How to Install a Toilet Seat?

When the toilet seat no longer looks elegant or gets damaged, it is easy to replace it with a new one. Installing a toilet seat is very simple. It does not require professional skills or specialized tools. All you need are pliers, a screwdriver, and some determination.

 Moreover, installing the WC seat should not take more than a few or several minutes. You can do it yourself. Below is a step-by-step guide. So, get to work!

What will you learn from this article?

This article addresses the most pressing questions regarding the replacement of a toilet seat. From this guide, you will learn:

• How to remove the old seat?
• How to choose the right toilet seat for your bathroom?
• Which mounting elements are the most important?
• Is installing a toilet lid difficult?

 If you want to install your chosen model yourself and encounter problems with any step, after reading, you will do it with ease.

Installing a toilet seat step by step

A simple and clear guide to installing a WC seat will allow you to easily and quickly go through the process. Self-installation is a convenient solution for those who do not want to rely on a plumber for every little change needed in an apartment.

 Bathroom renovation always goes hand in hand with the need to decide how to install various elements. In this article, we focus on which method of installing bathroom accessories to choose.

Choose a new toilet seat

When deciding to remove the old and purchase a new toilet seat, you need to consider several factors:

1. Size — specifically, three values: the length of the bowl (measured from the mounting), its width, and the spacing of the mounts, i.e., the distance between the hinges. To ensure all elements are compatible, it's best to choose a toilet seat from the same manufacturer as the toilet bowl;
2. The type of material from which it is made — will you opt for a model made of plastic, lacquered wood, or perhaps an antibacterial one? They will differ not only in appearance but also in factors like ease of cleaning.
3. Design — the toilet seat should harmonize with other decorative elements of the bathroom. Match it with a suitable flush button. It's also important to match in terms of color and shape. Your sink and tub or simply the tiles laid in the room can serve as references.
4. Frequency of toilet use — with more users, a slow-close toilet seat, which avoids the noise of a falling lid and protects it from damage, will work well.

 During shopping, this guide might be helpful: Guide to Toilet Compacts: How to Choose the Best Model for Your Home?

Removing the toilet seat from the WC bowl

You've already made your choice, so the first step is behind you. Regardless of whether you chose a slow-close toilet seat or a classic one, it's time for the installation itself! The main difference between these models will lie in the hinge construction.

 Therefore, replacing the toilet seat with a self-closing model requires more attention to the correct positioning of the hinges. After completing the installation of the slow-close seat, be sure to adjust the hinges to match the closing force and ensure stability.

 It is worth noting that many modern toilet seats are equipped with an easy-release system. These are special hinges with a hidden release mechanism, allowing you to remove the seat without tools. Usually, just pressing the buttons in the appropriate places is sufficient. This solution is extremely practical, especially during cleaning. It allows you to easily and very thoroughly clean the entire seat and areas that would be hard to reach with standard installation.

 Now, you can proceed to the removal of the old toilet seat. It's not hard! Just unscrew the two nuts securing the seat. In most cases, they are butterfly-shaped, so you can do it with your fingers. However, if they are screwed tightly, use the basic tools prepared for this purpose. Sometimes the screws may be seized. In this case, you should use a special preparation to unlock and unscrew them without any major problems. If the old hinges are functional, you can reinstall them; otherwise, you will need to replace them with new ones.

Cleaning the toilet bowl

Before installing the new toilet seat, take the opportunity to thoroughly scrub and disinfect the toilet. Without the seat installed, you will have easier access to all the nooks and crannies. Pay particular attention to the mounting holes with hinges and areas under the rim of the bowl. Ideally, spray them thoroughly with descaling agents and leave them for a few minutes. This will make it easier to clean later.

 However, remember to exercise particular caution. Corrosive detergents can irritate mucous membranes and cause skin burns. They can also damage the toilet seat. Every product purchased in the store contains information about the chemical composition, and the attached instructions describe safe usage.

Installing the toilet seat — the last step to success

It's finally time to test your skills and install the purchased seat. You have probably decided on a more convenient, although slightly more expensive, slow-close seat. This is undoubtedly an excellent move.

 Before the installation, once again check if the size is correct and if the mounting spacing fits the holes in the ceramic bowl. If necessary, you can always return or exchange the seat for the correct model. This check is done by placing the product on the WC bowl without removing the protective film. The seat must cover the entire surface of the toilet. If everything is in order, you can start:

• push both pegs/rods into the mounting holes in the bowl,
• slide on washers or gaskets,
• secure the washers with screws,
• tighten the nuts from below, but not too hard, to allow for maneuvering the bolts,
• position the bolts so they fit the seat latches mechanism,
• after removing the seat, securely tighten the screws,
• fit the masking rosettes,
• install the seat on the bowl,
• check the correct operation.

 And that's it! The toilet seat installation is complete and ready for first use.

 Since you now know how to install a toilet seat, be sure to read our article that discusses step by step the installation of a concealed toilet system. This is an extremely functional and aesthetically pleasing solution that is gaining great popularity recently.

Simple, quick and intuitive toilet seat installation

We hope the above guide provides clear information on how to correctly install a seat so it can serve well and long, ensuring comfort in daily use. You also know how to take apart an old toilet seat. We also drew your attention to how to match the toilet bowl itself to meet your expectations and fit the entire bathroom decor.

 Since every toilet seat is different, manufacturers hurry to help customers and include instructions with every product, which are definitely worth checking out.