Friday, February 13, 2015 - 1:28pm
Bolt-on toilet seats have been standard installation for just about as long as toilets have been around. Replacing a bolt-on unit can be accomplished in a matter of minutes. The only aggravation it may cause is removing and/or tightening the nuts on the underside of the bowl flange, but that can be accomplished with the right tools.
Toilet seats, just like all the other decor in your bathroom, come in and out of style. So while the old toilet seat works just fine, the color might be a little too faded or the style outdated. Installing a new one is an easy way to spruce up one of the most crucial rooms in the house. Even better, an easy and inexpensive project that even the most inexperienced homeowner can do, says Mr. Rooter, your licensed Everett Plumber.
A toilet seat is simply held in place with two bolts passing through the back of the toilet bowl. To install a new seat, simply undo the old bolts, lift off the old seat—and then put your new seat in place. Here's how to install a new toilet seat and lid in your bathroom.
Mr. Rooter Tip of the Week
Tip #1 If the lid hinge is metal (and for some plastic hinges too), the replacement seat will come with washers to be placed between the hinge and the bowl flange surface.
Tip #2 With the washers in place, position the hinge over the holes and insert the bolts through the washers and flange holes.
Tip #3 From underneath, twirl on the nuts and tighten them down.
Tip #4 You may luck out and be able to tighten the nuts with a pliers.
Tip #5 You can also replace the nuts with wing nuts of the same size to make the job easier. If the bolts are in a narrow location making it hard to get your fingers on them, tighten them with a toilet-nut tool. You can pick one up at most Everett plumbing supply or hardware stores.
PLUMBING TRADE SECRETS: Tighten the nuts securely with a pliers but do not over-tighten or you'll crack the porcelain. The seat should not slide from side to side.