How to Replace a Toilet Seat?

Why should I replace my toilet seat?

Well, there’s a variety of reasons. Maybe you just don’t like its design and style because it did not match your toilet’s style. 

But that won’t be the practical reason for people with a tight budget. 

Here’s a more plausible reason

Sometimes, it is related to functionality. Over time, your toilet seat could crack or break that it wobbles when you sit on. How could you feel secure and be comfortable with that?

You have no choice but to replace it.

Do all toilet seats fit the same?

The answer is no. It is the reason why you can’t just randomly pick. You have to identify your toilet size,

And not only that?

The shapes, too, of course. They come in various forms, like elongated or round. 

In UK homes, they identify toilet seats into three shapes: pointed nose, round nose, and D-shape toilets. 

The pointed nose, which is usually elongated, is the typical toilet shape they use. And in terms of toilet seats for replacement, they are created to adjust to fit distinctive toilet shapes. So, you don’t have to match it to your original toilet. 

But there are times when universal toilet seat replacements can’t fit. In this rare case, you have to buy directly from the original manufacturer.

And make sure to keep this in mind!

Hinges or points must secure the seat, so make sure to buy one!

How to measure a toilet seat?

Well, we all want to make sure that the toilet seat we buy will fit.

And what’s the best way could there be rather than to measure it?

You only have to remember three things!

And the first?

The measurement of the distance between the bolts that attaches the seat to the bowl. The US standard is around five and a half inches.

The next?

Using a measuring tape, brim the seat’s width. Find the widest point. 

And lastly,

Of course, the length. This time, you will use the measuring tape to get the seat’s height from the seat bolt to the outermost edge of the seat’s front. The standard for a circular seat is 16 ½ inches, and the elongated seat has a dimension ranging from 18 to 18 ½ inches.

Are toilet seats a standard size?

We talked about toilet seat sizes and shapes, but we still haven’t delved into seat styles. 

And to answer the question, the answer is no. 

There is no actual standard size for toilet seats. There are various toilet seat styles out there, and each has its own measurements.

So the essential thing to do?

Know your toilet’s key measurements to ensure that your replacement seat will fit on your toilet bowl!

Do I need to take any safety steps before I change my toilet seat?

Hey, here’s the thing!

You have to take safety procedures all the time. And remember, you’re dealing with toilets. These are areas where harmful bacterias and germs reside. So, you could easily be infected, especially if you have an open wound. 

Rubber cleaning gloves will be your protector, so wear them at all times. 

The best thing to do is to clean the toilet seat first before you set it off. After removing, give your toilet a good wash. Make sure you bought a disinfectant or anti-bacterial sprays from the nearby store.

After cleaning, you should wash your hands with microbe removal soap to eliminate any germs or bacterias.

What tools will I need to change a toilet seat?

Hmmm, make sure to add this to the list.

A set of pliers, flathead screwdriver, and attaching kit!

The pliers will help detach the wing nuts that keep the seat in your toilet intact. An adjustable wrench could also do the trick for you.

Meanwhile, the screwdriver will ensure that you could safely take the nut covering, usually secured by plastic caps. You could buy it in most stores at a low price, but make sure to choose the durable ones so that you could use them for other purposes as well.

And a tip.

When buying toilet seats, try to ask for a kit. Sometimes, they had it attached to the product as a freebie. But if you are only replacing a critical part like a nut, you will have to buy the kit separately.

How to remove an old toilet seat

Well, the most challenging part of replacing your toilet seat is the removing part.

And I bet you want to know why.

You see, toilets are established with a strong foundation to avoid wobbliness and make them durable to last for decades. So the fit must be perfect.

But how?

They use two bolts, and these are under the plastic caps behind the bowl.

So to remove it, 

You need to get on your knees to reach for it. Then, use a flathead screwdriver to detach the plastic caps. You might find this part difficult for older seats since the corrosion will make the caps rough and difficult to remove. But still, do it carefully so that you don’t damage the toilet. 

So finally, you detached those caps.

Here’s the next thing to do!

The top of the screws will now be visible. Removing the wingnuts will be your next job. You see, it keeps your seat in place, so you should be careful in removing it. Use pliers to loosen up those nuts. Then swirl it swiftly with your hands.

Once detached, follow the safety and sanitary procedures. You can now lift it away, so I suggest you start cleaning your toilet with an anti-bacterial spray.

But there’s a worst-case scenario.

Some toilets are secured so much, and time made its screws very difficult to loosen up. These cases require WD-40 lubricants, apply them and wait for few minutes. 

Still no luck?

Use a hacksaw. It should forcefully remove those nuts.

How to put a new toilet seat on?

So we’re done with that old and rusty throne, time to establish the new one. But before that,

Here’s what you should know.

The new toilet seat has several inclusions, and this includes the step-by-step procedure of assembling them provided by the manufacturer.  

And since the removal process is just the opposite of attaching, this will come easy for you.

The first thing is to slot the bolts into the fixing holes. 

But not so fast

You have to fit it well before attaching it. Ensure that the seat’s perimeters are even and at the center-most part of your toilet. The pliers will secure the wingnuts in place. 

And be wary of tightening it up too much.

Sometimes, your toilet would need readjustment. You wouldn’t want it stuck upon sensing that it doesn’t fit well.

Aside from that,

Here are few things you must remember,

The lining of the toilet bowl is essential, so make sure that you sign the toilet seat well. You can also purchase rubber washers. These are materials placed around the nuts where it holds your toilet seat in place like a cushion.