How to Stop the Toilet Seat From Shifting Sideways

Tighten the toilet-seat bolts to prevent slippage.

A toilet seat attaches with two bolts to the porcelain commode in front of the water tank. The bolts, which prevent the seat and cover from slipping off, also provide a quick means of replacing a seat. When the bolts become loose--typically after repeatedly raising and lower the seat--the seat can shift sideways, causing an awkward surprise. Tightening the seat takes less than a minute using common household tools.

Things You'll Need

• Flat-head screwdriver
• Pliers

Instructions

1. Lower the seat and cover.

2. Pry up the two plastic flaps on the back edge of the seat, using the flat-head screwdriver to expose the slotted bolts.

3. Grip the nut on the underside of the commode with pliers while inserting the screwdriver into the slotted bolt on top.

4. Twist the screwdriver clockwise while holding the nut with pliers to tighten each bolt. The seat will no longer shift sideways.

References

• Handyman Teacher: Toilet Seat Hinges