Symptoms
- Seat shifts side to side when sat on
- Seat lifts unevenly
- Hinges feel loose to the touch
- Clicking sound when weight shifts on the seat
Likely causes
- CommonLoose seat boltsThe nuts under the bowl holding the seat hinges have loosened from regular use.
- PossibleWorn or stripped plastic boltsPlastic mounting hardware can wear out and no longer hold tight even when turned.
- PossibleCracked hinge or mounting bracketA broken hinge piece can't be fully tightened no matter what.
What to do
- Lift the small plastic caps at the back of the seat hinges to access the bolts.
- Hold the bolt on top with a screwdriver while tightening the wingnut or nut underneath by hand or with pliers.
- Check both sides evenly so the seat sits level.
- Replace the entire seat hardware kit if the bolts are stripped or won't hold tight.
- Consider replacing the whole seat if the hinges themselves are cracked.
Tools and parts
- Screwdriver
- Pliers
Toilet seat hinge bolt kitSearch: “universal toilet seat hinge bolts”
When to call a pro
This is a DIY-only repair and doesn't typically require a plumber.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.