Last Updated on September 13, 2022 by acechapman
The bathroom is an integral part of our lives and a loose seat can cause serious discomfort. We will show you how to tighten your toilet seat even if it does not have underside access.
An average person spends about one hour and 42 minutes per week using the toilet. To be precise, it is one hour and 42 minutes per week of sitting in the toilet.
It can be confusing for people with no plumbing knowledge. Also, it can be difficult to know where to begin.
Different types of toilet seats
Toilet seats with bottom fixings
These toilet seats can be fitted from the top, and then tightened from below with wing nuts.
Toilet seats with top fixings
Two bolts are used to install these toilet seats. Then, the top is tightened by tightening two bolts. Modern toilets include this type of installation. They are easy to take out for cleaning as well as for a replacement.
Toilet seats with quick release
Quick-release technology allows toilets to be easily removed and attached with a single button.
You won’t need tools, unlike the previous two fixings. Thus, making it much easier to clean and reach difficult places.
Toilet seats with metallic bolts
Look at the bolts that connect the seat to the bowl. These bolts are less likely to come loose on toilet seats that have metal because they can be tightened more often.
One problem is that metal can corrode faster in a toilet environment, even with plastic covers. This can make it difficult to remove later.
Toilets With Plastic Bolts
These bolts connect the seat and the bowl. Because they don’t have to be screwed in as tightly, these bolts are easier to loosen than metal ones.
They can also break apart after being used. These are easier to clean and disassemble, however.
Before you start the process
Hidden screws – What to look out for
Make sure you check for hidden screws and joint bolts before you begin. They will be hidden in places that are difficult to see or in plain sight.
- You should check the hinges again for hidden buttons. They might not be obvious at first, but if you continue to move your hands around, you will eventually find them.
- Then, press the button to release the seat. You will find the bolts and screws for the securing bolts.
- You may have to remove or pry open some covers from certain toilet seats with metal bolts. These pieces are found on any toilet seat that has a round back.
These special covers are easy to spot if you know what you want.
Tightening Toilet Seat With Concealed Fittings
Tools you need:
- A wrench
- Flathead screwdriver to match the bolts on your toilet
- Flat-head gear
- Pair of pliers
- A crowbar to pry
- Protective accessories such as gloves and glasses
Directions
Check The Seat
It is always safer to be safe than sorry. You should inspect the seat for hidden screws or obvious screws that you might have missed.
You should not leave any items as it can make the process more difficult (you won’t be able to change the seat if there aren’t all the screws) or dangerous.
Re-align the seat
- You can save yourself a lot of headaches by re-aligning the seat before you go on to the next step.
- It is possible that the seat has shifted out of alignment as it has become loose. Place it back in the middle of the toilet seat.
- Then, grab some clamps or other tools to secure the seat.
- To ensure that your work is correctly placed, look at it from many angles.
- You should not continue to step three until your work is 100% complete.
Tighten the toilet seat bolts
- Grab your screwdriver and begin tightening the bolts. Continue tightening until the bolts reach their limit.
- You should not tighten them enough to cause damage.
- It’s essential that you choose the right size screwdriver to fit the bolts. This will also make your job easier.
- A screwdriver too small won’t tighten bolts correctly, and one too big will cause damage to bolt lines and reduce the bolt’s lifespan.
- It will end up being more costly in the long term.
Make sure to inspect the lid and seat again
- Once you are done tightening the bolts, cover them to check if they are still stable.
- Keep tightening if they aren’t. Next, look out for obstructions.
- Then, close the lid. It should close properly if there are no obstructions.
- To ensure durability, close and open the lid several times more.
- If there are no problems, you’re good to go!
You can always go back and fix any issues by going through the steps one more time. Check to see if there are any mistakes.
What should you do if the bolts aren’t tightening?
This is a sign that your bolts have become loose or damaged.
If they are damaged, you’ll need to replace them.
Check your screwdriver to make sure they aren’t damaged. You must also ensure that the bolts are the correct size.
There are two things you can do if you still have problems after reading this article. First, check all bolts and screws. Some toilets have them hidden in a way that makes them difficult to find.
If there are no hidden screws or a way to remove the seat, you will need to call a plumber.
How often should you replace a toilet seat?
There is no set rule about how often you should replace your toilet seat. A toilet seat should last between five and ten years. However, the lifespan of a toilet seat depends on its use frequency and material. Because they are more susceptible to cracking and discoloration than wood or metal, padded toilet seats tend to last the shortest.
There are two types of toilet bowls: the elongated or oval-shaped and the round shape that is shorter and more suitable for smaller bathrooms. Before you buy a new toilet seat, make sure to note which one you have. You might consider upgrading to a bidet seat with a longer bowl if you are looking for something more. These steps will help you make sure your replacement seat fits properly before you purchase a new one.
- Take measurements of your old seat.
- Take measurements of your toilet bowl, minus the seat, back-to-front and side-to-side.
- If your toilet is of a special size or shape, contact the manufacturer for a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you tighten the seat of a toilet on a skirted toilet?
A skirted toilet refers to a toilet that has a hidden trapway. The toilet bowl is not accessible from the underside. The toilet uses top-fixing toilet seats. In order to tighten a top-fixing toilet seat, take off the plastic tabs covering it to expose the bolt’s head. To tighten the bolt, use a screwdriver and turn it clockwise.
What is my toilet seat loose?
The constant opening and closing of the toilet seat every time someone uses it can cause the toilet seat to become loose. The bolts begin to move slowly as vibrations are caused by the toilet seat rubbing against the bowl.
How can you tighten a slow-close toilet seat?
Slow-close toilet seats can be either top-fixing or bottom-fixing. First, remove any plastic tabs covering the seat bolts’ head. If the seat is bottom-fixing, you will need to hold the bolt under the bowl in your hand. Then turn clockwise with a screwdriver.
If the seat is top-fixing, there are no nuts underneath the bowl. Simply tighten the bolt using a screwdriver. Make sure the toilet seat is correctly aligned with the bowl before you tighten it.
What happens if my bolts don’t tighten properly?
You should check if the bolts have been damaged or if you are using incorrect screwdrivers.
Wrapping Up
There are things you can do to prevent your toilet seat from falling apart so often. You can simply buy one of the seat-tightening kits available at hardware stores or home improvement shops. These kits include a few washers that you attach to the bolt between the toilet and the bottom of the toilet. Use the included tightening tool to tighten the bolt until it is snug.
And there you go. You have not only solved the problem but also prevented it from happening again.
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