One Simple Way To Stop The Toilet Seat From Shifting Sideways
There's perhaps nothing more irritating than a loose toilet seat, and getting it repaired is more than likely a huge priority. While calling a plumber or handyperson is always an option, there's a way to fix the problem yourself and could save time as well as money. There could be several reasons why the seat is shifting, but more than likely a loose screw or bolt is to blame. Rather than waiting around for someone to solve the issue, this quick solution will get your home's much-needed appliance back to normal.
Not only is a loose toilet seat annoying, but it can also create a hazard for anyone who uses it. When this important portion slides around, there's the potential that someone could fall off and injure themself. This common household repair issue can arise because of how much your toilet is used. It's no secret this is one of the most popular seats in the house, but in order to keep loved ones safe and the bathroom functioning, a loose piece is a big no no. Here's how to get everything back on track, and prevent further slips or incident.
Grab a tightening kit
Your toilet seat is constantly being raised and lowered, which will eventually lead to wear and tear on everything from the bolts to the plastic and screws. Investing in a toilet seat tightening kit, like this one from The Home Depot, can help prevent loose units, protecting everyone and making their bathroom visits more comfortable. Once you have the kit, you can get started on securing the bolts which sit between the seat and the bowl. These plastic devices are what connect the adjoining pieces, and are sometimes covered by pieces of plastic.
You can remove these with a screwdriver, and set them aside while you expose the bolt. Once you can see the bolt that holds the lid and seat together, take the screwdriver and use it to tighten each one, ensuring the seat is centered before doing so. Twist the bolts until they stop spinning completely. Over time, these items can loosen with use, so tightening them will stop the toilet seat from shifting.
Check the bolts and nuts
If you notice the toilet seat's bolts are continuing to spin without any resistance appearing, it could mean they need to be swapped out. Most kits come with new ones, and you can replace them easily with the tools at hand. Older bolts might also refuse to twist, which is another indication they need to be changed. There are several sizes of bolts for toilet seats (per The Home Depot), with perhaps the most common measuring 2-1/4 inches.
Once you've replaced those, it might be wise to check the nuts, which sit underneath the bowl. To tighten these, apply a wrench that can be adjusted to fit different pieces, and twist while also securing the bolt above with a screwdriver. Both of these need to be tight to prevent slippage, but are usually an easy fix. You don't have to be super handy to adjust a sideways-shifting toilet seat, and it can usually be repaired with a tightening kit, a screwdriver, a wrench, and a little muscle. Never underestimate the power and comfort of a tight toilet seat!