Many of us have previously encountered a squeaky toilet seat, and this high-pitched noise is extremely annoying.
Besides being an annoyance, the squeaky noise indicates that there may be some problem with the noisy toilet seat. And if you leave it unattended, your toilet seat may become unstable and unsafe.
When your toilet seat starts squeaking suddenly, you should try to fix it as soon as possible. But if you have no experience with toilet repairs, you might not know how to do it.
That is why we have prepared this brief guide, where we discuss an easy process you can follow to stop your toilet seat from squeaking. Without waiting any further, let’s get started.
The Reasons Behind A Squeaky Toilet Seat
Before fixing a squeaky toilet seat, it is essential to know what leads to this problem in the first place. Once you identify the cause, resolving the issue becomes easier, so we have narrowed down the causes of a squeaky toilet.
1. Loose Fittings
This is probably the most common reason behind a squeaky toilet, as a toilet seat is attached to toilet bowl with the help of nuts and screws. A hinge connects the seat to the toilet bowl, which controls opening and closing.
If any of these components were to become a loose toilet seat, the contact points between the bowl and the seat would be compromised, causing the squeaking noise.
Also, the nuts and hinges become loose after extensive or improper usage, and when you keep using them despite the squeaking, they will loosen further. This will eventually make the whole toilet seat unstable, so if you sit on it at that point, you may fall and injure yourself, which makes it a safety risk.
2. Inadequate Lubrication
Another reason that may cause your toilet seats to become squeaky is the lack of lubrication in the joints. The toilet seat is attached to the bowl with hinges, nuts, and screws. Usually, these are lubricated to facilitate smooth opening and closing.
Since you will be using the toilet several times a day, the lubricant may dry up, which, in turn, will make the joints squeaky. It may also occur in a dry area since the lack of moisture will make the lubricant dry up faster than usual.
How To Stop A Squeaking Toilet Seat?
Fixing a squeaky toilet seat may be tricky, especially if you are not a DIYer. But trust us, it is pretty simple, and you can do it with some standard household tools.
The process that you can follow for this purpose has been described below.
Step 1
First, you will need to turn off the water supply to your toilet and close the toilet seat. That way, you won’t need to worry about water splashing onto your face or body.
Step 2
In most cases, the screws on the back of the toilet seat will be protected by a plastic cover. Using a standard screwdriver, gently pry the screw cover to expose the screws and bolts connecting the seat to the bowl.
You mustn’t apply too much pressure when opening the screw cover. The plastic structure is fragile and may break or crack under excessive force.
Step 3
It is time to locate the nuts that fasten the screws and bolts. They are typically located below the toilet seat and are hidden away from view. So, feel the bottom of the toilet seat with your hands until you find them.
After locating them, you need to secure them properly, and to do this, you will need to hold the nuts in place with a pair of pliers. Simultaneously, you need to tighten the screws and bolts on top of the seat with a screwdriver.
Do not tighten the screws too much, as this may crack the toilet seat, especially if it is made of plastic.
Step 4
Repeat the above step for the remaining screws and bolts on the toilet seat. After you are done, try to wiggle the seat slightly to ensure it has been properly attached. Then, put a little lubricant over the screws to reduce friction.
Step 5
Wipe any excess lubricant from the toilet seat with a rag or wet cloth. Then, reattach the screw caps and firmly secure them so they don’t come off.
Preventing Future Toilet Seat Squeaks
After fixing a noisy toilet seat, you can take steps to prevent it from squeaking again. Lubricate the hinges every few months by applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly or silicone-based lubricant. This prevents friction that causes squeaking noises when you open and close the toilet seat lid. Also, check the tightness of the bolts under the toilet seat monthly. Use a toilet seat tightening kit or wrench to tighten loose bolts to avoid wobbles and sounds. Consider installing rubber washers between the porcelain toilet bowl and bolts to allow slight movement without squeaking.
Another tip is to check the toilet tank bolts are fully tightened to stabilise the bowl and prevent the whole toilet from rocking when you sit on the seat. This movement can lead to annoying noises. Maintaining proper lubrication and tightness of all connections will keep your toilet seat quiet and prevent embarrassing squeaking sounds when you close the toilet seat. With regular maintenance, you can stop squeaks before they start.
Calling A Professional For Noisy Toilet Seats
While minor toilet seat squeaks can be fixed with DIY troubleshooting, there are times to call in a plumber. If the toilet seat feels loose or unsafe when you sit on it, the porcelain may be cracked or a bolt damaged.
Trying to force off a corroded bolt yourself could cause more harm. A professional assessment is needed if lubricating hinges and tightening bolts don’t fix the persistent squeaking or rocking. An experienced plumber has the expertise to inspect for any underlying issues causing noises and can replace the entire toilet seat if required. Don’t take risks trying to force repairs on a very unstable or corroded toilet yourself. Call a professional for help whenever the toilet seat makes excessive noise or seems hazardous to avoid damage or injury.
Fixing Your Squeaky Toilet Seat
A squeaky, noisy toilet seat can be annoying and disruptive. Luckily, it’s an easy fix you can tackle yourself with this step-by-step guide. Clean the toilet seat bolts and hinges to remove any dirt or build-up. Apply petroleum jelly or silicone-based lubricant to the bolts and hinges, being careful not to get it on the toilet seat itself. Tighten the bolts underneath the toilet seat if they are loose. This will secure the seat and prevent it from wobbling and making noises.
You can silence a loud, squeaking toilet seat with just a few basic tools and supplies. Properly lubricating the hinges and tightening loose bolts will resolve most issues with noisy toilet seats. Follow these simple steps to fix minor sounds and enjoy a quiet, properly functioning toilet seat again. With this straightforward process, you can remedy toilet seat noises and problems in less than 30 minutes.
If you have issues with your toilet or need a plumber in Sydney - speak to our team at Service First Plumbing today!
