How To Replace A Toilet Seat

Introduction

Replacing a toilet seat can be a little intimidating if you've never done it before. To make things simpler, we've created this easy to follow guide, full of tips on how you can quickly change a toilet seat!

Why should I replace my toilet seat?

There are many reasons why you might need to replace your toilet seat. Most often, toilets seats can become worn and cracked over time. Perhaps the fixtures have begun to wear, resulting in the seat loosening and wobbling.

Or, maybe it's just time to update your bathroom with a fresh new style. Replacing small fixtures in the bathroom, such as the toilet seat, can be a great and inexpensive way of bringing new life to an old bathroom.

What size toilet seat do I need?

Before purchasing your new toilet seat, it's important to check the measurements of your current seat to ensure compatibility. If you don't have the old seat to measure, you can also figure out the seat size by measuring the toilet bowl.

You may be thinking "aren't toilet seats universal?" or "will any toilet seat fit my toilet?". The short answer is no. Toilet seats are usually made to be fitted to a specific style, shape or model of toilet. But, if you've found a toilet seat from a different brand than your toilet, as long as it matches the dimensions and shape of your toilet bowl, then there's no reason why it wouldn't be suitable for you.

How to measure for a toilet seat

You can accurately measure your toilet bowl to determine the seat size you need for your toilet. Make sure to clean your toilet before measuring, as to remove any harmful germs and bacteria.

Step 1. Measure the distance between the centre of the two fixing holes at the back of the toilet bowl. This is where the screws hold the seat in place.

Step 2. Measure the width of the toilet bowl at its widest point.

Step 3. Measure the length of the toilet bowl from between the two fixing holes to the front.

Once you have these measurements, you can use them to find the correct seat size for your toilet.

How to choose a new toilet seat

Luckily for you, at Unbeatable Bathrooms, we have an extensive range of high-quality toilet seats to choose from - starting from only £26! No matter what style your bathroom is, modern or traditional, there's something to suit everybody.

Tools You Need To Replace A Toilet Seat

Most of the tools required to change a toilet seat can be found in the home or garden shed:

• Protective Gloves (To keep your hands clean)
• Flathead Screwdriver
• Pliers or Adjustable Wrench
• A New Toilet Seat

These tools will be used to both remove and fit the toilet seat. If you're buying a brand new seat, this will usually come with all the necessary fittings. If you're only replacing the fittings from your old seat, then you may be required to purchase these parts yourself.

How To Remove A Toilet Seat

Most toilet seats will be attached by two screw or bolt fittings towards the back of the toilet bowl, usually hidden from view.

Step 1. If your old seat has a quick release function, use this and lift off the seat - leaving two protective caps covering the screws. Use a flathead screwdriver to remove the caps, if unable to by hand, and carefully pry them off. Once the caps are removed, two screws will now be visible which hold the seat in place.

(If your toilet seat doesn't have any screws at the top, it may only be attached by the two bolts behind the toilet bowl).

Step 2. Underneath the toilet bowl, towards the back, you will notice two bolts sticking out either side which are being held by two nuts or wingnuts. Remove the nuts using pliers to loosen, then continue by hand.

Step 3. Unscrew any top screws after removing the protective caps in Step 1. Or, if your toilet seat doesn't have any top fixings, the seat should now be able to lift away.

Certain toilet seats may be fitted slightly differently but by following these steps you should have no problem figuring out how to remove yours.

How To Fit A New Toilet Seat

Check that your new toilet seat is the correct shape and size for your toilet BEFORE taking the it out of any plastic wrapping. Once the toilet seat has been removed from the protective packaging, it won't be able to be returned for hygiene reasons.

Also, take some time to properly clean the toilet bowl. With the seat off, this provides the perfect opportunity to clean areas you wouldn't normally be able to, places that germs and bacteria may have been able to grow.

If you've purchased a brand new toilet seat, you will most likely have all the necessary fittings ready to go. If you're fixing an old seat, then you might need to purchase new fixings.

Now that you're ready to go, fitting a new toilet seat is essentially a reversal of the removal process. 

Step 1. First, line up the new fittings by slotting the bolts through the fixing holes found in the toilet bowl.

Step 2. Check that the toilet seat is evenly positioned with no overhang either side of the toilet bowl.

Step 3. Once happy with the seats position, attach the fittings by screwing in the two bolts. Apply the protective caps if your toilet has them. Then, screw the nuts or wingnuts to the bolts under the seat using pliers or by hand. 

Be careful not to overly tighten them, as this could cause damage and unnecessary strain on the seat. You may also need to remove the seat in the future, which could be difficult if the nuts are too tight.

Do you prefer video tutorials? Here's a short video compiling the basics from this guide...

Step-By-Step Infographic

Click here to download our "How To Replace A Toilet Seat" step-by-step infographic and reference this guide on the go!

How do I replace a soft closing toilet seat? 

Not to worry, the process of removing and fitting a soft closing toilet seat is extremely similar to that of a standard one, as described above. By following these general steps, you will easily be able to adapt for your soft close toilet.

How do I replace a top fixing toilet seat?

Similarly, top fixing toilet seats also follow an extremely similar removal and fitting process as a standard seat. The main difference is that you won't need to remove any bolts or nuts under the toilet bowl.

Was this guide helpful?

Thanks for reading! We hope that this step-by-step guide has helped you to replace your toilet seat with ease. If you're still deciding on which toilet seat is right for you, click "Shop Toilet Seats" to browse our extensive range of styles!

All information and prices are correct at the time of writing, Nov 2021.