How to Replace Toilet Seat?
How to Replace Toilet Seat?
Checkout my video this is a summarized version of our in-depth article below.
Let me guess, you want to know how to replace toilet seat? Just keep on reading and you’ll learn more about this.
Some factors can affect when the toilet seat should be replaced and damages are the most obvious. If the seat is scratched or missing, then it’s also time to replace it. And if the toilet seat is made of polypropylene and may have discolored with time and appears to be dirty, that’s the last straw for a need for replacement. Other things could be If the hinges or other parts of the seat are missing.
The thing is if your toilet seat has been giving you some inconveniences, either because of damages or some irreplaceable parts have been missing and it’s always out of its place, no need to think hard about it – just replace it.
Normally, when buying a pre-owned home, you should always consider changing the toilet seat just for sanitary purposes because most likely it has been used so many times by several people so replacing it would eliminate the potential worries. Even if the construction of the toilet seat has been obsolete and it doesn’t appeal to you anymore, it’s your option to change it for a better-looking one. So if ever you need to sell your home and you don’t want the toilet seat or its installation to become a point of dissatisfaction with the potential buyers, then you have to consider how to replace toilet seat for a new one.
What is the Average Life Expectancy of a Toilet Seat?
The average life expectancy of a toilet seat is five years or longer. The material used to make the toilet seat, the performance of the hardware, and the number of uses it gets all play a role in how long it should last. However, some conditions that may reduce or lengthen life expectancy.
For one, the materials used in manufacturing a toilet seat have a big impact on how long it will last. There are several different materials used in making toilet seats but we can divide them into three broad categories:
Plastic Toilet Seats
Today, plastic is perhaps the most widely used material for toilet seats. You may be unaware of this but toilet seats are generally made from a variety of plastics which are more durable than wood or any of the other alternatives. However, within the plastic group, there are a few unique differences. Polypropylene, for example, is mostly used in the production of lightweight but poorly constructed toilet seats that you typically see in cheap apartments. While polypropylene toilet seats are long-lasting, they are known to turn yellowish over time. So, knowing this and how to replace toilet seats may help you in the long run.
Some plastic toilet seats may also be made of Duroplast, which is a very durable material but not environment-friendly because it takes ages before it can disintegrate. On the good side, there are also the resin toilet seats which are more durable than the common plastic seats, have a better external appearance and are made of natural materials.
Wood Toilet Seats
Since they are more vulnerable to breaking, can rot, and can easily fade their finish, wooden toilet seats usually do not last long as plastic toilet seats. The majority of today’s wooden toilet seats are made of compressed wood materials and are usually painted white. So it can be difficult to differentiate them from plastic toilet seats.
The standard solid-wood toilet seats are also more likely to break than compressed wood toilet seats but what gives them the advantages is that they don’t get as cold as the plastic especially during the cold season. Also compared to the dull white of standard plastic toilet seats, toilet seats with a real wood finish do have a much better look.
Cushioned Toilet Seats
Cushioned toilet seats aren’t as durable as wood or plastic seats. This is because its outer plastic is prone to cracking. If this occurs on a padded toilet seat, it should be removed. Otherwise, it would begin to cause more issues for you. Furthermore, since the holes in a padded toilet seat are difficult to scrub, they can also become a breeding ground for bacteria.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Toilet Seat ?
You may wonder how much does it cost to replace a toilet seat. To replace a complete toilet, a plumber can charge about $375. The majority of them will bill between $275 and $480.
But if you only need your seat replaced this can cost between $ 120 – 300 for a tradesman to complete the job.(But why not do it yourself)
The cost of replacing and disposing of your old toilet is included in this estimate. The cost of replacing a toilet varies depending on where you live, the kind of toilet you have, and how complex the construction is. Installing a high-end, eco-friendly toilet with extra features will cost anything from $850 to $1,550.
So, you now know how much does it cost to replace a toilet seat. Quite costly for you? We got you! We will teach you how to replace toilet seat on your own.
Not all toilets are created equal. Their bowls come in a variety of styles, including elongated, round-front, with hidden trap ways, and some are skirted. Each bowl requires a unique, precisely measured bench. Other considerations, such as color and finish, should also be weighed until the correct size and form have been chosen.
Installing a new toilet seat is less expensive than replacing an older one because the screw holes will need to be repaired before the new seat can be assembled, especially if the bolts holding the seat in place have become rusted or stripped. In this case, the work will necessitate more supplies and will boost the project’s expense.
On the other hand, seats for normal toilets are less expensive than those for elongated or round bowls or have unusual dimensions.
How to Measure Toilet Seat Size?
No matter what kind of toilet bowl you have, you’ll need to know how to measure toilet seat size. So you have to measure the width and length of the toilet seat, its bolt spread, and the length of the wall gap. To measure, you’ll need a tape measure, a pad, and a pen. So while toilet seats are now available in standard sizes, it is always a good idea to measure the current seat before purchasing a replacement.
- Taking the Width of Toilet Seat
The width of the curvy toilets can be insignificant when choosing a toilet seat because it is the dimensions and weight that should be determined. However, knowing the width of a toilet with an irregular form, such as a cube, rectangle, or d-shape is very important when replacing a toilet seat. To measure, use a tape measure and get both sides of the bowl starting at the widest point.
- Measuring the Length of Toilet Seat
When detaching a toilet seat, you will see two holes where the seat screws are in. After detaching the seat, clean the area to measure. Position the tape measure from the center of the two holes and extend it over the toilet rim’s longest section. Then extend the measurement up to the toilet’s edge.
The length of the toilet seat would be around 16 to 18 inches long, provided that the toilet bowl is curvy. Buy a round toilet seat if the toilet bowl is 16 to 17 inches in length but you’ll need an elongated elliptical toilet seat if it’s 18 to 19 inches in length. Remember that the measurement of the toilet seat is unaffected by the toilet height.
- Considering the Toilet Bolt Spread
It’s essential to double-check the distance between the toilet seat’s two holes in the back. The bolts, mounting clips, or screws hold the toilet lid and toilet seat intact. Bolt spread is the term for the distance between the bolts. Stretch the tape measure from the center of one hole to the center of the other.
The 5.5 inch bolt spread requires American toilet seats, while the 6.5 inch bolt spread requires a European-made toilet. However, It’s also quite possible that you can have a variant with a unique style. Since some specialty versions (such as D-shaped and square toilets) have bolt spreads of up to 10 inches, the form of the toilet seat should make a big difference.
- Measuring the Length of the Wall Gap
In measuring tankless toilets, D-shaped toilets, and other specialized toilets, stretch your tape measure up to the wall and then measure the center of the two bolt holes. If the toilet doesn’t touch the wall, take the measurements up to the toilet’s back rim.
This calculation is important because it influences how the toilet seat is installed. You wouldn’t want to have to cut a toilet seat down because it doesn’t fit as the portable toilet was installed in a tight space. But to know how to measure toilet seat size firsthand, you can experiment with various measurement positions.
How to Fix a Toilet Seat That is Loose?
The repeated opening, shutting, and sitting of the toilet seat will gradually loosen the bolts that secure it from the toilet’s body, resulting in a loose toilet seat. So, how to fix a toilet seat that is loose?
First, you have to check if the seat bolts are visible although generally these are hidden under a plastic flap that snaps shut. To reveal the bolts, pry open the plastic covers using a flat screwdriver then tighten the bolts with the screwdriver in a clockwise direction if they have slotted heads until they are secured.
Second, if the bolt simply spins without locking, grip the nut that is threaded under the bolt with an adjustable wrench then tighten the bolts with a screwdriver. Many toilet seats use metal screws, but be cautious not to crack the bolts or strip the threads on cheaper seats with plastic bolts. If possible, tighten the mounting nut from below.
Lastly, another tip on how to fix a toilet seat that is loose is by replacing the screw or if the hole on the seat has become bigger, you can wrap a Teflon tape around the screw and tighten it using a screwdriver.
Steps on How to Replace Toilet Seat
The moment that all of you have been waiting for, how to replace toilet seat?
As long as there are no plumbing or electrical problems that need to be addressed, many toilet repairs can be done by the homeowners. Simple repairs do not necessitate the use of essential components or tools and do not take a long time to complete. At your nearest home improvement shop, you can get replacement parts quickly.
To replace the old toilet seat, detach the seat bolt caps with a screwdriver and unscrew the bolts. You may also need to secure the nut on the toilet bowl’s underside with one hand if the bolts seem to be loosening. Then, lift the toilet seat off of the toilet after the bolts have been removed.
Now that you know how to measure toilet seat size, you may now apply your skills on how to replace toilet seat by measuring the dimensions of your current toilet bowl. Since most bowls have a standard size, a variety of new seats are available.
Nonetheless, before you have to install your new toilet seat, you have to do some cleaning. So to clean the areas around the holes when replacing a toilet seat, baking soda can be used which can eliminate rust or dirt including the surface to where the new seat will be installed. Using an all-purpose cleaner can also disinfect the toilet bowl just to make sure everything is cleaned out.
Place the new toilet seat over the two holes to secure it. Reinstall the bolts and secure the nuts by hand, and use pliers to lock the nuts in place while using a screwdriver to tighten the bolt heads. Be cautious! The porcelain can crack if the bolts get over-tightened. Finally, once the toilet seat is in place, reattach the bolt head covers back in place. And there you go! You now know how to replace toilet seat. We told you, you can do it.
Toilet Seat Replacement Tips
Water tanks and outlets can be good breeding grounds for toxic microorganisms since they can store wastewater. So before you start replacing a toilet seat, consider the following suggestions.
Changing the seat with your bare hands is not a good idea. Instead, wear rubber gloves that are cheap but can protect your hands from contamination. And because removing an old toilet seat requires cleaning after, you also need these gloves so as not to touch any part of the bowl. The gloves can also protect your hands when using an antibacterial solution for a thorough cleaning.
Installing the new toilet seat may be as easy as reversing the process of removing the old one. However, before installing the new seat, it’s still a good idea to read its installation directions thoroughly.
Also, make sure you keep the nuts loose while installing your new toilet seat to ensure everything could be in place and at a better fit before tightening. If you tighten the nuts too hard when installing the seat and when you need to do some adjustments, you may need to loosen up the screws again and this may eventually reduce the tight fitness of their hold.
Conclusion:
Now that you are equipped with skills on how to measure toilet seat size and how to fix a toilet seat that is loose as well as knowing how much does it cost to replace a toilet seat, we hope that the next time you need to replace yours, you will have a clear plan on what to do.
Quick trivia! Did you know that “The Modern Toilet,” a famous restaurant chain in Taipei, allows customers to eat out of miniature plastic toilet bowls while sitting on toilets? Pretty cool for some, but would you be willing to try this?
