To keep your toilet bolts from spinning, you need to ensure that the bolt is secured to the floor. The most effective way to do this is to use a “washerless” or “locknut” toilet bolt. This type of bolt has a locking nut that fastens to the floor or the base of the toilet, preventing it from spinning or loosening.
You should also make sure that you have the correct size washers between the bolt and the floor or the toilet to prevent movement. Additionally, if you want to further secure the bolt, you could use a plumber’s putty and spread it between the base of the toilet and the bolt.
This will create a water-tight seal to prevent spinning.
How do you tighten a toilet base bolt?
To tighten a toilet base bolt, you will need to start by turning off the water valve located behind and below the toilet. Then, you will need to flush the toilet to remove the remaining water in the tank and bowl.
Next, you will want to unscrew the two toilet base bolts using a socket wrench. You can then use a towel to dry the area where the tank rests on the bowl. After that, you will need to insert a rubber washer and a metal washer onto the two toilet base bolts.
Then, you will need to thread the two nuts onto the two bolts and tighten them securely with a socket wrench. You may need to add plumbing tape or silicone sealant to the threads of the bolts in order to ensure a proper seal between the tank and the bowl.
Once everything has been properly tightened and sealed, you will then turn on the water valve to restore the water supply to the toilet before flushing it to check for any leaks.
Why does my toilet keep spinning?
If your toilet is spinning, it could be caused by a few different issues. First, it could be caused by a blockage in the toilet’s plumbing. Generally, if the blockage prevents water and waste from properly flowing, the toilet will spin when flushed or when someone uses it.
Another possible cause of the spinning could be the wax ring around the base of the toilet, which can become misaligned and cause the toilet to spin. Additionally, it may be an issue with the flooring itself.
Underneath your toilet, there may be loose flooring or even a rotted ground, causing it to spin when you step on it. Finally, if you recently replaced your toilet, the flange (the metal plate that holds the toilet to the floor) may not be secured properly.
To accurately diagnose the cause of the spinning, it’s best to contact a plumber and have them inspect it.
Should toilet flange bolts be loose?
No, toilet flange bolts should not be too loose. Toilet flange bolts help attach the toilet to the floor and keep it stable. But if the bolts become too loose, they can loosen the seal around the toilet, or even break off completely allowing the toilet to move and wobble.
Therefore, it’s important to make sure that the toilet flange bolts are tight enough to provide a secure fit and stable installation, but not so tight that they can damage the components or installation.
If the bolts are too loose, try using a wrench or adjustable wrench to tighten them slightly.
How tight should the bolts on a toilet be?
When installing or tightening bolts on a toilet, it is important to make sure that they are tight enough to keep the toilet secure but not too tight that it causes damage to the fixture. Generally speaking, it is recommended to hand-tighten bolts until they become firm but not to use additional tools such as pliers or wrenches.
If more force is required, use a rubber band or cloth between the bolt head and the tool to increase friction. This will prevent damaging the bolt head, bolts, nuts, or any other component. Additionally, applying some thread sealant will help ensure a secure fit and prevent leaks.
If a bolt is too tight, it could cause cracks or deformation. If too loose, it could cause shifting or wobbling, or even worse, leaking. Overall, aim to snugly secure bolts with hand-tightening, then use a small adjustable wrench to snug it a bit further, if necessary.
Should you caulk a toilet?
Yes, it is important to caulk a toilet to ensure that it is properly sealed and secure. This prevents any potential water leaks and helps to prevent odors and smells coming from the toilet. Caulking a toilet can be done in a few steps.
First, be sure to use a silicone caulk specifically designed for bathrooms and toilets, as it is made to be water resistant and mildew-resistant. Apply the caulk in a narrow, uniform line around the base of the toilet and press down firmly with a caulking tool.
Allow the caulk to dry before using the toilet. Lastly, use a damp cloth to smooth out any excess or rough spots as well as to ensure that the caulk adheres properly.
Why are my toilet bolts loose?
There could be a few reasons why your toilet bolts are loose.
The most common reason is that the bolts have come undone due to general wear and tear. Over time, the bolts can become loose or even fall out altogether. This could be caused by frequently moving the toilet, or heavy items bumping the toilet.
If your toilet is particularly old, the bolts may have corroded and become weak.
If your toilet is new or has only been recently installed, the installation itself could be to blame. If the bolts were installed incorrectly, or without the proper tightness and attention to detail, the toilet can become unsecure.
As the installation settles, the bolts can become loose.
In some cases, the problem might also be a harder issue, such as foundation problems. If your home is shifting or if the floor is uneven, this can cause the bolts to become loose. If this is the case, it might be time to call a professional.
How do you fix a loose toilet flange?
Fixing a loose toilet flange is a relatively simple job that anyone can do with the right tools and supplies. To begin, make sure that your water supply valve is turned off before you begin working. Once the water supply is turned off, you should remove the toilet so that you can get access to the flange.
Remove any wax ring and debris from around the flange and inspect it. If it’s cracked, corroded, or not level with the floor, then it might need to be replaced completely. If the flange is in good condition, then you can just remove the existing blades and screws and replace them with longer ones that will go into the subfloor deeper.
You’ll also want to apply some plumbers’ putty or silicone caulk around the edges of the flange once the screws are tightened to ensure that it’s secure.
After you’ve finished replacing the screws and applying the putty or caulk, you can put the toilet back in place and turn the water supply back on. Make sure to check the toilet for any leaks around the base of the toilet and flange before you use it.
If you have any questions or run into any issues, it’s always best to consult a professional.
Can you over tighten a toilet to the floor?
Yes, you can over tighten a toilet to the floor if you are not careful. Depending on the specific model of the toilet, you may want to use an adjustable wrench or socket to ensure that the bolts are tightened to the right level.
If you over tighten the bolts too much, it can compress the wax ring between the toilet and the flange, which could cause the toilet to rock or leak. You can also easily strip the bolt threads or crack the porcelain of the toilet by applying too much pressure.
To avoid these issues, it is best to take your time and not rush the installation. It is also important to make sure you have the right tools and the necessary instructions in order to properly install the toilet.
Why won’t my toilet seat screws tighten?
It is possible that you have installed the seat improperly, making it difficult to tighten the screws. Additionally, if your toilet seat is an older model, the screw holes may be stripped, preventing the screws from gripping the seat properly.
Another potential cause is that the seat is not stable due to worn or damaged hinges, resulting in screws being unable to tighten. In this case, it may be necessary to replace the seat. Finally, the screw threads could be damaged, preventing the screws from seating deeply enough to tighten.
In this case, you would need to purchase new screws.
Can you use plumbers putty on toilet tank bolts?
Yes, you can use plumbers putty on toilet tank bolts. Plumbing putty is a pliable sealing material, designed to seal openings in plumbing fixtures and drain hardware. Plumbers putty is a malleable material and is most commonly used to make watertight seals around faucets and other drain pieces.
It can also be used to seal the bolts on a toilet tank, as these bolts require a waterproof seal to prevent leaks and water damage. To use plumbers putty on toilet tank bolts, first clean the surface of the bolt and the area around it.
Then, press a sufficient amount of plumbers putty around the bolt and tighten it with a wrench. Allow the putty to dry for 48 hours before testing the seal for water leakage.
Should you put the wax ring on the toilet or the flange?
Generally speaking, you should always put the wax ring on the flange. The wax ring helps to ensure a tight seal between the flange, the bottom of the toilet, and the floor. If you put the wax ring directly onto the toilet, the wax can be pushed up as the toilet is put into place, thus making the seal less effective.
Additionally, a wax ring put directly onto the toilet means that it’s not resting on the flange, and this can lead to additional wiggling and movement when the toilet is maneuvered into place. It’s important to get a tight seal between the toilet and the floor so that there are no leaks.
So, to make sure that everything is done right the first time, put the wax ring on the flange before you place the toilet.
Should the toilet tank wobble?
No, the toilet tank should not wobble. This is typically an indication of a loose mounting bolt or bracket, and can cause water to leak from the tank to the floor. If the tank is not properly secured and sealed, it can cause water to leak out either within the frame of the toilet or onto the floor.
Additionally, if the tank is not properly secured and is wobbling, the flush valve can be damaged resulting in a higher water bill due to the tank continuing to fill and runs constantly.
What are the toilet anchor bolts called?
The toilet anchor bolts are commonly known as closet bolts, flange bolts, or toilet bolts. They are typically metal bolts that secure the toilet to the closet flange. Depending on the type of toilet being installed, the closet bolts will have either a washer or nut connected to the end of them.
The bolts thread into the base of the toilet and hold it securely in place. They may also come in a kit along with the wax ring and toilet mounting hardware. Installation of the closet bolts is one of the most important steps when installing a toilet, as improper installation could lead to leaks or other damage.
What size are the bolts on the side of a toilet?
The size of the bolts on the side of a toilet depends on the model and brand of the toilet. Generally, they are 1/4” to 1/2” bolts, although some may be longer. It is important to check the exact size of the bolts before buying a replacement in order to ensure that the replacement fits correctly.
If the original bolts are not accessible or visible, the seat bolts will likely be the same size.
What are the different types of toilet seat fittings?
There are three main types of toilet seat fittings, which are broadly classified as standard, close coupling, and soft close.
Standard toilet seat fittings include wooden and plastic toilet seats, as well as sprung and un-sprung option. Wooden and plastic toilet seats are available in a variety of colours and sizes, while sprung and un-sprung options are built to suit different weights, heights and preferences.
Close coupled toilet seat fittings are generally easier to install, as they are connected directly to the toilet bowl. This type of fitting typically has a toilet pan and cistern combined into one unit, making it a good choice if you are looking for a compact solution.
Soft close toilet seat fittings are the most luxurious of the three types. They have a built-in mechanism that slowly and quietly closes the lid with the simple push of a button. This type of fitting also provides a cushioned seat for extra comfort.
Whether you choose standard, close coupled or soft close, it is important to make sure your toilet seat is fitted properly for maximum comfort and functionality.
How do I know what type of toilet seat I have?
One way is to visually inspect the seat. You can look to see if the seat has either a round or an elongated shape, which indicates whether it is a round or an elongated seat. You can also look at the lid of the seat and see if it has hinges or not.
If it has hinges, then it is likely a conventional toilet seat with a removable lid. If it does not have hinges, then it is a one-piece seat with a built-in lid. Additionally, you can measure the length from the front of the seat to the back of the seat.
For round seats, this distance should be about 16.5 inches, whereas for elongated seats, it should be about 18.5 inches. Finally, you can check the base of the seat for any markings or logos from the manufacturer which indicate the type and size of the seat.
