There are all sorts of common problems that can arise in a bathroom over the years, and a wobbly or loose toilet seat is one classic example. Seats can often come loose over time and this can be a frustrating issue to have to deal with, but it’s actually very simple to fix a loose toilet seat, and all you need is a simple screwdriver to get started. Let’s take a look at the process in a simple, step-by-step format.
Step 1
The first step is to locate the hinges of your toilet seat and see how and where exactly it connects with the rest of the toilet. Typically, toilet seats connect to the bowl by a pair of screws at the back of the seat. These screws can sometimes be in quite awkward and hard to reach locations, but with the right tools, you can usually find a way to access them. Most toilets will use steel or brass screws, but some will only feature plastic screws. The screws may be hidden beneath covers, but you can make use of a screwdriver to push them open.
Step 2
The next step is to align the seat in the right place. You don’t want to start tightening the screws and then find the seat is out of alignment, so make sure it’s nice and central. In many cases, loose toilet seats tend to wobble a little to the left or right, so be sure to take the time needed to get your seat in the right position. Ask another person to help out if needed in order to judge whether or not the seat is perfectly central before continuing.
Step 3
Next, it’s time to actually tighten those screws to get the seat more secure and fixed in place. Insert the screwdriver and turn in a clockwise direction to tighten the screws, making sure to keep the seat in that same central position and not accidentally knocking it back out of place as you work. It’s a good idea to take a look at the screws closely before you start trying to tighten them and finding the right size and style of screwdriver for the job. You may also find a nut on the underside of the seat which you can hold onto while you tighten the bolt to keep everything in the right position.
When To Buy A New Toilet Seat
If this process does not work for you, the seat may be damaged beyond repair. Your best option is to invest in a new toilet seat. You can find good quality toilet seats for affordable prices at local hardware or home stores, and you can follow the same basic steps as above or request the services of a plumber or handyman to get the new seat fitted.
