How To Replace A Toilet Seat (Quick & Easy Guide)
Broken toilet seat… We’ve all been there.
Taco night is all nice and fun until it isn’t. You run upstairs an BOOM! “Toilet seat breaks.”
It happened to me too. And instantly my first thought was to call someone to come and fix it. Like we would do with a washing machine, a fridge, or any of these things…
Turns out we don’t really need a professional and it’s not so hard to replace a toilet seat by yourself!
So if you consider yourself to be a LITTLE bit of a handyman or handywoman…
Read on:
I’ve got a perfect, simple & step-by-step guide on how to easily replace a toilet seat and brag to your partner how you did it all by yourself.
Essential Tools for Home Repairs: Preparing for Toilet Seat Replacement
It’s important before we get started, that you have the right tools at hand. These include the following:
- A new toilet seat: You can’t replace a toilet seat without having a new one ready unfortunately. Make sure to choose a style and material that blend with your bathroom decor.
- Measuring tape: To ensure the perfect fit, you’ll need measuring tape to get accurate measurements of your current seat.
- Screwdriver: This is necessary for removing the old toilet seat and screwing in the new one.
- Adjustable wrench or pliers: These come in handy if your toilet seat uses nuts and bolts instead of screws.
- Gloves: Keep your hands clean and free from germs by using gloves during this process.
- Cleaning supplies: Before installing the new toilet seat, cleaning the area is recommended for sanitary reasons.
What is the Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing a Toilet Seat?
Step 1 – Start by measuring your toilet seat to ensure that you purchase the correct size replacement. Most toilet seats are either round or elongated, so measure from the front of the bowl to the center of the mounting holes.
Get some measuring tape and measure the length of the seat from post holes at the back to the front edge.
Also, note down its width at widest point for precision. The rule here is: Measure twice, order once!
Step 2 – Once you have your new toilet seat, it’s time to remove the old one.
Start by locating and identifying the hinges that connect it to the toilet bowl. These hinges are usually located at the back of the seat. Once you have found them, use a screwdriver or an adjustable wrench to unscrew or loosen the nuts or bolts securing the seat in place.
Depending on your toilet model, there may be wingnuts instead of regular nuts.
Step 3 – After loosening the nuts or bolts, lift up the seat and carefully slide it off of its position. Be cautious not to apply too much force as this can damage other parts of your toilet.
If you encounter any resistance during removal, double-check that all fasteners are completely loose before proceeding further.
Take this opportunity to clean and sanitize your toilet bowl before installing the new seat.
Step 4 – To install the new toilet seat, start by positioning it over the holes on the back of your toilet bowl. Make sure that the hinges line up with these holes for a proper fit. Then, take the included nuts and bolts and insert them into the holes from underneath the bowl.
Step 5 – Tighten them securely using a wrench or pliers until they are snug but not overly tight, as this could cause damage to your toilet. Finally, lower the seat onto the bowl and press it down firmly to ensure it is securely in place.
Move it gently to test its stability before really “testing” your now newly installed toilet seat!
Follow these straightforward steps, and you can easily replace a worn-out or broken toilet seat with minimal effort and saving expenses from having to hire a plumber.
Safety Precautions While Handling Plumbing Tasks
Just in case and for safety reasons you can turn off the water supply before starting any plumbing tasks to avoid any accidents.
Be cautious when handling the old toilet seat, as it may have sharp edges or be covered in germs. Remember to follow proper sanitation practices by wearing gloves and cleaning the area thoroughly before installation.
Final Tips Before You Get Started
Clean the area before installation
Before installing your new toilet seat, it’s important to clean the area thoroughly. Start by wiping down the top of the toilet bowl with a disinfectant cleaner to remove any dirt or grime. Pay special attention to the hinges and bolts where the old seat was attached.
Use a scrub brush or toothbrush to get into all the nooks and crannies.
Next, make sure to clean both sides of the new toilet seat before placing it on the bowl. This will help prevent any germs or bacteria from transferring onto your newly installed seat.
Check for proper fit and stability
Once you have removed the old toilet seat and are ready to install the new one, it is important to check for proper fit and stability. Make sure that the new seat matches the measurements of your toilet bowl, ensuring that it is neither too small nor too big.
Place the new seat on top of the bowl and ensure that it sits securely without wobbling or shifting. Give it a gentle shake to test its stability. If there is any movement, make adjustments as necessary by tightening screws or adjusting hinges until the seat fits snugly in place.
Taking this step will help prevent any discomfort or inconvenience down the line when using your newly installed toilet seat.
Seek professional help if needed
If you’re really struggling with the toilet seat replacement, seek help from a professional. Call up a plumber.
However, if you follow these steps carefully you shouldn’t have any problems.
Conclusion
In conclusion, replacing a toilet seat can be a quick and easy DIY project that anyone can tackle. With the right tools and following our step-by-step guide, you’ll have a new toilet seat installed in no time.
Remember to prioritize safety, cleanliness, and proper fit for your comfort and peace of mind. Happy home repairs!