How to Replace a Toilet Seat

Replacing a toilet seat can seem intimidating, but our comprehensive and easy-to-follow guide makes it a breeze! Whether you're dealing with a damaged toilet seat that needs replacement or just seeking a fashionable upgrade for your bathroom, Showers to You has put together this straightforward guide that everyone can use.

Even if the existing toilet seat is in good condition, changing it is a fast and inexpensive way of adding a refreshing style to your bathroom. Whether adding a Wooden Toilet Seat to your new toilet or simply wishing for a change in your bathroom's aesthetic, an upgraded seat is a budget-friendly project. We always suggest reading the manufacturer's instructions as fixings and installations can vary from different designs.

Why should I replace my Toilet Seat?

There are several compelling reasons why you might consider replacing your toilet seat.

Hygiene and Cleanliness: Despite regular cleaning, toilet seats can harbour bacteria and germs over time. Replacing your toilet seat can ensure a cleaner and more sanitary bathroom environment.

Comfort and Aesthetics: A cracked or worn-out toilet seat can be uncomfortable and unsightly. Replacing it can improve your bathroom's comfort level and overall look, enhancing your home's aesthetics.

Durability: Toilet seats can wear out over time, leading to loosening, wobbling, or breaking. By replacing your toilet seat, you ensure a sturdy and reliable fixture in your bathroom.

Updated Toilet: If you have recently upgraded your toilet, more than likely, a new seat will immediately follow. Replacing your old seat can enhance your modern or traditional bathroom aesthetic.

Is installing a toilet seat hard?

Have you asked yourself, "Can I install a toilet seat myself"? Have you questioned if it will be a difficult task? Not at all! Replacing and installing a new toilet seat is one of, if not the quickest, DIY jobs you can do in the bathroom. The job can be quickly completed within 20 minutes with patience and basic DIY knowledge.

Are you considering installing a new toilet as part of your latest DIY project? Read through our handy guide on installing a toilet for more information!

Are Toilet Seats a universal size?

In simple terms, no. Toilet seats come in various shapes, designs, sizes and fittings. For example, some seats are oval for rounded pans, some are D-shaped or squared, some have a bottom fixing mechanism (installed from underneath the fixing holes), and some feature a soft-closing mechanism. It's essential to correctly measure for the new seat (more on this shortly).

How do I replace a toilet seat?

You'll need a small array of tools to replace an old seat and install a new one. Don't worry; these tools are usually found in most UK households, and you won't need to make an unnecessary shopping trip.

Step One: Gather your Tools

To replace and install a toilet seat, you will need:

- Tape Measure

- Pliers

- Disposable rubber gloves

- New Toilet Seat

- Flathead Screwdriver

- Cleaning sprays and products

Step Two: Measure Your Toilet Seat

Using the tape measure, measure the following:

- The distance spanning from the seat bolts to the outermost edge of the front of the toilet bowl.

- Assess the span between the bolts where the toilet seat fastens to the bowl. Typically, the standard distance for UK toilet seats between the attachment points is 155mm.

- Measure the widest point of the bowl.

Once you have the correct measurements, you can easily find a toilet seat that fits your budget and preferences.

Step Three: Remove the old Toilet Seat

Most standard toilet seats are secured with two bolts. These bolts can be concealed with two plastic caps on the backside of the toilet seat. Use the screwdriver to remove the caps, then use the pliers to hold the nuts together and underneath the seat. Carefully unscrew the bolts and gently lift the old seat from the bowl. Plastic Toilet Seats are the lightest designs.

Step Four: Clean the area

Using your cleaning products, thoroughly clean and disinfect the toilet area where the old seat was. To prevent any future mould build-up, dry the area before installing the new toilet seat.

Step Five: Install the nuts

Once you have opened your new toilet seat, read the manufacturer's instructions and find the nuts. Drop them in the old holes and tighten them with the screwdriver.

Step Six: Replace the hinge covers

Push the rounded covers over the nuts and brackets and ensure everything is secure.

Step Seven: Install the new toilet seat

Finally, insert the new seat into place. Some seats, such as Quick Release Toilet Seats, are installed with a fast-releasing mechanism. Clean the new toilet seat if required.

Should a toilet seat overhand the toilet?

No, a toilet seat should not overhang the toilet. The new seat should fit perfectly and securely on the bowl for optimal comfort and durability, avoiding undue hinge stress and maintaining a professional, aesthetic look.

How do you tighten a toilet seat with hidden fixings?

To tighten a toilet seat with hidden fixings, first expose the screws by removing the caps or covers. Then, turn the screws clockwise to tighten them, using a flathead screwdriver if needed. Be careful not to overtighten to avoid damage. Finally, replace the caps or covers to protect the screws.

How much do Toilet Seats cost?

As stated earlier, a new toilet seat is a budget-friendly DIY upgrade. On Showers to You, we have a large collection of over 160 designs from various suppliers that start from £16.99!

Our cheapest model is the Ajax Standard Soft Close Toilet, priced at just £16.99. In contrast, the Croydex Raised Toilet Seat is just over £160.00, ideal for users with flexibility restrictions.

Why choose Showers to You for my new toilet seat?

At Showers to You, we are committed to helping you discover the perfect toilet seat to complement your upscale bathroom fixtures. Our extensive range of Sanitaryware and Toilets is sourced from industry-leading manufacturers, ensuring an option to suit every preference.

Our team of experts is ready and available for personalised assistance in selecting the ideal toilet seat for your needs. Reach out to us through our online contact form, send an email to info@showerstoyou.co.uk, or call us on 01472 242159.