Toilet Anchor bolts Spinning | 4 Causes & 2 Solutions

Are you experiencing problems with your toilet anchor bolts spinning? You may need to anchor the bolts that hold it in place. 

Anchor bolts can spin over time, which can cause the toilet to move around or even fall off the pedestal.

When you’re installing a new toilet, it’s essential to make sure the anchor bolts are correctly installed.

I’ll explain why this happening and what to do if your anchor bolts start spinning and how to fix a spinning toilet anchor bolt. 

Also, give some pointers on how to avoid this in the first place.

Stay tuned for more information!

What are toilet anchor bolts?

Anchor bolts are short, heavy bolts used to fasten objects to a concrete foundation. Toilet anchor bolts are a specific type of anchor bolt used to secure toilets to the floor. 

They are typically made from steel or brass and have a hexagonal head that can be tightened with a wrench.

Toilet anchor bolts size 

Toilet anchor bolts typically have a length of 1-1/2 inches and a diameter of 1/4 inch.

What are the benefits of using toilet anchor bolts?

The main benefit of using toilet anchor bolts is providing a secure and stable connection between the toilet and the floor. 

· This prevents the toilet from moving or tipping over, which can cause damage to the bathroom floor and the toilet itself. 

· Toilet anchor bolts are also easy to install and do not require any special tools or skills.

How do toilet anchor bolts work?

Toilet anchor bolts work by fastening the toilet to the floor. They are inserted into the concrete foundation, and then the toilet is attached to them with screws or bolts. 

The anchor bolts hold the toilet in place and prevent it from moving or tipping over.

Why are your toilet anchor bolts spinning?

Cause1. Not properly install

The most likely reason your toilet anchor bolts are spinning is that the anchors were not installed properly.

When the bolts are tightened down, they should be pulling the toilet firmly against the flange. 

If they’re spinning, they’re not doing their job, and the toilet isn’t getting anchored securely to the floor.

Cause2. Flange Issue

Another possibility is that there’s something wrong with the flange itself, such as it being cracked or warped. In that case, you’ll need to either replace the flange or install a new toilet.

Cause3. Rusted Toilet bolts

Toilet bolts are one of those things that you don’t think about until they start to rust. Once they begin to rust, it can be challenging to get them loose again. 

I already have a detailed post on how to remove rusted toilet bolts easily.

And rusted toilet anchor bolts are another reason behind spinning.

Cause4. Moisture around the Toilet anchor bolts

Moisture around these parts can lead to too much spin and even slipping. 

Are toilet bolts supposed to be loose?

Many aspects come into play when it comes to the tightness of toilet bolts, and it can vary depending on the type of bolt and the toilet itself.

In general, bolts used to attach the toilet to the floor should be relatively tight. If they are too loose, the toilet can wobble and become unstable. 

However, it can be difficult to tighten them when they become loose if they are too tight.

You can do a few things to determine if your toilet bolts are too loose or too tight.

  • · First, try wiggling the toilet bowl from side to side. The bolts are too loose if it moves more than an inch.
  • · Second, try to tighten the bolts by hand. If they are difficult to turn, they are too tight.
  • · If the bolts are too loose, you can try tightening them with a wrench. 

However, be careful not to over-tighten them, as this can damage the toilet. If the bolts are too tight, you may need to loosen them by using a wrench or a screwdriver.

It is the best way to avoid erring on the side of caution and tighten the bolts slightly more than they need to be. This will help ensure that the toilet is stable and does not wobble.

What to do if your anchor bolts start spinning?

If your toilet anchor bolts are spinning, it could be a sign that you need to replace your toilet or the anchor bolts. 

Anchor bolts are used to secure a toilet to the floor, and if they’re spinning, it means that the toilet isn’t stable. 

If you’re not foolproof whether or not your anchor bolts are spinning, you can check by gently pushing on the toilet.

· If the toilet moves, the anchor bolts are spinning. If you’re experiencing this issue, it’s important to replace your toilet or anchor bolts as soon as possible to avoid any potential accidents.

How do I stop my toilet bolts from spinning?

The best way to stop your toilet bolts from spinning is either to tighten them or remove them.

How do you tighten a toilet anchor bolt?

To tighten a toilet anchor bolt using two ways. 

One is using a wrench, and another one is a rubber mallet.

tighten a toilet anchor bolt with a wrench

1. By Using a Wrench to tighten the anchor bolts

If the toilet anchor bolt feels loose, you can tighten it with a wrench. 

  • 1. First, find the bolt and screwdriver on the underside of the toilet. 
  • 2. Then, use the wrench to turn the bolt clockwise until it feels tight. Be careful not to overtighten the bolt, as this can damage it. 
  • 3. If the bolt is already tight, do not attempt to further tighten it, as this could cause damage. 
  • 4. Instead, try using a lubricant to loosen it. If the bolt is still loose after lubricating it, you can try tightening it with a wrench.

2. By using a rubber mallet

Another way to tighten a toilet anchor bolt is by using a rubber mallet. 

  • 1. First, find the bolt and screwdriver on the underside of the toilet. 
  • 2. Then, use the screwdriver to loosen the bolt. 
  • 3.   Next, use the rubber mallet to tap on the top of the bolt until it feels tight.
  • 4. Again, be careful not to overtighten the bolt, as this can damage it. If the bolt is already tight, do not attempt to further tighten it, as this could cause damage. 
  • 5. Instead, try using a lubricant to loosen it. And the rest of the process is the same as above.

After tightening the bolts still, the problem persists; you need to remove them.

How to remove spinning toilet bolts?

Removing a spinning toilet bolt can be a challenge. If the bolt is spinning, it can be difficult to get a grip on it to loosen it. 

1. One way to remove a spinning toilet bolt is to use a pipe wrench. Place the wrench over the bolt and twist it until the bolt loosens. 

2. Another way to remove a spinning toilet bolt is to use a vise grip. Place the vise grip over the bolt and tighten it until the bolt loosens. You can pull the bolt by hand once it is loose. 

3.   If the bolt is stripped, you will need a drill to remove it. Dig a hole in the middle of the bolt and use a screwdriver to remove it. Once the bolt is removed, you can replace it with a new one.

If you have trouble removing a spinning toilet bolt, call a plumber for help. A plumber can use special tools to remove the bolt and replace it with a new one.

What are the symptoms of a bad toilet bolt?

The symptoms of a bad toilet bolt can vary depending on the severity of the issue. Some common symptoms include 

· a toilet that is difficult to flush, 

· a toilet that leaks water, or 

· a toilet that wobbles

The toilet bolt must be replaced if you detect any of these symptoms.

Some tips for preventing a spinning toilet anchor bolt

-Check the toilet for any leaks before installing the anchor bolt.

-Apply a water-resistant sealant around the base of the toilet.

-Make sure the toilet is level before installing the anchor bolt.

-If possible, use a cement board as your substrate rather than drywall.

-Install a toilet flange spacer between the toilet and the anchor bolt.

-If the anchor bolt is still spinning, use a washer to help hold it in place.

Can you over-tighten toilet bolts?

A Big No. The bolts that hold the toilet to the floor are usually made of brass or plastic, and they should be tightened to around 20-25 lbs of torque. 

When tightening these bolts, you can strip the threads or damage the bolt itself if you use too much force. 

Over-tightening can also cause the toilet to wobble or even come loose from the floor. As a result, when tightening these bolts, applying the specified torque is preferable.

Check More- Best Toilet for large flush and no-clog ever

Q1. How do you hold toilet bolts in place?

The bolts that hold the toilet in place can be held in place with various methods. You can use plumbers putty, silicone sealant, or even a simple washer. 

It is important to use a method to keep the bolt in place and prevent it from coming loose. 

Otherwise, the toilet could move and create a dangerous situation. Make sure to use a method that is appropriate for your particular situation.

Q2. How do you fix toilet floor bolts?

Toilet floor bolts are the bolts that hold your toilet to the floor. They can become loose over time, which can cause the toilet to move or wobble. If this happens, you can fix the bolts by tightening them.

To tighten the bolts, you’ll need a wrench. Place the wrench around the bolt and turn it clockwise to tighten it. If the bolt is too tight to turn with a wrench, you can use a hammer to tap it into place.

Once the bolts are tightened, check to make sure the toilet is still stable. If it’s not, you may need to add some washers or shims under the toilet to help support it.

It’s also a fine idea to check the floor around the toilet for any signs of damage. If the floor is cracked or broken, you may need to repair it before tightening the bolts.

Q3. How do you fix a wobbly toilet?

The first step is to identify what is causing the toilet to wobble. There are four leading causes of a wobbly toilet: 
· the toilet bowl, 
· the water in the tank, 
· the screws that hold the toilet to the floor, or 
· the wax ring that seals the toilet to the floor.

To fix a wobbling toilet bowl, you can try adding some adhesive to the bottom of the bowl. 

If the water in the tank is causing the toilet to wobble, you can try adding more weight to the tank or adjusting the water level. 

To fix a wobbling toilet attached to the floor with screws, you can tighten the screws or add washers to them. If the wax ring is the cause of the wobble, you can try replacing it.

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