Tightening a loose American Standard toilet seat requires a few basic tools and some determination. You will need a screwdriver (a Phillips-head or flathead screwdriver will work) and some pliers or a wrench to loosen the existing mounting bolts.
Begin by removing the seat cover (if applicable). This can be done by unscrewing the bolts that are holding the seat cover in place. Once the cover is off, you will see four nuts. Loosen them all and then remove the seat.
Next, check the mounting bolts that are connected to the toilet bowl. The bolts will have either a Phillips-head or a hex head, depending on the age of the toilet. Loosen the mounting bolts by turning them counterclockwise with the Phillips-head screwdriver or by using the pliers or wrench.
When the mounting bolts are loosened, check the condition of the washers. If you find that the washers are damaged, replace them before continuing. Once the washers are in good condition, place the mounting bolts back into the toilet bowl and tighten the nuts until the seat is firmly secured.
After the mounting bolts are in place, place the seat back onto the toilet bowl. The seat should fit snugly against the bowl. If it is not tight enough, adjust the mounting bolts until the seat is securely fastened.
Finger tighten the bolts and then finish the job with a screwdriver or wrench.
Finally, reattach the seat cover, if applicable, and tighten the bolts until the cover fits snugly against the seat. You should now have a securely fastened toilet seat that is ready to use.
How do I stop my toilet seat from moving sideways?
There can often be some movement in your toilet seat if it has not been installed correctly. To fix this, you will need to make sure that your seat is attached firmly to your toilet. Depending on the type of seat you have on your toilet, there are a few different methods for how to do this.
If you have a plastic toilet seat, the seat should have two pieces that are connected either by metal screws or plastic hinges. To secure the seat more firmly, remove the screws or plastic hinges and reattach them, making sure they are tight.
If your toilet seat is made of wood, you will need to remove the bolts and washers that secure the seat to the toilet. Check to make sure the bolts are tight and see if adding some additional washers helps stabilize the seat.
If the above methods do not help, you may need to purchase a new seat which is designed to have a snug fit. Make sure the seat is designed to be compatible with your particular toilet model before purchasing.
Additionally, you can purchase a toilet seat stabilizer, which is a tool that you fit under the seat and helps to prevent movement.
How do I tighten my toilet seat with concealed fittings?
To tighten a toilet seat with concealed fittings, you will need to have a Phillips head screwdriver and a Crescent wrench or a socket wrench to complete the job. Start by removing the cover of the fittings.
You should see two metal bolts. One of them is visible and the other is concealed. Using the Phillips head screwdriver, unscrew the visible bolt and loosen the concealed bolt. You can then put the Crescent wrench or socket wrench over the metal bolt and tighten it.
Make sure to turn it clockwise until it is tightly secured. Finally, replace the cover of the fittings and you are done. If you find that the toilet seat is still wobbly, you can repeat the process until it is firmly in place.
Why wont the screws on my toilet seat tighten?
It is possible that the toilet seat screws are stripped. This can happen if the wrong screws are used, or if the screws are just old and worn out. If the screw heads are stripped, then the tool (typically a screwdriver or Allen wrench) cannot properly fit into the head of the screw and isn’t able to tighten it.
Additionally, if the screws and/or screw holes in the toilet seat are too tight, it can also prevent the screws from tightening properly. If the toilet seat has been replaced with a different model than the original, the new screws may not be the right size and will not properly fit into the holes of the toilet seat.
To fix the issue, you can either replace the stripped screws with new ones, or you can try to fill in the stripped areas of the screw with wood glue, then when the glue dries and hardens, try to tighten the screws again.
You should also make sure that the screw holes on the toilet seat line up with where the screws are supposed to be, and apply some lubricant, such as WD-40, to the screws to help ease in the tightening process.
Why is my toilet seat still loose?
First, it’s possible the screws that attach the seat to the toilet weren’t tightened properly when the seat was originally installed. If so, you’ll need to remove the seat and re-tighten the screws. Make sure to use the correct size screwdriver for the job and to tighten the screws as much as possible without stripping the threads.
It’s also possible that the screws have come loose over time due to wear and tear. If so, you may need to replace the screws and/or replace the toilet seat with a new one. If the screws are in good condition, you can try using a rubber washer or a powdered lubricant between the screw and the toilet bowl to achieve a snug fit.
Lastly, if your toilet seat is made of plastic, it’s possible that the material has become brittle over time and is no longer able to provide a tight fit. This may require replacing your toilet seat altogether.
It’s also possible that the hinges on the seat are faulty and need to be replaced. If none of the above steps work, you may need to consult a professional to determine what the exact cause of the loose toilet seat is.
What are the different types of toilet seat fittings?
The four main types of toilet seat fittings are standard, raised, soft close, and quick release.
Standard or Gravity Fitted Toilet Seats: Standard toilet seats attach to the toilet bowl with two metal hinges connected to the back of the bowl with two screws. This type of fitting is the cheapest and most widespread.
Raised Toilet Seats: These toilet seats are a bit higher than standard toilet seats and usually elevate the user by 4-6 inches. This type of seat is beneficial to those with physical limitations that make it difficult to get up from a seated position.
Soft Close Toilet Seats: These types of seats have hinges that are designed to reduce wear and tear by slowing down the closing of the lid and seat. This type of seat is ideal for children and those that are prone to slamming the seat down after use.
Quick Release Toilet Seats: These seats fit onto the bowl with four recessed bolts that allow the seat to be removed quickly. These seats are popular amongst households with small children and makes it easier to clean the bowl.
Are all American Standard toilet seats the same size?
No, not all American Standard toilet seats are the same size. American Standard manufactures a wide range of toilet seats in many different sizes. Some of the different sizes include round, elongated, and compact elongated.
These sizes are applicable both to regular toilets and bidet toilets. Additionally, each toilet seat model may also come in different colors and finishes. Many of the toilet seats manufactured by American Standard also come with adjustable hinges and seat heights, which provide additional customization options.
How do you make a toilet seat stable?
Making a toilet seat stable is a relatively simple process. First, start by measuring the width of the toilet seat, as well as its projected distance from the floor. Next, purchase an appropriate set of hardware, including mounting brackets, spacers, bolts, and screws.
Before beginning the move to attach the hardware, you’ll need to clear the area of any debris or dirt. Afterward, use a pencil to trace the bolts onto the wall behind your toilet seat. Then, use a drill to attach the mount bracket to the pencil lines.
After the bracket is securely in place, slide the spacer into it and move the toilet seat into place. Secure the seat with bolts and screws to the spacers. Finally, use a level to check that the seat is stable and even.
Make any necessary adjustments and you’ll have a stable and secure toilet seat installation.
How do you fix a screw hole that won’t tighten?
First, check to see if the screw hole is stripped. If it is, then you may be able to use a larger screw or use a wood dowel & wood glue to fill in the hole, and then drive the screw home. If neither of those options work, it may be necessary to use a dowel kit to replace the hole altogether.
You can buy dowel kits at most hardware or home improvement stores. The dowel kit will have several interchangeable pieces that you use to cut out the damaged area and replace it with a perfect fit. You will also need to use a good quality drill bit and a drill.
Once the new pieces are in place, you will be able to drive the screw in securely.
What do I do if my toilet screw is stripped?
If the toilet screw is stripped, the most effective way to resolve the issue is to use a ratchet and a screwdriver bit attachment. First, try using a screwdriver bit that fits the screw head size. If that doesn’t work, use a flathead bit of a slightly smaller size and try to fit it into the screw.
Then, use the ratchet to turn the flathead bit counterclockwise to loosen the screw. If the flathead bit slips out or isn’t able to loosen the screw, then try using a pair of pliers to loosen the screw instead.
Start by gripping the screw head with the pliers, then use the pliers to turn the screw counterclockwise until it loosens. If that doesn’t work, then the next best thing to do is to use a drill. Start by drilling a small hole along the perimeter of the screw head.
Then, use the flathead bit again and a ratchet to remove the screws. If the screw is still stuck, then the last resort is to remove the toilet and replace it with another one.
How do I know when toilet bolts are tight enough?
To know if toilet bolts are tight enough, you should start by first making sure the bolts are tight enough that the toilet is sturdy and won’t rock back and forth. When you’re first tightening the bolts, do so in a star pattern to prevent the toilet from becoming misaligned.
When you get to the point where the bolts feel tight, use a wrench to give an extra half turn on the bolts. You can use a tightness checker tool to confirm the bolts have been tightened enough, but if you don’t have one, the “tight enough” indication will present itself as resistance when giving the final half turn.
The most important rule is to never over tighten the bolts as this can cause the toilet bowl to crack or break and can damage the wax seal.
Can loose bolts on a toilet cause a leak?
Yes, loose bolts on a toilet can cause a leak. This can potentially lead to a lot of problems down the road if not addressed in a timely manner. Not only can it cause a water leak, but it can also damage flooring, tiles, and other components in the bathroom.
To avoid any of these issues, it is important to make sure that all of the bolts and parts connected to the toilet are properly tightened. If you have any doubt that the bolts are too loose, it is best to contact a professional plumber to come out and inspect the problem.
They will be able to diagnose the issue and provide the necessary repair or replacement parts to ensure that it is securely held in place.
Can you over tighten bolts on toilet?
Yes, you can over tighten bolts on a toilet. When the bolts are tightened too much, the toilet may become uneven or tip over. Overtightening the bolts on a toilet can damage the mounting surface, which could cause the tiles in the bathroom to become loose or crack.
In addition, if the bolts are tightened too much, it can put too much stress on the toilet’s base or seat and cause the bolts to break or become stripped.
To make sure you don’t over tighten the toilet bolts, use a wrench to tighten until you can’t turn it anymore. Then, back off the wrench and apply slight pressure by hand. You should be able to get the bolts snug without putting too much stress on the toilet.
Do toilets loosen over time?
Yes, toilets can and often do loosen over time. This usually happens when the toilet wax seal, which is responsible for keeping the toilet secure, gets worn out. Other reasons why the toilet might become loose include misalignments, damages to the floor, or shifts in the foundation which may occur due to settling of the house.
Unfortunately, a loose toilet is only going to get worse over time and could eventually lead to severe water damage if not repaired in a timely manner. If you have a particularly old toilet, it is important to regularly check it for signs of movement such as a wax seal that appears loose or worn-out.
Should signs of movement be present, it’s best to contact a professional plumber to inspect and repair the issue.
Are all toilet seat fixings the same?
No, all toilet seat fixings are not the same. Different toilet seat brands have various types of fixing, and some seats may have more than one type of fixing. The most common fixings are plastic hinges, metal hinges, tec screws, top fix and leg fixings.
Plastic hinges are the most standard type of fixing and are available in a variety of colours to match different coloured toilet seats. Metal hinges are more durable than the plastic type and may have a decorative finish such as a brushed nickel or chrome.
Tec screws are a type of fixing that are screwed into place once the seat is placed on the toilet and tightened with a nut and washer to hold it in place. Top fix and leg fixings are also available and require the toilet seat to be fitted from the underneath of the seat, rather than from the top of the seat.
It is important to select the correct type of fixing to ensure the correct fit of your toilet seat.