Lyla Lindsey
Changing a toilet seat is one of the easiest repair jobs you can do in a bathroom. It doesn't take long and can give your bathroom a quick face-lift. Before buying a new toilet seat, identify the style of your toilet. The two common ones are round and extended. Measure the distance between the bolts where the seat attaches to the bowl and the length of the bowl from between the seat bolts to the outer edge of the front of the bowl. Choose a seat that matches the shape of your toilet bowl and suits the style of your bathroom.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Tools required | Tape measure, screwdriver, hacksaw, wrench, gloves, disinfectant, level |
| Steps | 1. Measure the toilet bowl and identify its style. 2. Choose a new seat that matches the bowl's size, style, and colour. 3. Remove the old seat by undoing the nuts and bolts. 4. Clean the toilet bowl. 5. Place the new seat and secure it with the bolts and nuts. |
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What You'll Learn
Identify the shape of your toilet
Identifying the shape of your toilet is crucial when replacing your toilet seat. While modern toilet seats are standardised, your older toilet may have non-standard dimensions.
Toilet seats are designed to fit one of two bowl shapes: round or elongated. A round toilet seat will not fit an elongated bowl and vice versa. Round toilet bowls are more circular, while elongated bowls are more oval-shaped.
To determine the shape of your toilet bowl, look at it from above. Place your measuring tape or ruler at the midpoint between the mounting holes at the back of the bowl (where the seat attaches) and extend it straight down the centre to the front edge of the toilet bowl. A round bowl will measure approximately 16.5 inches in length, while an elongated bowl will measure approximately 18.5 inches.
In addition to round and elongated toilet bowls, there are also D-shaped and square toilet bowls. D-shaped toilet seats resemble the letter "D" and are easy to spot. Square toilet seats are contemporary and less common.
If you have a European toilet, your bowl may also be pointed or rounded. Pointed seats are slightly elliptical in shape and are about 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) longer than round seats, which are nearly perfect circles.
Once you have identified the shape of your toilet bowl, you can choose a replacement seat that matches.
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Measure the toilet bowl
To change a toilet seat in Australia, the first step is to measure your toilet bowl so you can purchase a new seat that fits. This is important because toilet bowls come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and buying a seat that is the correct size will ensure a proper fit and avoid any leaks.
Start by measuring the length and width of your toilet bowl at its widest points. You can use a measuring tape or a ruler for this step. Make sure to measure from the back of the bowl to the front, as well as across the widest part of the bowl. This will give you an idea of the overall size of your toilet bowl and help you choose a seat that is the right proportion.
Next, you'll need to determine the shape of your toilet bowl. There are two main shapes: round and elongated. A round bowl will have a more circular shape when viewed from above, while an elongated bowl will be longer and oval-shaped. To differentiate between the two, measure the distance from the centre of the bolt holes at the back of the bowl to the very front of the bowl. If this measurement is 430mm or less, you likely have a round bowl. If it's more than 430mm, you probably have an elongated bowl.
Another important measurement to take is the distance between the bolt holes. Standard toilet seat bolt holes are usually 135mm to 165mm apart, measured from the centre of one hole to the centre of the other. Some toilet seats may have a non-standard bolt hole spacing, so it's important to measure this accurately. Take a measuring tape and measure from the centre of one bolt hole to the centre of the other. This measurement will help you choose a new seat with matching bolt hole spacing.
In addition to the above measurements, you should also check the thickness of your toilet bowl. Measure the distance from the top of the bowl, where the seat rests, to the bottom of the bowl. This measurement will help ensure that the new seat you choose has sufficient clearance and will not interfere with the surrounding area. A toilet seat that is too thick may not fit properly or may cause the toilet lid to bump against a nearby wall.
Finally, it's a good idea to bring your measurements with you when purchasing a new toilet seat. By doing so, you can compare your measurements to the specifications of the available seats and choose the one that best matches your toilet bowl. Most toilet seats will come with adjustable or flexible fittings, allowing for slight variations in measurements. However, having accurate measurements will make the selection process much easier and ensure a proper fit.
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Choose a new seat
Choosing a new toilet seat is a simple process, but there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, identify the style of your toilet. The two most common toilet shapes are round and elongated (or extended). Round toilet bowls are standard, while elongated bowls are more oval-shaped and often found in public places. Knowing the shape of your toilet bowl will help you choose a seat that fits properly.
Next, consider the size of your toilet bowl. Before buying a new seat, use a tape measure to determine the size that will fit your bowl. Measure the distance between the bolts where the seat attaches to the bowl, which is typically 5 1/2 inches. Then, measure the length of the bowl from between the seat bolts to the outer edge of the front of the bowl. For round bowls, the length should be about 16 1/2 inches, while elongated bowls should measure 18 to 18 1/2 inches.
Another important factor is the material of the toilet seat. Most toilets are made of high-impact plastic or have a plastic coating over wood. However, you may also consider other options such as enamel, natural wood, moulded wood, bamboo, or fiberboard. The material you choose should not only be durable but also complement the style of your bathroom.
Toilet seats also come in various colours, allowing you to make a stylistic statement. You can either match the colour of your toilet and seat or choose a contrasting colour, such as a black seat on a white toilet. Additionally, consider specialty features such as "whisper close" lids that prevent the seat from slamming shut, or heated toilet seats.
Finally, pay attention to the type of installation required for the new seat. The two common styles are screw-in and bolt-down. Screw-in seats require screws or anchors to be installed through the seat attachment holes, while bolt-down seats involve threading a rod into the seat mounts and bolting it down. Make sure to check the installation requirements and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
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Remove the old seat
To remove the old toilet seat, follow these steps:
First, grab your screwdriver and identify the screws that secure the seat to the toilet bowl. Typically, there will be two screws located on either side of the hinge mechanism. You may need to adjust your screwdriver to fit the type of screws used—most commonly, flat-head or Phillips-head screws are used. Once you have the correct screwdriver, begin by loosening these screws. It is important not to remove them entirely just yet, as you will want to keep the seat assembly stable while you work.
Now, with the screws loosened, you can begin to lift the seat slightly. Do this carefully, as the screws may still be partially attached, and you don't want to strip the threads or break the screw heads. As you lift, you should notice that the hinge mechanism begins to come away from the toilet bowl. If the seat seems stuck or is difficult to lift, check that the screws are sufficiently loosened, and gently rock the seat from side to side to help dislodge it without applying force that might damage the bowl or the seat.
With the seat lifted, you should now be able to see the hinge caps or covers. These are usually located at the hinge mechanism's base, where it meets the toilet bowl. Gently pry these caps off using your screwdriver or a similar tool. Be careful not to scratch the toilet bowl's surface during this process. Underneath these caps, you will find the bolts that secure the hinge to the bowl.
Finally, with the hinge caps removed, you can now use your wrench or pliers to hold the bolt steady from underneath while you use your screwdriver to completely remove the screw(s) from above. With the screws removed, you should be able to lift the old seat away from the toilet bowl. Be careful not to drop or damage the screws, as you will need them to secure your new seat.
Now that the old seat is removed, you can take this opportunity to thoroughly clean the area where the new seat will be installed. Use a disinfectant spray and a cloth to wipe down the toilet bowl and the base of the hinge mechanism. This will ensure that your new seat has a clean surface to attach to and will help prevent the buildup of dirt and bacteria.
Your old toilet seat is now successfully removed, and you can dispose of it responsibly. You are now ready to install your new toilet seat, following the manufacturer's instructions and using the screws that you carefully kept safe during the removal process.
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Install the new seat
Installing a new toilet seat is a straightforward task that can be completed in a few simple steps.
First, put on a pair of rubber gloves for safety. Next, remove the new seat from its packaging and place the new toilet seat lid on top of the rim, with the hinges aligned over the bolt holes. Feed the bolts through the holes in the hinges and the toilet bowl, with the head of the bolt on top.
Attach the nuts to the bolts and tighten them by hand, turning clockwise. Then, use a wrench to ensure a firm connection. If your hardware includes washers, put them on the bolts before attaching the nuts. Check that the lid and seat are secure and do not wobble by lifting and lowering the seat and lid. If the hinges have plastic covers, snap them into place.
Finally, dispose of the old toilet seat and any old bolts or nuts. Your new toilet seat is now ready to use.
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Frequently asked questions
Toilet seats come in a variety of sizes, colours and shapes. First, identify the style of your toilet. The two common ones are round and extended. Next, measure the distance between the bolts where the seat attaches to the bowl. The standard measurement is 5 1/2 inches. Then, measure the length of the bowl from between the seat bolts to the outer edge of the front of the bowl. Round bowls should have a length of about 16 1/2 inches and elongated bowls should be 18 to 18 1/2 inches.
Most toilet seats are held in place by wing nuts which can be easily undone by hand. If the bolts are corroded, you may need to apply some oil to loosen them. If the bolts are still stubborn, you may need to cut through them with a hacksaw.
Place the new toilet seat lid atop the rim, with the new seat hinges aligned over the holes for the bolts. Feed the bolts through the holes in each hinge and the toilet bowl, with the head of the bolt on top. Attach the nuts to the other end of the bolts and tighten clockwise by hand and then with a wrench to ensure a firm connection.
