How to Install a Toilet Seat?

26.10.2021

Category: Technical advice

Author: Mexen

When the toilet seat no longer looks elegant or gets damaged, it's easy to replace it with a new one. Installing a toilet seat is very simple. It doesn't require either professional skills or specialist tools. Pliers, a screwdriver, and good intentions are enough. The task shouldn't take more than a few minutes. You can do it yourself. Below is a step-by-step guide. So, let's get to work!

Choosing a New Toilet Seat

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

Size — more precisely, three values: the length of the bowl (measured from the mounting), its width, and the mounting spread, i.e. how far apart the hinges are. To ensure all elements are compatible, it's best to choose a toilet seat from the same manufacturer as the toilet bowl;
The type of material from which it is made;
Design - the toilet seat should match other bathroom design elements;
The frequency of toilet use. With more users, it's best to install a soft-close seat to avoid hearing the bang of a falling lid.

Removing the Toilet Seat from the WC Bowl

You have already made a choice, so the first step is behind you. You can proceed to remove the old toilet seat. It's not difficult! Just unscrew the two nuts securing the seat. In most cases, they are shaped like butterflies, so you can do this with your fingers. However, if they are tightly screwed, use the tools prepared for this purpose. It might happen that the screws will be seized. In this case, a special preparation should be applied to unblock and unscrew them without much trouble. If the old hinges are still functional, you can reinstall them; otherwise, you need to replace them with new ones.

Cleaning the Toilet Bowl

Before you install the new toilet seat, take the opportunity to thoroughly scrub and disinfect the toilet. Without the seat installed, you'll have easier access to all the nooks and crannies. Pay particular attention to the holes where the hinges will be and the areas beneath the rim of the bowl. It's best to spray them thoroughly with descaling agents and leave them for a few minutes. This makes them easier to clean later. Remember to take special care. Harsh detergents can irritate mucous membranes and cause skin burns. They may also damage the toilet seat. Each product purchased in the store contains information about its chemical composition, and an attached instruction describes how to use it.

Installing the Seat — The Final Step to Success

Finally, it's time to test your skills and install the acquired seat. You likely opted for a more convenient, albeit slightly more expensive, soft-close seat. This is certainly an excellent decision. Before installation, double-check that the size is appropriate and the mounting spread fits the holes in the ceramic basin. If necessary, you can always return the seat or exchange it for the correct model. This check is performed by fitting the product to the WC bowl without removing the protective foil. The seat must completely cover the entire surface of the toilet. If everything is fine, you can begin:

Press both pins/rods into the mounting holes in the bowl,
Slide on washers or gaskets,
Secure the washers with screws,
From the bottom, tighten the nuts, but not too tightly, to allow maneuvering of the pins,
Position the pins so they align with the seat's catch mechanism,
After removing the seat, tighten the screws firmly,
Attach the decorative caps,
Install the seat on the bowl,
Check the functionality.

We hope this guide clearly informs you how to properly install a soft-close seat. Since each toilet seat is different, manufacturers are quick to assist customers by including installation instructions with each product. It's worth using them.