How to Fix a Wobbly Toilet Seat or Leaky Tap Without Calling the Landlord

April 7, 2025

Easy Fixes for Common Bathroom Woes – Yes, You’ve Got This!

We've all been there. You sit down for a quiet moment, and... the toilet seat wiggles like it’s auditioning for a dance contest. Or maybe you’re brushing your teeth, and that slow “drip… drip” from the tap is driving you up the bathroom wall. These little annoyances add up—but guess what? You don’t need to ring the landlord every time your bathroom misbehaves.

Here’s the good news: you can fix these things yourself with a few basic tools and a bit of know-how. Hang tight. I’ll walk you through both tasks like we’re chatting over a cuppa in the shed, with tools in hand and a cheeky grin.

Let’s Start with the Wobbly Toilet Seat

If your toilet seat is wobbling, it’s usually nothing more than a couple of loose nuts underneath. Don't worry, they’re not hiding too well. You’ve got this.

What You’ll Need:

A screwdriver (flat or Phillips, depending on screws)
An adjustable wrench or pliers

Steps:

Take a peek under the toilet bowl—you'll see one or two bolts holding the seat in place.
Hold the nut underneath with your pliers while you tighten the screw on top with your screwdriver.
If the bolts are plastic and keep spinning, pop down to Strathalbyn H Hardware and grab a replacement set—we’ve got plenty.

If you want to go the extra mile, there are soft-close toilet seats that are idiot-proof to install and feel fancy enough to impress the in-laws. Bonus: no more midnight clunks when someone drops the lid.

That Pesky Leaky Tap

Here’s the thing about taps: a slow drip isn’t just annoying—it's wasteful. Over a year, you could end up watching hundreds of litres go down the drain. Fixing it usually takes under 15 minutes. And you’ll feel like a total legend after.

What You'll Need:

Shifting spanner
Tap washer kit (ask at the shop—they’ll point you to the right one)
Cloth or towel (to avoid scratching chrome parts)
Flathead screwdriver

Steps:

Turn off your water supply. Check under the sink or out the front for the main tap.
Use the screwdriver to pop off the tap cap. Underneath, you’ll see a screw. Remove that too.
Now, use your spanner and cloth to unscrew the tap bonnet. Out comes the spindle.
You’ll find the washer at the bottom of the spindle—it’s often cracked or worn.
Swap it out with a shiny new one. Reassemble, turn the water back on, and vibe with the sweet silence of a drip-free tap.

“DIY isn’t about being perfect. It’s about having a go, learning as you go, and enjoying the small wins.”

Got a Bit More Going On?

If the toilet still wobbles or the tap keeps leaking, the issue might be a bit deeper. Some older fittings need specialist parts, and that’s when it’s worth bringing in a bit of backup—or popping down to your local heroes at Strathalbyn H Hardware for some guidance. Honestly, a quick chat with someone who knows their way around a spanner can save you hours of mucking about.

Bonus Tip: Build Your Basic DIY Kit

If you're keen to roll up your sleeves more often, start a little toolbox:

Shifting spanner
Tape measure
Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips)
Pliers
WD-40 (because it fixes nearly everything)
Roll of plumber’s tape

It doesn’t take much to feel ready for whatever your home throws at you. And if you get stuck? We’re never more than a phone call or a quick visit away.

Last Words from the Shed (a.k.a. Me)

There’s something wildly satisfying about fixing things with your own two hands. It’s not about perfection—it’s about trying, learning, and having the right gear on standby. Next time your toilet seat moonwalks or your tap can’t shut its gob, give it a crack before you call in reinforcements. You just might surprise yourself.

Happy fixing, and don’t forget to swing by if you need anything—from washers and spanners to a pep talk at the checkout.

Cheers,
Candeece