Replacing A Toilet Seat | Complete Guide

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Replacing A Toilet Seat

You may need to replace the toilet seat if it is too old, broken, or damaged or the fixtures have been displaced from their original place. You can also replace it if you want a new style. Toilets have different shapes, and so do toilet seats; that’s why you need to check before you purchase a new one. Moreover, it is essential to measure the toilet correctly to ensure the new seat fits perfectly with a soft-closing feature.

This guide covers the importance of replacing toilet seats, their shapes, and what measurements to take before purchasing a new toilet seat. It also includes the tools required, procedures, things to remember, and safety measures to take while replacing a toilet seat. Moreover, you can also get information about factors to consider while choosing a new toilet seat.

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Importance of Replacing Toilet Seat

It is essential to replace the toilet seat if it has developed cracks over time to avoid the growth of mould, mildew, and other harmful germs in those spaces. A damaged or cracked toilet seat also impacts the aesthetic quality of your bathroom; therefore, you should replace it as soon as possible to maintain your bathroom’s look.

Shapes of Toilet Seats

Commonly, these three toilet seat shapes are found in the UK:

  1. Square Toilet Seats
  2. D-Shaped Toilet Seats
  3. Round/Oval Toilet Seats

What Measurements to Take?

There is no standard size for toilet seats due to different shapes and styles; therefore, it is important to take proper measurements before buying a new toilet seat for replacement. Some of the essential measurements you need to take include:

  • The toilet bowl’s width is at its widest part.
  • Distance between the fixing holes where screws are present.
  • Length from the bowl back’s front side to the two seat-fixing holes.

These measurements help you purchase the right-sized toilet seat.

Tools Required for Replacing a Toilet Seat

  • Measuring tape to take toilet seat measurements.
  • Pliers or Adjustable Wrench for removing the nuts of the old toilet seat.
  • Flathead Screwdriver for removing the plastic caps present over the nuts.
Importance of Replacing Toilet Seat
Procedure for Replacing a Toilet Seat

Procedure for Replacing a Toilet Seat

  1. Measure the toilet from fixing points to the lip and the width.
  2. Take a flathead screwdriver to remove the plastic caps present over the nuts.
  3. Loosen the nuts present on either side of the toilet with the help of pliers.
  4. Remove the loosened nuts with your hand.
  5. Lift away the toilet seat.
  6. Disinfect the toilet area and allow it to dry completely.
  7. Attach the new fittings on the toilet by lining them up properly
  8. Slot the bolts through the fixing holes of the toilet.
  9. Secure the wing nuts in place with your hands or by using pliers.
  10. Snap the plastic caps on the bolts and wing nuts.

Things to Remember!

  • Do not damage the toilet while removing the plastic caps, and work gently.
  • Lubricate the toilet seat with some WD-40 spray if it is too rusted or stiff in place.
  • Ensure the toilet seat is fixed evenly on the toilet bowl’s perimeter.
  • Make sure the bolt’s head faces upwards when dropped through the hinges and bowl holes.
  • Refrain from over-tightening the nuts while fixing the new toilet seat.

Safety Measures While Replacing a Toilet Seat

It would help if you took some safety precautions while changing a toilet seat to save yourself from harmful germs and potential infections. For this purpose, you should:

  • Wear rubber gloves while replacing the toilet seat.
  • Clean the toilet seat before removing it.
  • Clean the toilet thoroughly after taking off the seat with an anti-bacterial spray.
  • Wash your hands with an anti-bacterial hand wash after completing the toilet seat replacement.
While Choosing a New Toilet Seat
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Factors to Consider While Choosing a New Toilet Seat

After taking the precise measurements of your old toilet seat, you should consider these factors that help you buy the right toilet seat for replacement:

Toilet Seat Type

You need to choose between ‘soft-close toilet seats’ and ‘standard-close toilet seats’ for your bathroom. Soft-close toilet seats have a gentle closing mechanism that helps prevent the lid from banging while closing and gives your bathroom an elegant look. On the other hand, standard-close toilet seats can be installed easily, have a classic style, and come in different finishes and materials.

Toilet Seat Shape

You should assess the shape of your old toilet seat and purchase a new one with the exact shape so that it fits properly. You can choose oval-shaped seats, which are a bit longer than round ones. Additionally, you can buy a D-shaped or squared toilet seat based on the shape of your toilet.

Toilet Seat Material

Toilet seats are made of different materials, and you need to choose one based on the material of your toilet. You can choose cushioned, plastic, or wooden toilet seats in any colour that goes well with your toilet. The plastic seats become very cold during winter, wooden seats give a warmer effect but get stained easily, and cushioned toilet seats are comfortable yet prone to cracks and splits. Therefore, you should choose one that fulfils your unique needs perfectly.