How to Fix an Office Chair That Keeps Sinking: 2 Easy Methods

Published September 17, 2023

A decent office chair is crucial for workplace productivity. It’s vital for your comfort and well-being while following job tasks. It can also safeguard you from aches, pains, and even RSIS. 

But, even the most expensive office chairs can experience a common dilemma. It is office chair sinking. When faced with this annoying issue, you don’t need to ditch it and buy a new one. It turns out that an office chair that keeps on sinking is easy to repair.

In this article, we’ll discuss all the successful methods to try fixing an office chair that won’t stay up. Let’s save your workplace productivity. Let’s begin.

Common Reasons for Why an Office Chair Keeps Sinking

1. Leaky gas cylinder 

The gas cylinder in the chair handles controlling the height adjustment mechanism. Over time, it can develop leaks. In this event, it causes the chair to sink slowly.

2. Damaged height adjustment lever

The height adjustment on the chair may become worn out or damaged. It leads to a loss of tension. It then causes the chair to sink.

3. Loose or worn-out seat mechanism 

The seat mechanism connects the seat to the gas cylinder. It can become loose or worn out. Due to this, it can leave a chair that won’t stay up.

4. Incorrect weight adjustment setting 

Some office chairs have weight adjustment mechanisms. They allow for customization of the chair’s resistance. It is based on your weight. If this setting is not correctly adjusted, you’ll have a chair that keeps going down.

5. Poor quality or worn-out components 

Low-quality or worn-out components in the chair’s construction pose an issue. It leads to problems with the height adjustment mechanism. In this event, it causes the chair to sink. 

Why Does My Office Chair Keep Going Down?

Sinking in office chairs is often rooted by a worn or broken seal. It resides in the pneumatic cylinder. It controls the chair’s height using pressure. When the seal fails, it will have a difficult time regulating pressure. It then results in the chair continuously sinking. 

Sinking office chairs are problematic. They prevent you from maintaining the best position to work. As a result, you may struggle with neck strain and backache. It can cause back pain, and repetitive strain injury too. It will also affect you mentally. It can become an annoyance. 

Method One: The PVC Pipe Technique

1. Measure the Cylinder 

Locate the metal cylinder. It is usually covered by a plastic tube or something like that. Measure its length when the chair is at your perfect height. Determine or estimate the cylinder’s diameter as well. 

2. Cut PVC Pipe to length. 

Find a PVC pipe that is slightly broader than the cylinder’s diameter. Trim it to the correct length using a standard saw. 

3. Open the pipe 

Through a saw, cut the PVC pipe lengthwise on one side. 

4. Attach the Pipe to the Cylinder 

Put in the pipe where you have just cut. It should pop onto the tube to ensure it fits snugly around the metal cylinder.

 You can crop the pipe into two smaller sections if you struggle to fit it. It will decrease the resistance. Cutting the tube into a smaller unit is a good idea overall. It will allow you to adjust the chair’s height to rule the best position. 

5. Check and adjust the height. 

And now, all that is left is ensuring the height is ideal for you. You can extend the height by adding more pipe. Conversely, remove some to lessen it. 

Method Two: Employ a Hose Clamp and Duct Tape 

1. Expose the Cylinder 

Uncover the metal cylinder. Then, slide the tube aside or eradicate it. Keep in mind to reattach the wheels before proceeding. 

2. Set and clamp the height. 

Place the chair’s height to your desired height and level. It can’t be adjusted later in the process. Usually, the chair’s upside height should correspond with your knees when standing. Picture you are sitting on the chair. Line it up with your desk and monitor. Do it as close as possible to secure your optimum position. Once done, take a trip to the hardware store. Pick up a hose clamp. It will hold the seat in place without fully tightening it. 

3. Apply duct tape 

Encase duct tape all around the area where the hose clamp will grip. Doing so will make a better surface for the clamp to hold onto. Or, you can employ heavy-duty sandpaper to key the metal surface. 

It will help to increase the tape’s hold on the metal cylinder. It is due to the heightened surface area and, thus, the grip. Either way, you must ensure the surface is clean and grease and oil-free.

4. Test the hose clamp.

Tighten the clamp until it’s tight to be safe. Check if it holds the sea in place. If it still slides, tighten the clamp more. If you’re still faced with failure, you can try roughening the surface further. 

5. Test your desk chair. 

With an adequately tightened clamp, your office chair should no longer sink. Although you won’t be able to adjust the chair’s height, you’re bound to work comfortably. 

How to Fix Office Chair Sinking: Other Office Chair Repair Tips

1. Replace the gas cylinder. 

If the gas cylinder is leaking or damaged, buy a new one. You can purchase a new gas cylinder and follow the instructions on attaching it. 

2. Adjust the weight setting. 

Some office chairs have weight adjustment mechanisms. Ensure that it is properly adjusted. It will provide adequate resistance and prevent the chair from sinking too quickly. You can refer to the chair’s manual for instructions. 

Why Do You Need to Fix Your Office Chair Sinking Dilemma Instead of Replacing It?

1. Cost-effective 

Repairing your chair will always be cheaper than replacing it with a new one. 

2. Speed of repair

Our successful methods to fix an office chair that keeps sinking can be implemented immediately. You can still keep working with no break in play. 

3. Suitable for short-term use 

If you’ve decided to replace your chair, these fixes are an excellent means of carrying you through until the delivery time. 

4. Super easy to do 

You do not need a dab hand at DIY to hose clamp a chair. You can keep your office chair operational even if you’re the least technical.