If you’ve ever sat on a wobbly toilet seat, you know that it’s an unpleasant experience. Over time, this hardworking piece attached to your favorite bathroom fixture sees plenty of action, and that repetition can cause even the best-made parts to give out. That’s the burden that comes with being arguably the most popular seat in the house.
Whether you’re ready to place a seat onto a brand-new toilet, or you’re replacing an old or broken seat, this is a relatively simple DIY project that almost anyone can tackle. Of course, if the challenge seems too daunting, call a handyman or a local plumber.
If you’re replacing a seat on an existing toilet, take a closer look at the back of the fixture before purchasing a new seat from your local hardware or big box retailer. It could simply need an adjustment.
A shaky throne is often the result of a loose bolt where the seat is attached to the porcelain base. Pop open the plastic that covers the bolt. If it’s loose, use a flathead screwdriver to tighten the bolt. After tightening, if your seat is still sliding around or you notice any plastic parts are cracked, chances are it’s time for a new one.
Step 1: Measure
Before running out to purchase a new part, take a moment to measure your existing toilet seat. The new piece needs to fit in the same exact place as the old one, so measure both horizontally and vertically. Chances are you’ll need either a round or oval shape, as these are the two predominant types of seats. If the toilet does not have a seat, measure the width of the bowl, the space between the two installation holes, and the length of the bowl from the middle.
Step 2: Find Your New Seat
Don’t be afraid to give yourself an upgrade! Why fly coach every time you visit the bathroom when you can go first-class? Some options to consider include self-closing options (sometimes marketed as “whisper-close” because they prevent the seat from slamming shut) and cushiony seats. Most toilet seats are made from strong plastic but there are also wood, enamel, and fiberboard models, among others. They are also available in a variety of colors.
Step 3: Get Your Tools
The only tools you’ll need are a tape measure, a flathead screwdriver, an adjustable wrench and possibly some lubricating oil and a small hacksaw. You also may want to consider wearing gloves and cleaning and disinfecting the toilet before beginning work.
Step 4: Remove the Old Seat
Find the seat bolts at the back of the toilet. These secure the seat to the bowl. Flip open the bolt covers with your fingers or with a screwdriver if they’re on tight. Then, look for the nuts that attach to the bolts. This may require bending down to reach them behind the bowl. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the nuts from the bolts by turning them counter-clockwise. Remove washers from the nuts if they are there. If the bolts don’t come off right away, spray them with some lubricant such as WD-40 or a similar brand and try again. Worst case scenario: You may need to remove the bolts with a hacksaw.
Step 5: Secure the New Seat
While you might want to dive right in, take a gander at the instructions that came with your new part. Sometimes, there can be slight variations with the installation process or specific hardware that needs to be accounted for, and it’s best to know that ahead of time. But in most cases this is a pretty straightforward and standard job.
Line up the new seat with the hinges over the bolt holes and feed the bolts through. Again, you’ll need to carefully maneuver behind the toilet bowl to complete the tightening. If the new hardware includes washers, put them on the bolts before the nuts. Then, place the nuts on the other end and turn clockwise.
A word of advice: Don’t tighten the nuts all the way, as doing so will limit the ability to adjust your seat to ensure it is lying straight. Over-tightening also can cause headaches down the road if you need to replace the seat or make other adjustments. Once you are happy with the positioning, connect the plastic covers on the hinges by snapping them into place. Then, go back and firmly tighten the nuts to the bolts using your adjustable wrench.
Step 6: Give It a Test
Before its first use, open and close the lid a few times. Then, shake the seat and make sure it’s totally secure. If it doesn’t wobble, your new seat is open for business.
Congratulations! You’ve just upgraded your bathroom—or at least fixed your toilet so it’s comfortable and functioning as it should and without any surprises.
Product Compliance and Suitability
The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand and follow all manufacturer instructions.