If you were a restless child, you likely heard the phrase “sit still” more than once. Ironically, a shaky RV toilet seat would have given you the perfect reason not to.
However, as adults, we shouldn’t have to put up with such instability. A solid, secure toilet seat not only enhances your comfort but also extends the lifespan of your toilet.
So, how do you fix a wobbly RV toilet seat?
Key Takeaway:
To fix a wobbly RV toilet seat, tighten the nuts and bolts behind the toilet seat. Inspect and replace any loose or damaged mounting hardware, such as the floor flange and seal. Finally, ensure the toilet sits flat on the ground and fill any gaps with shims.
Read on as we walk you through the steps to fix your wobbly RV toilet seat, ensuring a stable and secure experience while on the road.
What Causes RV Toilet Seat to Wobble
| Signs | Possible Causes |
| Seat moves or rocks when sat on | The screws or bolts attaching the seat to hinges are loose |
| Visible gaps between seat and toilet bowl | Hinge attachment points are loose or damaged |
| Seat tilts to one side | Uneven hinge attachment or damaged hinge |
| Seat wobbles while being used | Damaged or worn-out toilet seat components |
| Seat feels loose when touched | Hinge attachment points are loose or damaged |
| Seat is visibly misaligned | Hinges are not properly aligned or secured |
Steps to Fixing a Wobbly Toilet Seat
#1 Tighten The Toilet Seat Bolts and Nuts
Toilet seats are connected to the toilet bowl with two bolts that may come loose or damaged over time, causing a wobbly toilet seat.
If only the toilet seat is wobbling, not the entire toilet, examine the bolts connecting the seat to the toilet bowl.
These bolts are commonly found under or behind the seat at the back of the toilet under small screw covers. The nuts secure the bolts in place below.
Open up the small covering of the bolts with a screwdriver. Once you have pried it open, you can center the toilet seat.
The toilet seat should be centered and rest evenly on the toilet bowl.
Once the seat is centered, you can tighten the bolts using a wrench. Hold the nut in place, or use a nut with a wing to ensure the screw will be secured.
Tighten the bolts until you cannot turn it any further. If you notice no tension, use pliers to hold the nut while tightening the bolts.
To test the tightness, sit on the seat and feel for any rocking. If you don’t feel wobbling, you can push the lid down, and your toilet seat should be fixed.
If the screw turns without tension, add washers until it tightens.
If the bolts are tight and your toilet continues to wobble, try tightening the floor flange bolts or using a toilet seat tightening kit!
#2 Tighten The Toilet Flange Bolts
If tightening the seat bolts doesn’t help stabilize the toilet seat, the entire toilet may be wobbling.
To fix this, you need to check the flange bolts that mount the toilet bowl to the floor. There is one on each side of the toilet, typically hidden with a small cover.
Remove the cover and examine the floor mounting bolts. Look for any corrosion, broken bolts, or rust.
If you notice any damaged bolts, replace them and then use a wrench to tighten the bolts into place.
When tightening the bolts, be sure to check for any leaks around the base to ensure the toilet flange is functioning properly. If water has pooled around the base, you may need to replace the flange or wax ring.
If there are no leaks, twist the bolts to the right until you can no longer. Try not to over-tighten. Then, sit on the toilet to see if it has stopped wobbling.
If this doesn’t solve the problem, your toilet may be resting on an uneven surface, causing it to rock back and forth.
#3 Fill In Gaps With Shims or Spacers
If tightening the bolts of the toilet seat and the flange does not stabilize your toilet, then your toilet may not be evenly placed!
Your toilet should sit evenly on the floor, with no gaps between the flange and the bowl. If there are any gaps, your toilet will shift positions when you sit and lean toward whichever side holds the most weight.
You can test the balance of your toilet by putting a lever on your toilet and looking for any gaps between the toilet and the floor.
Once you have found any uneven areas, you can insert shims into the gaps. When you insert a shim under the toilet, sit and check it for stability. You can also use a level during this process.
Continue to check the stability with each inserted shim until your toilet no longer moves.
Once your toilet no longer shifts with your weight, you can trim the ends of the shims and seal it with caulk.
Another way of stabilizing your toilet is by creating a spacer that fits over the mounting flange and raising the toilet up using a polypropylene kitchen cutting board!
Stabilizing and ensuring your toilet is evenly balanced will prevent any further wobbling of the toilet seat.
Replacing The Toilet Seat
Another great way to stop your toilet seat from wobbling is to buy another toilet seat, especially if the previously mentioned solutions do not work.
When replacing the toilet seat, be sure to look for the correct shape that you need. Most RV toilet seats are round and elongated and may be different from those you would use at home.
Be sure to take the measurements and shape of your toilet bowl before buying a new one, as most RV toilets have different shapes and sizes. Just measure the length and width and ensure the screw holes are the same distance as your previous one, and you’ll be good to go!
Then, you can replace your toilet seat, tighten the screws, and be wobble-free for your entire trip.
If replacing the toilet seat is your only option, you might want to check out our guide on which RV toilets are more reliable?
How Do I Prevent a Wobbly RV Toilet Seat?
The best way to fix a wobbly toilet seat is to prevent it from happening altogether!
Every time you use your RV, be sure to check the bolts of the flange mounting as well as the toilet seat itself.
Before you embark on your journey, use a level to ensure your toilet sits evenly on the floor; if it doesn’t, build a spacer or use shims to stabilize it.
Final Thoughts
A wobbly toilet seat is uncomfortable but can be fixed with just a few easy steps. Make sure that all the bolts of the toilet are firmly in place, and if that doesn’t work, try replacing the toilet seat altogether! If this doesn’t stop the wobbling, you may have to replace the toilet altogether, but with proper maintenance and care, your RV toilet will be sturdy and stable for all of your future adventures.