Are you tired of the seat on your flushing toilet? Luckily, you can change the current one without any special skills or tools. Also, there’s no need to ring up your plumber to handle this task.
If you know how to replace a toilet seat, you should loosen the old one and install a new accessory. Sometimes worn-out bolts might make this project challenging. But with a little effort, you can solve this problem.
Are you ready to learn the basics of replacing this part of your toilet? Well, read the guide that will make things easy for you when carrying this out.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Change Your Toilet Seat
Do you use a compact toilet for small spaces? Maybe you want to work on a bidet toilet seat. Whatever the type, follow these steps to change any model.
Step 1: Measure Your Toilet Seat
Start by knowing the dimensions of your present toilet bowl. Since most bowls share similar sizes, any new seat comes as an ideal option. To have a perfect idea, place a tape rule between the bolt holes on the toilet and record the length.
Next, check if the bolts on the new seat have the same measurement.
Step 2: Pick a Style and Color of Your New Toilet Seat
Head to your local store and get to choose a new toilet seat. Usually, this item comes in two forms – a rounded or elongated model. If you want something different, go for the noiseless seats that use special pads.
At the store, you should find a perfect seat for any budget. Most of them cost as low as $20. But if there’s cash to throw around, you can select other expensive options.
Before knowing how to replace a toilet seat cover, select a seat with colors that match the existing one. If you feel confused, go with white for a timeless look. For a unique design, try installing a wooden or blue seat on a white toilet.
Step 3: Set Out the Needed Tools
As mentioned earlier, swapping an old seat requires a few simple tools. These items include a flat head screwdriver, adjustable wrench, and spray oil.
You can also add a small hacksaw and a pair of pliers. If you don’t have these tools, head to a hardware store.
Step 4: Take Out the Current Seat
Move the bolt caps and take them out. Begin by checking the end of the current seat and focus on the spot near the tank. You might notice plastic caps on either side of the bowl.
Place the screwdriver under the caps and pull. But if your bowl does not use caps, the hinges will contain bolts.
Pick out your adjustable wrench and take out these nuts. These items hold the bolts that lie beneath the edge of the bowl. Remove the nuts with a wrench by using anticlockwise movements.
Now extract the bolts at the hinges on the top of the bowl. Here you will have to work with a screwdriver, especially if they have slotted heads. If not, rotate the nuts (and any washers) until they fall off. In both cases, use anticlockwise movements.
The bolts might feel jammed, particularly on older toilets. Luckily, you can still remove them even if grime or rust holds them down. Simply apply some WD-40 on the fasteners and extract after 10 minutes.
Still, having a stuck nut? Keep it in position with the wrench while turning the nut with the screwdriver (with your second hand). If the bolts remained jammed, use the hacksaw on them. To do this, put the blade on the nut and cut with gentle movements.
When loose, remove the bolts from the toilet. Now, you can pull out the seat and hinges. Afterwards, try to dump old items into the trash.
Step 5: Prepare to Install the New Toilet Seat
Pull out the seat from the package. On this item lies pre-attached hinges, which you will place on the spot of the previous one. You can also find bolts, nuts, and plastic covers inside the box.
Locate the bolt holes on the hinges of the toilet seat, and pick the new bolt and fix it through this space with the head at the top. In this position, the bolt cannot drop from the hole.
Step 6: Fix the Nuts into the Bolts
Check one end of the toilet bowl for bolts sticking through its top. Then, put a nut and screw (with clockwise movements) onto one of such bolts. You can use your hands for this task before tightening a little with the wrench.
Move to the other side of the bowl and repeat the same process on the bolt. If your new seat includes washers, fix them before adding the nuts. Finally, place the plastic caps (if provided) on top of the bolts and push firmly.
Step 7: Attach the Toilet Seat on the Bowl
When learning how to replace a toilet seat, you might not have to push bolts through any hinges, particularly on some models. On these toilets, drop a bolt into a hole and screw in the nut. Afterward, the hinges on the seat glide over the top of the bolts.
Even if you know how to remove toilet seat hinges, you should consult the manual that comes with the box of your new seat.
When Should I Change the Seat on My Toilet?
A damaged or broken toilet seat stands as one of the obvious reasons for a change. Moreover, if your toilet has a shaky feeling, you should consider getting a new one. But you can also change your perfect seat, especially if you prefer a new look.
Although it’s rare, some newly constructed bathrooms have water closets without seats. If you have this scenario, you should also know how to replace a toilet seat.
Important Safety Tips for Replacing Toilet Seats
Since water closets handle waste materials, they stand as ideal breeding places for harmful microorganisms. So before working on one, use the following tips.
Do not change the seat with your bare hands. Instead, out on gloves made from rubber. You can get these items from your local store at affordable prices.
Clean the current seat before extraction from the bowl. Then clean the entire toilet before placing the new one. For a complete cleanse, use an anti-bacterial cleaner.
Wrap Up
People change their seats for many reasons. Although the project looks technical, it’s quite simple. You can also complete the task without placing a call to your plumber and asking, “how much does it cost to replace a toilet seat?”
Start by measuring the space between the existing seat and use this value to look for a new one. Then choose the type that matches the style and color of your toilet. Get the necessary tools and fix the new seat on the closet.
Ensure you wear gloves when carrying out the task. You should also use a cleaner to wipe it before replacing it.
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