How-To Guides

How to Fit a Toilet Seat In Three Easy Steps

HOW TO FIT A TOILET SEAT

Expert Guide

An easy to follow step-by-step guide on how to fit a toilet seat. Toilet seats that are loose or wobbly can be a nightmare to repair, and sometimes even impossible.

So, if you’ve already tried to repair your toilet seat, given up and bought a replacement we are here to help you with the installation.

Don’t worry – this is a relatively easy process and to make it even simpler, we have a video demonstration. We’re too good to you, we know!

WHAT TOOLS DO I NEED TO REPLACE A TOILET SEAT?

To replace your toilet seat with ease, there are three things you will need:

Adjustable wrench or pliers to remove nuts.
Flathead screwdriver to remove plastic caps that cover the nuts
A Tape Measure

HOW TO MEASURE A TOILET SEAT

Before removing the old toilet seat, you will need to take measurements to ensure you choose the correct size for your new seat.

Toilet seats are available in a range of sizes and shapes, so accurately measure the old seat, it’s worth checking and making note of the shape.

Shape-wise there is three main styles available:

Curve toilet seat
D- Shape toilet seat
Square Toilet seat

SHOP TOILET SEATS

There’s three measurements that you will need to take – the length, width and height.

For the length, measure from the fixing holes in the toilet to the front edge of the pan.
For the width, measure the diameter from edge to edge.
For the height, measure the distance between the holes to the cistern.

We would recommend purchasing a soft close toilet seat, a great way to put a stop to the awful bang every time the seat is closed.

WHAT SIZE IS AN AVERAGE TOILET SEAT?

If you measure the length of the toilet bowl from between the seat bolts to the edge of the bowl. A standard size, round bowl dimensions should be about 16.5 inches. The distance between the fixing holes should be a standard measurement of 155mm on average.

Seats with a rounded front measure approximately 41.2cm in length, while an elongated loo seat typically measures around 46.3cm long.

Now you have measurements and a shape to work with to help you choose a new toilet seat.

HOW TO FIT A TOILET SEAT?

Step 1. How do I remove a toilet seat?

Your old toilet seat will most likely be connected to the toilet pan with fittings that are held together by a couple of bolts.

These are hidden by two plastic caps at the back of the toilet.

Use a flat-head screwdriver to carefully remove the plastic caps. Once the caps have been removed, you will then see the bolts, which will be held tightly by two nuts.

Keep the nuts in place with pliers, and then unscrew the bolts with a screwdriver.

Step 2. Clean the area

Now that you’ve removed the old seat, give the area that was previously hidden beneath the bolts a good clean with some anti-bacterial spray.

Make sure the area is dry before fitting the new toilet seat.

Step 3. Fitting the new toilet seat

With the old seat removed and the area clean, it’s time to fit the new toilet seat. Your toilet seat will be supplied with fittings, so assemble them first.

Connect the fittings and tighten up the nuts on the bolts – don’t over tighten them, as it’s likely they will need adjusting once you’ve fitted the seat.

You can now position the toilet seat over the pan and line up the fittings. The seat sits central to the bowl, and then you can tighten the nuts once everything is in the correct position.

That’s it, you have now successfully fitted your new toilet seat to the toilet.

Looking for a new toilet? Check out our toilet buying guide.

BUYING GUIDE.

Toilet Seat FAQ’s

Why Should I replace My Toilet Seat?

If you think your toilet seat needs replacing, then it probably does. There are several reasons why it’s time to get rid of the old seat.

These reasons include – cracked toilet seat, loose or wobbly when sat on the toilet, heavily stained or chipped or, you’re just looking for a new style.

Do All Toilet Seats Fit the Same?

Not all toilet seats fit the same. This is because there isn’t one standard size, seats are available in a number of styles and sizes to fit different toilet bowl shapes.

DIY is a great way to save time and money, however to avoid disappointment, invalidating your warranty, and potential injury we recommend hiring a trained professional. This guide on how to fit a toilet seat is for your information only and if you do decide to be bold and try it, we cannot be responsible for any outcome.

John Klee

John has a background in sports journalism, and lists content writing amongst his primary passions. He provides expert bathroom trends commentary and analysis, as well as offering meticulously researched answers to the most frequently asked bathroom posers.

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