Most homeowners are reluctant to call a professional soon after a minor setback. They want to be skilled enough to tackle minor plumbing issues independently and not spend unnecessary money on trivial things.
However, installing a toilet set can be a challenging task – one that requires skill and direction. Without proper guidance, you might not be able to install a toilet seat on your own. Don't worry! We have got you covered. Read on to ace the art of installing a toilet seat on your own.
How to Install a Toilet Seat
The following is a step-by-step guide on installing a toilet seat:
1) - Make a Reservation for a New Toilet Seat
Take Measurements
When you buy a new toilet seat, compare it to your old one. If you buy a new toilet seat that is the same size as your current one, it should fit. Measure the distance between the bolt holes on the toilet bowl with a tape measure if you want to be extra safe. After that, ensure that the new seat's bolt spacing matches the old one.
Install the Toilet Seat of Your Choice
At your local hardware store, you will find a wide variety of toilet seats. You can go with an elongated shape instead of the standard rounded one. To avoid the seat slamming into the bowl when it closes, purchase a close whisper seat.
Select the Color
Consider the color of your toilet bowl when purchasing a new toilet seat. Toilet seats come in a wide range of hues that can go well with your bathroom. If you want a contemporary look, choose a color that contrasts with the toilet bowl's color. You can contrast a white toilet bowl with a blue or wooden toilet seat.
Changing the Toilet Seat
This is the time to stock up on all of the materials you will need to complete the project. Only a few simple tools are needed to complete this task. Get the tools from the hardware store. You can easily change the toilet seat with the help of pliers or an adjustable wrench.
The following are some easy steps to change the toilet seat:
- Take out the old seat with a small hacksaw.
- Examine the edge of the old toilet seat near the tank for corrosion signs. The hinges of the toilet seat are attached to two plastic caps on each side of the bowl. Gently pry them off with the flathead screwdriver's edge.
- If there are no cap screws, the bolts that connect the toilet seat to the bowl will be visible.
- Loosen the nuts on the bolts to free them.
- When you have an adjustable wrench in your hand, inspect the rim of the toilet bowl. Bolts and nuts should be visible on porcelain. In the bowl, there will be a total of two of them. To ensure a tight fit, use an adjustable wrench on each nut. To remove the nuts, a counterclockwise turning wrench should be used.
2) - Remove the Old Seat's Bolts
Insert a screwdriver into the base of the toilet bowl's bolts. Remove each bolt one by one. To remove the nuts, turn them counterclockwise. Washers must be removed from the socket before you can remove your old seat.
If the old bolts are stuck, they might need to be loosened. A rusted or clogged toilet bolt can be a problem for some older toilets. It might be difficult to get rid of them. Use WD-40 to loosen metal-corroded bolts by applying them to their threads. Ten minutes after you first attempted to remove the bolts, give it another go. Adjustable wrenches can also be used if that fails. Hold the bolt in place with your other hand while you use the screwdriver in your other hand to try to unscrew it from the socket.
To free the stuck bolts, a hacksaw is all that is needed. Work your way up to the bolt head, starting with the nut closest to the bowl, and saw it back and forth until the bolt is freed from its socket. Remove the bolts from the bowl before proceeding. After that, it should be easy to remove the toilet seat along with all the hinges. Make sure to remove the old seat, as well as the screws and nuts that hold it in place.
3) - Install the New Seat
The hinges will already be attached when the seat is delivered to you. Bolts and nuts are also included in the package. It is also possible to include plastic caps for the bolts. Ensure that the bolts are in their allotted space.
Placing Bolts
Bolts will be inserted into the holes of the hinges. Since the seat is positioned in the same place, the toilet bowl's rim holes will line up with back-of-seat holes. To secure the hinges and bowl, insert them through the holes in the hinges. The heads of the bolts prevent them from falling out. Before the nuts can be installed, the bolts must be threaded onto them.
Placing Nuts
To see the bowl from a different perspective, turn your head to the side. At this point, one of the bolts should stick out from the bowl. Tighten the nut clockwise on the bolt to ensure that it is as secure as possible. Use your adjustable wrench to tighten it even more. Repeat the first step to remove the second toilet-side nut. After putting washers on the bolts, secure the nut with a tie. Once you are done, press the new toilet seat's plastic caps into the bolt heads on the hinges.
Keep in Mind
When installing a toilet seat, it is not necessary to screw the bolts into the hinges. To attach the bolts to the toilet bowl, you don't need to drill the hinges. All you have to do is secure them in place with nuts. Attach the seat to the bolts using hinges that either snap onto or slide over the heads of the screws.
Final Word
And that's how you can install a toilet seat on your own. If you find any trouble even after reading this guide, you can always ask for a professional's assistance.