Why Your Office Chair Keeps Sinking? Fix It In 2 Steps

Have you ever wondered why your office chair keeps sinking? Or, how can you fix the hydraulics? Read on to find out the most common cause of office chair sinking, and some remedies you can try. You might also want to check out our article on how to fix a sinking office chair. Here you will find out how to fix the hydraulics of your chair seat and prevent it from sinking further. Hopefully, you will find these tips useful!

Why do office chairs sink?

There are several causes of sinking office chairs. In general, the problem stems from the pneumatic piston inside the chair, which leaks over time. Despite its simple design, the valve eventually fails and causes the seat to sink.

You can repair this problem yourself with a hose clamp. Then, you’ll be able to sit up straight on your computer chair again. Fortunately, most sinking office chairs are fairly simple to repair.

If you’re seated in a chair that’s more than 300 pounds, you may experience the sinking sensation. This may be caused by a malfunctioning pneumatic valve or a faulty piston. If you’ve noticed a sinking in your office chair, it’s time to replace the seat cylinder. To fix the problem, you’ll need to replace the seat. Here are some solutions:

First, fix the cylinder. Many chairs have faulty gas cylinders. Fixing it can prevent sinking. Ensure that the cylinder works properly. If you can’t locate this part, measure and cut a PVC pipe. Afterward, wrap it with duct tape. This will prevent sinking. If the pipe doesn’t work, replace the cylinder. This way, you’ll be able to fix the problem without replacing the chair altogether.

Can you fix the hydraulics of an office chair?

The hydraulics of an office chair uses a combination of liquids and gasses to raise and lower the seat. While these chairs use very little energy to work, they do need maintenance and repair. Office chairs are also made with pneumatic systems, and most of the same tips apply to both. However, the simplest fix is often not possible. If your chair is showing signs of wear and tear, it may be time to get a new one.

To repair the gas lift chair cylinder, turn the entire chair upside down. Then you must disassemble the chair by unscrewing the base. Once you have unscrewed the base, you can insert the cylinder. Be sure to measure the gas tube from the top to the bottom. Then, screw the base back into place. Once the seat is in place, replace the gas cylinder.

How do I fix an office chair that sinks?

There are many reasons for an office chair to sink. Poor sitting posture can lead to spinal problems, which can be hard to overcome when trying to type on a computer keyboard. If your office chair has begun to sink, try a few simple solutions to fix it yourself.

The most common fix is using a hose clamp. However, this may be only a temporary fix. To ensure the safety of the chair, you should consult a qualified mechanic before you attempt to fix it yourself.

To start repairing your office chair, you’ll need to measure the exposed length of the inner cylinder. To do so, you’ll need a 1.5” piece of PVC pipe. Once you have this, you’ll need to remove the plastic skin, which will expose the metal tube underneath. Once you’ve removed the plastic skin, you can then adjust the seat height to the right level.

How can I stop my office chair from sinking?

If you’re wondering how to fix a sinking desk chair, there are some quick fixes you can try. First, you can use the hose clamp method. Wrap the end of a hose clamp with duct tape or sandpaper. Place the clamp over the metal cylinder and tighten it. After tightening the hose clamp, slide the chair over the cylinder. If this doesn’t work, you may need to replace the pneumatic cylinder.

The cylinder that controls the height of your office chair may be the problem. If you’re replacing a cylinder, this method will likely work for 95% of models. In addition, a professional repair will also look better. Changing the cylinder and hose clamp will also make the repair look more professional. The last fix involves installing PVC piping underneath the seat. If either of these two solutions doesn’t work, you can replace them with an equivalent cylinder.

Another way to fix a sinking office chair is by repairing the metal cylinder. To do this, you can use a PVC pipe that’s the same diameter or slightly larger than the metallic cylinder. The pipe should be about 1.5 inches in diameter or 3.8 cm. Measure the diameter of the metal cylinder and the length of the exposed metallic gas cylinder. Then, use a hose clamp to tighten the cylinder and hold it in place.

Use Hose clamp & drain tape

A simple fix for a sinking office chair involves the use of a hose clamp. Wrap it with duct tape or sandpaper, then tighten it around the cylinder. Alternatively, you can use a plastic spacer and wrap it around the metal cylinder underneath. This can be a more permanent fix, but it does not look as professional. If your office chair is pneumatic, you may need to replace the cylinder as well.

One way to repair a sinking office chair is to use a PVC pipe with a 1.5-inch diameter. You can use two pieces of pipe to fix the problem, one on each side. Then, use the other end to attach the hose clamp. Make sure to use the appropriate amount of tape for the chair’s cylinder diameter. This way, you will not need to buy another hose clamp or a new cylinder.

Another quick fix for a sinking office chair involves replacing the gas cylinder, which connects the seat to the base. The cylinder contains nitrogen gas that switches chambers when you pull the lever. This allows the chair to rise and lower, but it is also susceptible to wear out. A cracked seal could cause the chair to sink. This fix only takes a few minutes and is easy to carry out.

Use a Plastic Spacer / PVC Pipe Method

If you have an office chair that is continually sinking, you may want to use a PVC or plastic spacer. This will help you adjust the height of the chair without having to replace the entire seat. The downside to this solution is that you cannot adjust the height later. So, this is a temporary solution. The longer you leave the pipe in place, the longer it will take for your chair to stop sinking.

If you’re willing to take a bit of extra time, you can use a plastic spacer or a PVC pipe to raise your chair. You can find these spacers at a hardware store. Simply place them under the legs of your chair. You can then adjust the height of the spacer depending on how far it is sinking. If you’re concerned about the appearance of your spacer, consider buying a plastic spacer.

What causes an office chair to sink?

What causes office chair to sink? This problem occurs when the cylinder hydraulics breaks down and air leaks out. Air in the chair cylinder decompresses when a person sits in the chair and the piston returns to its base. If this cylinder breaks, the seat will continually sink. Other causes of sinking office chairs are faulty gas springs or a broken seal in the cylinder.

To repair a sinking office chair, you need to measure the inner cylinder’s exposed length. You will need a piece of 1.5” PVC piping. Once you’ve obtained this piece of PVC pipe, cut it lengthwise, on one side. Then slide it over the cylinder to prevent it from sinking. Afterward, you can tighten the cylinder locking tab. If the sinking office chair persists, you can try replacing the cylinder with a new cylinder.

Office chairs can sink due to the lack of pressure. This is usually caused by a broken gas pneumatic cylinder or a faulty valve seal. If you can’t find a replacement gas cylinder for your chair, you can attempt to repair the sinking chair yourself with a few simple tools.

Once you’ve determined the cause of your sinking office chair, you can repair the issue yourself. The repair is fairly easy to do, but it can be expensive.

Chair Cylinder Replacements to Fix a Sinking Office Chair

Image	Product	Features	Price
	Office Chair Cylinder Replacement with Removal Tool, Heavy Duty Hydraulic - Pneumatic Gas Lift Piston for Office Chairs and Gaming Chairs, Universal Fit	★ EASY REMOVAL & INSTALLATION - The only chair cylinder replacement on Amazon to offer a cylinder removal tool. No more struggling and spending hours trying to remove your chairs old broken cylinder with tools you don't have. We will also make sure to help guide you through the entire process from start to finish. ★ SAVE MONEY. REVIVE YOUR CHAIR - Fix your sinking office chair by replacing the cylinder instead of spending money on a brand new computer chair. We'll send you the highest quality cylinder on the market, our exclusive cylinder removal tool, detailed step-by-step installation instructions, gloves, and our money-back guarantee. You have nothing to lose! ★ INDUSTRY STANDARD SIZE - This pneumatic piston cylinder will fit almost every office chair on the market including herman miller aeron. If it doesn't fit your specific chair, return it for a full refund and we'll even cover the cost of shipping for you. ★ EXTRA HEAVY DUTY - Our desk chair cylinders are all Class 4, which are known as the most durable, longest lasting, & highest quality hydraulic gas lift cylinders. Cheaper options can start sinking within the first few months of use. Our's don't. They can even support up to 1000 lbs without fail. ★ LIFETIME WARRANTY - Our goal is to provide you with the highest quality office chair parts so you can extend the life of your chair. So if for some reason our cylinder fails, leaks, or starts sinking - email us, and we'll send you a brand new one. Our warranty has no expiration date.	Discover Your Best Deals Now! Check Other Retailers
	OFFICE OWL Office Chair Cylinder Replacement - Includes Removal Tool, Gloves, Gas Cylinder w/Hydraulic Piston	Bundle - With these office chair replacement parts, you'll get everything you need to breathe life into your old chair - step-by-step instructions, removal tools, gloves, and a new cylinder! No Sinking - You need a chair that supports you while you're at work, or at home. Our replacement chair cylinder is built to last a lifetime, without any unwanted sinking. Universal Gas Lift - Our gas lift fits just about any office chair, and is compatible with most popular office chair brands! No need to sweat a lift that won't fit! Class 4 Cylinder - Our heavy duty pneumatic piston replacement cylinder is a class 4, OEM-standard hydraulic device that won't let you down (literally)! Money Saver - Don't sink your money into a whole new chair that, well, sinks. This gas lift cylinder is a cost-effective alternative to making sure your chair is at its best.	Discover Your Best Deals Now! Check Other Retailers
	DOZYANT Gas Lift Cylinder, Office Chair Gas Lift Cylinder Replacement,Hydraulic Pneumatic Shock Piston Heavy Duty (450 lbs) Universal Size Fits Most Executive Chairs, Highest End Class 4	HEAVY DUTY Gas lift cylinder that holds great weights - tall center support column of the chair. Holds up to 450 lbs on most office, executive and computer chairs.Highest End Class 4 gas cylinder on market. STANDARD CYLINDER DIAMETER: Outer cylinder: 2 inches, Inner cylinder: 1.1 inches. Please confirm the measurement before ordering. SMOOTH & NOISELESS: Full 360 degree rotation, smooth and noiseless movements to all directions 5’’ STROKE FOR ADJUSTING CHAIR HEIGHT: Minimum length: 10 inches; maximum length when fully extended: 15 inches; adjustable range: 5 inches EASY INSTALLATION : Can be installed easily with no additional screws required.	Discover Your Best Deals Now! Check Other Retailers
	DOZYANT 6" Long Stroke Office Chair Gas Lift Cylinder Replacement,Hydraulic Pneumatic Shock Piston Heavy Duty (450 lbs) for Tall Person Universal Size Fits Most Executive Chairs, Highest End Class 4	6" STROKE FOR ADJUSTING CHAIR HEIGHT: Minimum length: 11.2 inches; maximum length when fully extended: 17.2 inches; adjustable range: 6 inches HEAVY DUTY Gas lift cylinder that holds great weights - tall center support column of the chair. Holds up to 450 lbs on most office, executive and computer chairs. Highest End Class 4 gas cylinder on market. STANDARD CYLINDER DIAMETER: Outer cylinder: 2 inches, Inner cylinder: 1. 1 inches. Please confirm the measurement before ordering. SMOOTH & NOISELESS: Full 360 degree rotation, smooth and noiseless movements to all directions EASY INSTALLATION : Can be installed easily with no additional screws required.	Discover Your Best Deals Now! Check Other Retailers
	MASTERY MART Office Chair Gas Lift Cylinder Replacement, Heavy Duty 450LBs/204KGs, Universal Size Fits Most Office Chair and Swivel Chair, 4'' Length Extension (Matte Black)	➤ UNIVERSAL SIZE THAT FITS MOST CHAIRS. Outer cylinder diameter 50mm (2 inches). Inner cylinder diameter 28mm (1.1 inches). Please confirm the measurement before ordering. ➤ 100 mm (4 inches) ADJUSTABLE STROKE LENGTH. Minimum length: 262mm (10.3 inches); maximum length when fully extended: 353mm (14 inches). ➤ PREMIUM GRADE GAS LIFT CYLINDER. This heavy duty gas lift cylinder is manufactured to meet the highest industry standard (BIFMA/ANSI), the lift has maximum capacity up to 450 LBs/ 204KGs. ➤ EASY INSTALLATION AND SMOOTH MOVEMENT. Very easy installation and replacement. Piston stroke that goes up and down and rotates 360 degrees. ➤ 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEED. If you don't absolutely enjoy it, we guarantee you that we will reimburse you for 100% of your order.	Discover Your Best Deals Now! Check Other Retailers
	DOZYANT 8" Long Stroke Office Chair Gas Lift Cylinder Replacement,Hydraulic Pneumatic Shock Piston Heavy Duty (450 lbs) for Tall Person Universal Size Fits Most Executive Chairs, Highest End Class 4	8" STROKE FOR ADJUSTING CHAIR HEIGHT: Minimum length: 11.2 inches; maximum length when fully extended: 22.5 inches; adjustable range: 8 inches HEAVY DUTY Gas lift cylinder that holds great weights - tall center support column of the chair. Holds up to 450 lbs on most office, executive and computer chairs. Highest End Class 4 gas cylinder on market. STANDARD CYLINDER DIAMETER: Outer cylinder: 2 inches, Inner cylinder: 1. 1 inches. Please confirm the measurement before ordering. SMOOTH & NOISELESS: Full 360 degree rotation, smooth and noiseless movements to all directions EASY INSTALLATION : Can be installed easily with no additional screws required.	Discover Your Best Deals Now! Check Other Retailers
	18" to 28" Long Adjustable Gas Lift Cylinder Tube for Bar Stool Drafting Chair Replacement Parts,Heavy Duty Hydraulic Pneumatic Cylinder Shock Piston	Study & Heavy Duty: Certified by SGS test (USA) & Higher Standard LGA test (GER), use of high quality materials and thickened outer steel, this gas lift cylinder is of really high quality and durability, weight capacity: 450 lbs. Universal size: 10 stroke cylinder piston tube,the lowest height is 17.7", the highest height is 27.7", which means this hydraulic lift has a height range of 10 inches. Longer service life:These high standard office chair cylinder are more reliable and you get a free replacement for any non-human quality problem within 5 years. Chair replacement parts: Suitable for bar stool ,drafting chair,high stool,smooth rise and fall, and supports 360 degrees of rotation. Easy to Install: Usually you will need to use a hammer to remove the old gas lift cylinder from the chair base and replace it with a new one. (We recommend that you search for "gas lift replacement" on YouTube)	Discover Your Best Deals Now! Check Other Retailers
	5.5 inch Office Chair Cylinder Replacement,Heavy Duty Gas Lift Cylinder for Office Desk Chairs/Gaming Chair,Gas Lift Hydraulic/Pneumatic Piston, Universal Size (Silver)	🔧[5.5 inch Adjustable height Office Chair Cylinder Replacement]: The height of the fully compressed gas lift cylinder is: 11.4 inches, the fully expanded height is: 16.9 inches, it has an adjustable height of 5.5 inches, which allows you to rise higher and more Use office chairs in case. 🔧[Universal size] This air lift cylinder is suitable for almost all office chairs (salon chairs, executive chairs, work chairs, rolling stools) on the market, and has a better load-bearing capacity. The maximum weight it supports is 1000LBS, which is much heavier than ordinary gas cylinders 🔧[Excellent alternative] Stable use, no noise, silent 360° rotation and aerodynamic impact, making the operation simple and smooth. No noise to colleagues even when turning or lying on a chair to rest 🔧[Official certification] Durable, the best quality gas lift cylinder, withstand higher weight and pressure, high safety and explosion-proof. The gas lift cylinder has passed SGS official test and BIFMA certification, and is made of high-quality thickened outer steel to ensure compliance with quality standards 🔧[180-Days Worry-Free Warranty]: Our goal is to provide you with the highest quality office chair accessories, thereby extending your life. Therefore, if for some reason, our gas rod fails, leaks or starts to sink-send us an email and we will send you a brand new one	Discover Your Best Deals Now! Check Other Retailers
	5.5 inch Office Chair Gas Lift Cylinder-Office Chair Replacement Parts,Universal Size Fits Most Chairs,Heavy Duty Gas Lift Hydraulic/Pneumatic Piston for Office Chair (Black)	🏆[Adjustable height 5.5 inches]: The height of the fully compressed chair piston is: 11.4 inches, the fully expanded height is: 16.9 inches, it has an adjustable height of 5.5 inches,which allows you to rise higher (Note: higher than normal cylinder, measured before purchase) 🏆[Universal size] This hydraulic piston is suitable for almost all office chairs (salon chairs, executive chairs, work chairs, rolling stools) on the market, and has a better load-bearing capacity. The office chair piston maximum weight it supports is 1000Lbs, which is much heavier than ordinary gas cylinder for office chair 🏆[Official certification] Durable, the best quality gas lift cylinder, withstand higher weight and pressure, high safety and explosion-proof. The gas lift cylinder has passed SGS official test and BIFMA certification, and is made of high-quality thickened outer steel to ensure compliance with quality standards 🏆[Excellent alternative office chair gas cylinder] Stable use, no noise, silent 360° rotation and aerodynamic impact, making the operation simple and smooth. No noise to colleagues even when turning or lying on a chair to rest 🏆[180-Days Worry-Free Warranty]: Our goal is to provide you with the highest quality office chair accessories, thereby extending your life. Therefore, if for some reason, our gas rod fails, leaks or starts to sink-send us an email and we will send you a brand new one	Discover Your Best Deals Now! Check Other Retailers
	HOSALI Office Chair Cylinder Replacement,Heavy-Duty Gas Lift Cylinder Fits Most Chairs,Highest End Class 4 Hydraulic Pneumatic Piston, Universal Size	UNIVERSAL SIZE THAT FITS MOST CHAIRS: This chair cylinder replacement will fit all office chair bases with 50mm(2 inches) standard centre hole. Ideal to replace gas lift cylinder on 99% standard office chairs, task chairs, executive chairs, salon chairs and rolling stools on the market. SAVE MONEY - to fix your sinking office chair by replacing the cylinder instead of spending hundred bucks for a brand new computer chair. ( Please measure dimensions before purchasing ) HEAVY DUTY CLASS 4 PISTON - ANTI-EXPLOSION CYLINDER: Our office chair piston passed the top-level test of BIFMA and TUV certification by lifting up and down 120,000 times without fail, they built with high-quality solid steel that can support maximum weight up to 1000 lbs. The safety decompression structure design will be more secure than other gas lift cylinder you ever use. 5.5’’ PISTON STROKE FOR ADJUSTING CHAIR HEIGHT: This chair piston extends from 285mm to 425mm ( 11.22 - 16.7"), minimum length: 11.22 inches; maximum length when fully extended: 16.7 inches, travel from the highest to the lowest point, replace your office chair gas cylinder and stop worrying about disturbing anyone, 360 degree rotation to all directions, freely lift and rotate your office chair smoothly and quietly. EASY INSTALLATION: It comes with gloves and chair cylinder. Usually you may need to use a rubber mallet to take out the old gas lift cylinder from chair base and can be installed easily without additional screws required.Spending 5 minutes will bring a new life to your old office chair. We suggest you watch videos on Youtube before you start the installation (search "office chair gas lift cylinder replacement" ) HASSLE-FREE WARRANTY: All our office chair replacement parts are 100% inspection before shipping. Your satisfaction is always our top priority. If for some reason the cylinder fails, leaks, or starts sinking, contact our professional after-service team via email, our direct after-sale team will reach out to you and timely solve your problems.	Discover Your Best Deals Now! Check Other Retailers

Conclusion

If your chair sinks, it probably has a problem with the cylinder that controls the seat to a desired height. If this cylinder is leaking air, you may need a replacement cylinder or purchase a new desk chair.

Although replacing a chair’s cylinder piston can be challenging, it is not impossible. The chair cylinder is not particularly sensitive, but improper oiling can cause it to leak. Fortunately, there are some ways to fix this issue without spending a lot of money.

Also Read: How do I keep my chair wheels from rolling? A Simple Guide