If you’ve ever experienced the frustration of a wobbly toilet seat, you know how important it is to keep the bolts anchoring it in place secure. There are several reasons why toilet bolts can start to spin, with rusted bolts being the most common culprit. Fortunately, this issue can be easily fixed by replacing the old bolts with new ones.
Ignoring a spinning toilet bolt can lead to bigger problems down the line, such as damage to both the bolts and the toilet seat. But with the right tools and technique, fixing this issue can be a stress-free process. In this article, we’ll explore the causes of toilet bolts spinning and provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to fix it.
What is the Purpose of Toilet Anchor Bolts?
Toilet anchor bolts are responsible for securing the toilet seat to the floor by attaching it to the toilet flange. Although they are small in size, they play a crucial role in keeping the toilet seat in place.
Why Your Toilet Bolts Keep Coming Loose?
If you have noticed that your toilet bolts keep coming loose, there are a few reasons why this may be happening. One of the main reasons is over-tightening the bolts. When you over-tighten the bolts, it can cause them to become stripped or damaged, which can lead to them coming loose over time.
Another reason why your toilet bolts may be coming loose is due to a wobbly toilet. If your toilet is not level or stable, it can cause the bolts to become loose over time. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as an uneven floor or an unstable toilet base.
Rusted bolts can also be a culprit. When bolts are exposed to moisture and oxygen, they can become rusted and corroded. Over time, this can cause the bolts to weaken and become loose, which can lead to water leaks and other issues.
To prevent your toilet bolts from coming loose, it is important to make sure that they are installed correctly. This includes drilling the correct size holes for the bolts and ensuring that they are tightened to the appropriate torque. It is also important to regularly check your toilet bolts for any signs of corrosion or damage, and to replace them as needed.
In conclusion, there are a few reasons why your toilet bolts may be coming loose, including over-tightening, a wobbly toilet, and rusted bolts. By taking the necessary steps to properly install and maintain your toilet bolts, you can prevent these issues and ensure that your toilet remains secure and leak-free.
How to Stop Toilet Bolts from Spinning?
If you have noticed that your toilet anchor bolts are spinning, it is important to fix the issue immediately to avoid further damage. Fixing the issue is not difficult, and you can easily do it yourself. Here are the steps you need to follow to fix the spinning bolt issue:
Step 1: Remove The Old Toilet Bolts
To fix the spinning bolt issue, you need to remove the old toilet bolts holding the toilet seat to the ground. If the bolts are still spinning, you can insert a screwdriver inside the hole to keep the bolts in a fixed position. Then, hold the bolts with pliers or an adjustable wrench and pull them out while removing the screwdriver simultaneously.
Step 2: Inspect The Hole Carefully
After removing the old bolts, inspect the hole carefully. Check for any debris in the hole and clean it thoroughly with a cloth. Also, check the size of the hole to ensure it matches the diameter of the bolts. If the size is not big enough, you will need to drill the hole to make it bigger.
Step 3: Drill The Hole
To drill the hole, use a mini hacksaw or a drill bit to make the hole the same size as the bolts. Be sure to drill the hole straight to avoid any damage to the bathroom floor.
Step 4: Install Cleaned Old Bolts or New Bolts
Before installing the old bolts or new bolts, check to see if the bolts are still good. If the bolts are still good, clean them thoroughly and apply spray lubricant before installing them. If the bolts are damaged, replace them with new bolts.
When installing the bolts, use a rubber washer and a metal washer to prevent the bolts from spinning. Also, use plumbers putty or silicone sealant to seal the base of the toilet bowl to the toilet flange. Finally, install the plastic cap holder and the plastic cap to cover the bolts.
By following these steps, you can fix the spinning toilet anchor bolts issue easily and quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you want to prevent your toilet bolts from rusting, you can use brass or stainless steel bolts. Another way to prevent rust is to apply nail polish onto the bolt heads.
To fix toilet bolts spinning, you will need tools such as pliers, screwdriver, adjustable wrench, spray lubricants, plastic cap and cap holder, toilet bolts, washers, and nuts.
If you don’t fix the toilet bolts spinning issue quickly, it may damage the bolts and the toilet seat.
The two major causes of toilet bolts spinning are smaller holes and rusted anchor bolts.
To avoid these issues, you can hire a professional plumber to install your toilet or replace old toilets with new ones that have larger holes and better anchor bolts.
Conclusion
Fixing toilet bolts spinning issue is a simple task that you can do yourself with basic tools. It is cost-effective to fix it yourself rather than hiring a plumber. The essential tools needed for fixing this issue include a plier, adjustable wrench, screwdriver, and spray lubricants.
