Slow-Close Toilet Seat Not Working? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Slow-close toilet seats have become popular in recent years, particularly because there are a lot of benefits associated with using these seats. But when a slow-close toilet seat malfunctions, such can be a real pain.

In this article, the common slow-close toilet seat malfunctions and problems will be listed, and solutions will be presented as well.

A slow-close toilet seat will not work properly when the hinges are either loose or broken. If the seat is too dirty, such can also cause the seat to not work properly. If you don’t find anything wrong with the hinges, and the toilet seat is still not working properly, you should get a replacement.

It was briefly mentioned above, but more attention to this attractive quality should be given. With a slow-close toilet seat, you don’t have to worry about the lid slamming down after you get up from the toilet.

A lot of individuals like to make as little noise as possible when going to the bathroom, and slow-close toilet seats are ideal for these individuals. While the sound of a toilet seat closing is generally not an issue, it can be disturbing at night when housemates are trying to sleep.

Of course slow-close toilet seats are not always quiet, and one that’s making a screeching noise is not working properly. This problem and its solution will both be explained in detail later.

Since activating a slow-close toilet seat is near effortless, individuals who use these toilets have an easier time remembering to put the seat down. Some individuals purposely avoid touching a toilet seat after using the toilet, as they want as little contact with the toilet as possible.

Slow-close toilet seats are ideal for these individuals, as the closing mechanism can be activated by elbow, foot, or knee tap. Therefore, the hands never have to touch the seat, something germ-conscious individuals enjoy.

The above qualities show why slow-close toilet seats are ideal, but these fixtures aren’t infallible. They are mechanical devices after all, which means when they’re used regularly the parts will eventually wear out and get dirty. And of course no toilet seat lasts forever, but getting a slow-close toilet seat that will last well over a decade is possible.

Individuals who use these seats have complained about the following problems, so if you have a slow-close toilet seat—or you intend to purchase one in the future—you should know about these problems as well as their solutions.

If the crack is minor, you may only need some putty or another filler to remedy the situation. If it’s a deep crack, however, it’s likely full replacement of the seat will be necessary, as eventually the crack may expand so much as to split the toilet seat in two.

You should also try and figure out why the seat cracked before you get a new one, as you may have done something unknowingly to cause the crack.

One obvious no-no is stacking things on the toilet seat. The toilet seat is not meant to be a table, so you shouldn’t stack things on it when it’s not in use. You should also ensure the toilet is in a room that doesn’t experience rapid temperature fluctuations, as these can cause porcelain to crack.

While slow-close toilet seats don’t get as dirty as traditional toilet seats do, this doesn’t mean that a slow-close seat won’t ever get stained.

The important thing to know here is that tackling stains when you first identify them is what prevents them from getting too bad. Slow-close toilet seats are not difficult to clean, but they do have nooks and crannies just like traditional toilet seats do.

Bacteria, leftover waste, and other undesirable elements can thrive in these nooks and crannies, and if you don’t clean these spots regularly then a foul smell and unsanitary conditions are likely results.

Related Questions

Is installing a slow-close toilet seat simple?

Installing a slow-close toilet seat is something you can do on your own. All you need is a screwdriver.The speed at which a seat closes is determined at the factory. Therefore, if your seat closes too slowly, it will just need a little help to reach the stationary position.Some slow-close toilet seats are designed to withstand a lot of pressure, such as the ones made by Bath Royale. You won’t be able to force these closed, so if your seat closes too slowly, you’ll either have to accept this or get a new one. If you’re afraid of the seat closing too slowly, you should stay away from these models.

Is the shape of a slow-close toilet seat important?

The shape of the toilet bowl will determine what kind of toilet seat you need. There are two standard shapes, the elongated shape and the round shape.To figure out which seat you’ll need, first measure the bowl. Start at the center, between the seat bolts, and then measure the circumference. Most bowls are between 16 and 17 inches on the inside while the rims are between 18 and 19 inches.