pry up both the seat and the cover. In cheap toilets, the screws are made of plastic. Most toilets, however, use steel screws, and more expensive models may even use brass or stainless steel. Be especially careful with plastic screws!

What is the righty tighty lefty loosey?

Remember: "righty tighty, lefty loosey.". There's usually a nut with a wing attached to prevent the nut from turning. If there isn't, hold the nut with a rag while you tighten the bolt. Decide which screwdriver is the best fit. Make sure that the screwdriver head is big enough to fit into the notches of the bolt head.

How to stop a bolt from turning?

If the bolt keeps turning without tightening up, clamp the nut underneath with a small pair of pliers. Clamp onto the end of the nut, and hold it steady as you screw the bolt. Once you have twisted the bolt several times, the wing on the nut should prevent it from turning anymore.

Why won't my bolt turn?

Make sure that the screwdriver head is big enough to fit into the notches of the bolt head. If the screwdriver is too small, then the bolt will not turn. The friction from the slipping screwdriver will quickly wear down the bolt and make it unusable. ...

What are the two types of toilet seats?

If you just want to replace the seat completely, remember that there are only two types of toilet seats: round and elongated. Look at the front of the toilet is it round or egg shaped (elongated). The box should clearly state which one it is.

Can you replace a toilet seat after tightening it?

If the bolts are damaged or the toilet seat is still loose after you tried tightening it, then you may just want to replace the individual pieces but leave the seat intact. If the body of the seat itself is in poor shape, however, then you may just want to swap it out for the sake of longevity.

Toilet seats with bottom fixings

These types of toilet seats are fitted from the top and tightened from underneath, usually with wing nuts.

Toilet seats with top fixings

These toilet seats work by feeding two bolts into the pan, which are then tightened on top. Most modern toilets come with this installation as they are decently easy to remove for cleaning and replacements.

Toilet seats with quick release

Toilets with the quick release technology are removable with the press of a button and attached just as easily.

Toilet seats featuring metallic bolts

To identify, look at the bolts connecting the seat to the toilet bowl. Toilet seats with these bolts usually come loose a lot less often as the metal can be screwed in tighter.

Toilet seats featuring plastic bolts

Once again, you can identify these by looking at the bolts connecting the seat to the bowl. These bolts come loose easier than the metal ones since they can’t screw in as tight.

Hidden screws – Something to look for

Before you start, make sure to check for hidden screws or joint bolts. These will usually be hidden from plain sight or in obscure places.

Directions

It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Check the seat for any of those hidden screws and obvious screws you could have missed.

Why does my toilet seat fall back?

Toilet Lid is Too Thick. If the combination of your lid and seat is too thick, it might cause the seat to fall back, especially if you have a cover on your seat or lid. You should first try to remove the cover and see if the problem is solved.

Why won't my seat stay up?

The most common reason for a seat that won’t stay up is that it’s installed too far back, especially if it’s not installed by a professional plumber. The angle between the seat and the bowl needs to be beyond 90 degrees or it will fall down. However, you can easily fix that problem. First, loosen the lid by loosening the screws ...

How to fix a toilet that is not level?

If it’s not level, you will need some toilet wedges to fix the problem. Simply slide them below the toilet, but make sure to do it in the front of the unit. It will give you some extra angle and will probably fix the problem. However, make sure not to push wedges too hard or fast to prevent damage to the wax ring.

What happens if your toilet is not level?

Toilet Not Level. If your toilet is not level, there are high chances that the seat won’t stay up. To be completely sure, find a level and put it on a closed lid. If you don’t own a level, you can download a level application on your phone. If it’s not level, you will need some toilet wedges to fix the problem.

How to fix a loose screw?

To fix it, you should start by checking if the screws are loose. It might be caused by wearing due to everyday use, or due to residue build-up. First, remove the screws with a screwdriver, but if the screws spin, you should use a wrench and pliers to hold them in place.

Can you move a toilet seat?

If the size is not correct, the spacers might slip and cause the seat to move. Note that toilets can be either round or elongated. If you bought an elongated seat for a round toilet or vice versa, it will definitely move. In that case, you can only try buying a completely new seat.

Can you push wedges too hard?

However, make sure not to push wedges too hard or fast to prevent damage to the wax ring. If you damage it, don’t be surprised by the potential leakage. Once you install the wedges, use the level and check again. If it’s still not working, we have another possible solution to the problem.

What does it mean when a toilet seat is loose?

A loose toilet seat is characterized by sideways movements as a result of loosening of the fixings that attach it to the toilet bowl. Loose toilet seats should be tightened as soon as they start to wobble otherwise they will break. Toilet seats are attached to the toilet bowl using bolts, wingnuts and washers. ...

How to fix a slow close toilet seat?

A slow close toilet seat is either a top fixing or bottom fixing type. To start off, remove the plastic tabs that cover the head of the seat bolts. If it is a bottom fixing seat, hold the nut underneath the bowl with your hand and tighten the bolt with a screwdriver by turning clockwise.

What is skirted toilet?

A skirted toilet is a toilet with a concealed trapway. It therefore has no way of accessing the underside of the toilet bowl to tighten the nuts. This toilet therefore uses top fixing toilet seats. To tighten a top fixing toilet seat, remove the plastic tabs covering the toilet seat bolt to expose the head of the bolt.

What is a top fixing toilet seat?

A toilet seat with metallic bolts can either be a top-fixing type or a bottom fixing type. Top fixing toilet seats are easier and more comfortable to tighten than bottom fixing toilet seats.

How to tighten a quick release toilet seat?

To tighten a quick-release toilet seat, remove the plastic tabs covering the bolts to expose the toilet bolt head. If it is the bottom fixing type, hold the wingnut underneath the bowl with your hand and tighten the bolt using the screwdriver with your other hand.

How are toilet seat bolts secured?

A toilet seat is held in place and secured to the toilet by 2 bolts at the back of the toilet bowl. In most cases, the toilet seat bolts are concealed by plastic tabs.

What are toilet seat bolts?

The toilet seat bolts are used to tight the toilet seats by the use of nuts and sometimes washers. If the toilet seats has plastic bolts, then the wingnuts are normally hand tight.

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