How Do I Stop My Toilet Seat From Moving Sideways? 5 Simple Fixes
If you’re in the process of remodeling your bathroom or if you’ve moved into a new home, you may be experiencing an issue with your toilet seat moving sideways. The problem can be a nuisance, but it can also pose a risk to your safety and the safety of others in the bathroom.
The first thing you want to do is find out why your toilet seat keeps sliding and slipping. If it happens because of a faulty toilet seat, then you can try to repair or replace it. However, if it’s just normal wear and tear or age related issues, there are several simple fixes that can help you stop the seat from shifting.
1. Remove and Clean Your Toilet Bowl
Over time, your toilet bowl can become clogged with soap scum, limescale, dirt and other debris that accumulates on the inside of the bowl. This can cause the lid to open or close unevenly, which in turn can lead to a toilet seat that moves or slips. The best way to fix this problem is to thoroughly clean the toilet bowl with a disinfectant.
2. Tighten Your Bolts
One of the main causes of a toilet seat that slides or shifts is because of loose bolts. You can usually tighten these bolts from under the toilet using a screwdriver. This is an easy and safe fix, but you should check that the bolts are firmly secured before tightening them.
3. If the Bolts Aren’t Tightened Enough
You should tighten both of the seat’s bolts at least a few times per year. Alternatively, you can tighten them alternatingly to ensure that the seats are evenly tightened.
4. The Base of Your Toilet Can be Uneven
You can easily fix this by placing shims under the toilet’s base to level it out. Shims can be bought in kits from a home improvement store and will make your toilet more stable.
5. Use a Rubber Bushing for Each Seat Bolt
If your toilet seat has plastic or metal bolts, then you will need to tighten them. These bolts are designed to hold your seat securely, but they can loosen over time due to a variety of factors, including rust and moisture. Tightening the bolts with a wide-tip screwdriver will help them stay secure, but you might also need to add rubber washers.
6. Change Your Toilet Seat
If the above suggestions don’t solve the issue of a toilet seat that wiggles, then it might be time to purchase a new toilet seat. When the seat shifts or comes off too frequently, this is usually a sign that it’s broken or cracked and needs to be replaced.
7. If You Have a Slow-Close Seat
Some slow-close toilet seats that are falling down too quickly aren’t a sign of a leaky or clogged bowl, but instead indicate that the hinges are worn or broken. You can buy a replacement hinge and have it installed, but you might need to call the manufacturer for assistance.
