How to Replace a Toilet Seat: Quick and Easy Guide

You don't need to read a guide on how to replace a toilet seat, I hear you thinking. Well, trust me, it's not as simple as it seems. As someone who spent years in the plumbing trade, I've had countless callouts for toilet seat jobs, many of which could have been avoided if the client had known a few simple things beforehand. So here's a brief guide to help you through the process.

Before You Start: Getting the Right Seat for Your Toilet

If you're starting from scratch, buying a new toilet seat, the first thing you need to do is measure your existing seat. If you haven't bought the seat yet, it's a good idea to take a measuring tape down to the hardware store with you. Toilet seat sizes vary more than most people realise, so measuring properly is important. The most important measurements are the distance between the fixing holes, the width of the bowl and the length of the bowl from the fixing holes. Here are the measurements you'll need: Standard distance between fixing holes, if you haven't already measured, most Australian toilet seats have the holes at 150mm centres. If the seat is European or quite old, they may be a little closer or further apart, at 140mm or 160mm. Width of the bowl at its widest point. This will help you determine whether you need a round or a D-shaped seat. Length of the bowl from the fixing holes to the front of the bowl. This is important because elongated seats are a little longer than standard seats. And here are some other things to note down: Overall toilet dimensions, to ensure that the seat you buy fits in the space provided. Whether you need to consider toilet height. A thicker seat will increase the overall height of your toilet, which can make a real difference for someone with mobility issues or knee problems.

Why Toilet Seats Come Loose or Break

There are a couple of reasons why a toilet seat might come loose. The most common is because of the fixings. Toilet seats are fixed to the pan by two little bolts at the back of the seat. Each time someone sits down, there is a little bit of sideways movement, which can cause the bolts to loosen over time. The other common reason is because the seat has cracked or broken. Plastic seats will crack in winter as the plastic gets cold and brittle, so this might be something to consider when deciding what type of seat to purchase. I have even seen them just break in half! Wooden toilet seats can also weaken over time, especially if the varnish finish has worn off and water has penetrated to the timber. A second major issue is rust, especially on older toilet suites with metal bolts. The rust can cause the bolts to seize up making it very difficult to remove.

How to Replace a Toilet Seat Step by Step

Okay, now that we know the reason we are replacing the toilet seat, let's get started. You will need an adjustable spanner or pliers and possibly a hacksaw (if the bolts are rusted). First locate the fixing bolts, which are situated at the rear of the toilet seat, where the hinges attach to the pan. You may need to flick up a plastic cover to expose the bolt head, or use a screw driver to remove a cover. Hold the nut under the pan with your fingers or with pliers and unscrew the bolt anti-clockwise using a screwdriver or spanner. If the bolt is rusted use some penetrating oil (such as WD40) and leave to sit for 20 minutes. If still no good, use a hacksaw to cut the bolt (being careful not to mark the pan). Remove the old toilet seat and clean around the bolt holes thoroughly, as dirt and grime can accumulate in these areas. Place the new toilet seat on the pan and line up the bolt holes. Place the new bolts through the top and hand tighten the nut at the bottom of the pan. Be careful not to overtighten as you may crack the pan. Sit on the seat to ensure it is centred on the pan and adjust if necessary, then tighten another quarter turn with your spanner. That's it, it should only take about 15 minutes if the old bolts didn't give you too much grief.

When a Straight Swap Isn't Enough

Unfortunately, replacing a toilet seat is not always as simple as removing the old one and fitting the new one. If you have a wall faced toilet suite, the fixing bolts may be different and you may need a specific toilet seat from the manufacturer. Some wall faced toilet suites, especially those with concealed cisterns, have specific ways of attaching the seat to the pan, so a standard replacement may not be applicable. You may also consider purchasing a quick release toilet seat, which is ideal for cleaning as it can be removed without the need for tools. If you are looking to upgrade rather than replace, you may want to consider a bidet for the toilet, which is a relatively new innovation in Australian bathrooms. This is a complete unit which replaces your existing toilet seat and attaches to your water supply. Fitting a new seat is a little trickier, you will probably need a water supply and possibly a powerpoint nearby, but it is a great investment for many families.

Keeping Your New Seat in Good Shape

You just need to tighten the fixing bolts every 6 months or so to keep your new seat in good condition. It only takes 30 seconds and stops the seat from getting that annoying rocking motion. Don't use abrasive cleaners on plastic toilet seats, they will scratch the surface, which can become a breeding ground for bacteria. A soft cloth and some mild bathroom cleaner is all you need. Wipe wooden seats dry after use, and never use bleach, it will ruin the finish. If you have fitted a seat bidet toilet combo, refer to the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. These units will have filters and nozzles that will require regular cleaning. A toilet seat and bidet combination is a far more complex unit than a standard seat, so it's worth taking care of it. I would suggest that it's worth paying a little extra for a soft-close seat. It eliminates the banging and slamming that is the most common cause of cracked toilet seats and loose hinges. Your family will appreciate it, especially at 2am.