Replacing A Toilet Seat

By Scott Rodgers

Plumbing assignments such as replacing a toilet seat, replacing a tap washer, fixing the tap leaks etc. are not major enough to call for the involvement of the professionals.

Replacing a broken or an old toilet seat with a new one is one such task that requires minimal expertise and knowledge. The operation would broadly include the utilization of the wrenches/pliers and the screwdrivers along with a roll of masking tape.

Before removing the old toilet seat, apprehend the shape (circular or elongated) and size of the new seat that would be bought. Keep in mind that the shape and size of the new seat must be similar to that of the old one in order to cover the toilet bowl completely.

Once you have developed a good perception of the new seat, walk down to the local hardware or plumbing store to buy it. Invite any possible recommendation from the salesperson and make sure that you don't compromise on quality front.

Move to your toilet to detach the old or broken toilet seat. In order to do so, pick up the toilet seat from it's front and make it stand to the cistern. Bend down a bit to locate the bolts that connect the toilet seat to the lower ceramic bowl. If the bolts are of plastic then use an adjustable wrench to loosen them a bit. If however the bolts are of metal then loosen them a bit with the appropriate screwdriver and hand-loosen them thereafter.

If the bolts and the nuts look rigid then apply some lubricating oil or grease on the bolts and wait for sometime before retrying. Make sure that the nuts situated beneath the structure are not turning along with the bolts as well. If yes then hold them firmly with hands or a plier.

If you're not able to turn the screws and they almost look stuck to the setup then cut the bolts with the help of a hacksaw. Since hacksaw's operation can damage the affiliated toilet setup as well hence cover the cistern and the ceramic bowl by a masking tape.

After the screws are removed, pick up the seat gently to completely detach it from the bowl. Make way for the new toilet seat and fix it on the bowl in accordance with the alignment of the old seat. Tighten the screws well and render a new toilet seat to your toilet. - 30517

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