How to Install a New Toilet Seat

Install New Toilet Seat

Replacing your toilet seat with a new one is a quick, easy, and cost-effective DIY project. Whether you’re replacing a worn-out or broken seat, or are looking to upgrade to a new style, toilet seat installation is a breeze.

Step 1: Measure Your Toilet

Measure your toilet bowl and your old toilet seat. Generally speaking, there are two main types of toilet sizes: round and elongated. Round toilet bowls are typically 16.5 inches long and elongated bowls measure 18.5 inches in length.

Measure the distance between the bolts as well. While most toilets are universal, there could be outliers.

Step 2: Choose a New Toilet Seat

There are many types of toilet seats on the market these days. Stop by any hardware store and you can find seats with a silent or whisper close hinges, padded seats, and even seats with lights! Toilet seats range in cost, but most can be priced at around $20-40.

Step 3: Remove the Old Toilet Seat

Start by locating the bolts on the underside of the bowl. There are a few different ways to remove the bolts depending on the type of material and whether or not the nuts unscrew easily.

Remove the bolts by:

  • Unscrewing by hand
  • Using an adjustable wrench
  • Popping off the plastic bolt caps with a flat head screwdriver

New toilet seats come with a fresh set of hardware that is unique to the seat, so you can discard the old bolts, nuts, and any other hardware.

Step 4: Install New Toilet Seat

Most toilet seats are installed as follows:

  • Place new seat on the bowl and align the holes in the seat to the bolt holes on the toilet
  • Drop the bolts down into the holes
  • Thread the nuts onto the bolts
  • Tighten the nuts to the bolts while keeping the seat aligned in place

Some seats have hinges that snap into place while others have the bolts attached to the hinge itself. Read the instructions that come with your new seat and install accordingly.

Keep a screwdriver and adjustable wrench on hand. Make sure the seat and lid are secure to the bowl before testing it out.

Toilet Repair in South Jersey

When it’s time to replace your toilet, call in the professionals at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Pleasantville. Our skilled plumbers located in Atlantic & Cap May Counties are available 24/7 to assist you with all of your plumbing needs. Contact our plumbers today!

Category: