How to Fix a Loose Toilet Paper Holder

Co-authored by Patrick Johns

Last Updated: December 9, 2024

Toilet paper holders are held in place by tiny screws that hold the decorative portion onto a wall bracket screwed into the wall. Normal pushing and pulling on the decorative arms during the placing and removing of toilet paper rolls can loosen the screws that hold the roll in place, making the holder too loose to do its job. Correct this problem as soon as it is noticed to avoid a bigger repair.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Fixing a Slightly Loose Toilet Paper Holder

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If you catch the loosening quickly enough, you can easily repair it in minutes with the right tools.

There should be a small hole with a screw inside it. This screw may or may not have a traditional "head" to it.^{[1]
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Remove the screw if possible by grasping its edges between your index finger and thumb and gently twisting until it comes loose.^{[2]
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These screws may take an eyeglass screwdriver or they may take a small Allen key; each manufacturer uses a different type of screw.^{[3]
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Insert the screwdriver or Allen key into the screw and tighten it firmly until the toilet paper holder is firmly back on the wall.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Fixing a Very Loose Toilet Paper Holder

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If the loose holder isn't fixed right away, the downward pressure of the loose arm may make the screw in the wall loosen as well. This may force the screw downward into the plaster, making a larger hole than the screw requires.

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Make sure the wall anchor is large enough to fill the hole so the screw will fit tightly.^{[5]
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Patrick Johns
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Patrick Johns
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Community Q&A

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Question

Why is the water level in the toilet bowl very low?

Community Answer

Because you have a venting problem in your plumbing system. Some other fixture is siphoning out and through the toilet. It could be a blockage in the venting, or it could be a lack of venting entirely, or just inadequate venting and the toilet is siphoning itself upon each flush. You'll want to fix that.

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Tips

Keep the screwdriver that fits the small screws at the base of the holder handy and tighten the screw as soon as it starts to loosen to prevent bigger problems.

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Take the wall screws with you to the hardware store to find wall anchors that will fit the type of wall and the size of screw.

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Warnings

Don't move the toilet paper holder's location unless you are unable to get the wall anchor to hold properly. The decorative part of the toilet paper holder may not be able to cover the old holes, leaving them visible.

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