Ethan Clarke
A loose toilet seat is usually easy to fix. The seat is typically attached to the toilet bowl with bolts and nuts, and tightening these bolts with a screwdriver will often solve the problem. If the bolts are plastic, be extra careful! If your seat is more seriously damaged, you may need to replace it. You can repair a cracked toilet seat with two-part epoxy, but this is not a long-term solution. You can also use duct tape or polyurethane tape, but these are also temporary fixes. To replace a toilet seat, you will need to unscrew the old seat, clean the rim, and then attach the new seat.
Characteristics and Values Table for Cleaning a Plastic Toilet Seat
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cleaning products | Mild hand soap and water, anti-bacterial hand soap, dish soap, anti-bacterial wipes, baking soda, vinegar, bleach, Coca-Cola |
| Tools | Paper towel, cleaning gloves, scrub bucket, sponge, flathead screwdriver, scratch-free scouring sponge, scrub brush, towel |
| Steps | Remove the toilet seat, pre-clean the surface, spray the surface with a disinfectant, soak the seat in the solution, scrub the seat, repeat the process of soaking and scrubbing, rinse and towel-dry the seat cover, carefully replace the seat |
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What You'll Learn
Fixing a loose plastic toilet seat
To fix a loose plastic toilet seat, start by locating the screws or bolts holding the seat in place. These are usually found at the back of the toilet seat. If the bolts are damaged or the seat is severely damaged, you may need to replace the bolts or the seat itself. If the bolts look fine, gently pry up the cover over the screws with a small screwdriver. Be careful not to use too much force, as the plastic covers can be quite flimsy and may snap in half.
Once the cover is removed, loosen the screws to centre the toilet seat over the toilet bowl. After centring the seat, use a screwdriver to tighten the bolts by turning them in a clockwise direction until they are tight. Be careful not to overtighten the bolts, especially if they are made of metal, as this can crack the toilet bowl.
If the bolts have wing nuts, hold the bolt in place with a screwdriver while manually tightening the wing nuts. You can also use rubber washers or plastic washers between the bolt and nut to provide extra grip and prevent the nuts from spinning.
If the bolts are tightened, but the seat is still loose, the holes in the toilet bowl rim may be too large for the bolts. In this case, you can use a tightening kit or inexpensive rubber bushings to add to the bolts to stabilize the seat.
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Replacing a plastic toilet seat
There are two common styles of toilet seats: screw-in and bolt-down. For a screw-in seat, you will need to remove the seat and unscrew the top piece. Once it no longer rotates, go underneath and unscrew the small wing-nut. The two pieces should then separate easily.
If you have a bolt-down toilet seat, grab a 1/2" or 13mm socket or crescent wrench and simply loosen the plastic bolt underneath. After removing the old seat, you can install the new one. Thread a rod into the seat mounts and then bolt it down. Feed the bolts through the holes in each hinge and the toilet bowl, with the head of the bolt on top.
Attach the nuts to the other end of the bolts and tighten them clockwise, first by hand and then with a wrench to ensure a firm connection. If your hardware includes washers, be sure to put them on the bolts before the nuts. If the hinges have plastic covers, snap them into place.
Finally, test the seat by wiggling it to ensure it is secure and does not slide around. If it does, you may need to tighten it further or consider purchasing a new seat. Dispose of the old toilet seat and any small pieces, and admire your handiwork!
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Repairing a cracked plastic toilet seat
One method of repair is to use epoxy glue. Mix the epoxy and spread it into the crack, then position a bar clamp on the middle of the seat with its stops pressing against the rear and the midpoint. You can also use wood glue, prying the crack open a little first, inserting the glue with a nozzle, and then clamping the crack closed. To prevent the seat from cracking again, glue a strip of plywood to the underside of the seat below the crack. You can also glue an identical piece of plywood to the opposite side of the seat to prevent wobbling.
Another option is to use polyurethane tape. Push the crack closed as tightly as you can before wrapping the tape around it. Sugru can also be used to reinforce and seal the cracked area, drying very lightweight and sticking to most surfaces.
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Choosing a new plastic toilet seat
Shape
The shape of your toilet seat is an important factor to ensure a proper fit. Common shapes include elongated, round, standard, oval, D-shaped, square, and V-shaped. Make sure to measure your toilet's shape before purchasing a new seat.
Color and Style
Plastic toilet seats come in a variety of colors, including white, beige, black, gray, blue, brown, green, and pink. Choose a color that complements your bathroom's decor and style, whether it's classic, modern, rustic, or eclectic.
Features
Consider what features are important to you. Some plastic toilet seats offer soft-close hinges to prevent slamming, quick-release mechanisms for easy cleaning, or even heated seats and bidet attachments for added comfort. Other features may include chip resistance, LED lighting, or self-cleaning nozzles.
Brand and Price
Various brands offer plastic toilet seats, such as KOHLER, Bemis, ProFlo, and CLOROX. Compare prices and read customer reviews to find the best value for your budget. Prices can vary from $20 to $100 or more, depending on the brand, features, and quality.
Compatibility
Ensure that the plastic toilet seat you choose is compatible with your toilet model and size. Check the product specifications and measurements to guarantee a proper fit. Some seats may be designed for specific toilet shapes or brands, so it's important to verify compatibility before making your purchase.
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when choosing a new plastic toilet seat. Remember to measure your toilet, decide on the features and style you want, and read reviews to find the best option for your needs and preferences.
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Installing a plastic toilet seat
Step 1: Remove the Old Seat
First, you will need to remove the old toilet seat. For a screw-in type, use a screwdriver to remove the top piece. Once it can't be turned any further, go underneath and unscrew the small wing-nut. For a bolt-down type, use a 1/2" or 13mm socket or crescent wrench to loosen the plastic bolt underneath.
Step 2: Clean the Toilet Bowl
Before installing the new seat, it is important to clean the toilet bowl and rim. This will ensure that any dirt or grime left by the old seat does not interfere with the installation of the new one.
Step 3: Prepare the New Seat
If your new seat has plastic spacers, slide or thread them down onto the mounts. Then, thread the rod into the seat mounts.
Step 4: Attach the Seat to the Toilet
Insert the rods into the holes on the toilet. Then, thread the nuts onto the rods. Use a wrench to tighten the nuts by hand, and then use the wrench to ensure a firm connection. If your hardware includes washers, put them on the bolts before the nuts.
Step 5: Test the Seat
Once the seat is attached, test it by wiggling it to ensure that it is secure and does not slide around. If it feels loose, tighten the nuts further. If it has a snap-off point (plastic), you can rely on that to secure the seat.
Step 6: Finish Up
If your hinges have plastic covers, snap them into place. You have now successfully installed your new plastic toilet seat!
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Frequently asked questions
First, clean the old seat, the toilet bowl, and the rim. Locate the seat bolts that secure the seat to the bowl at the back of the bowl. Pop off the bolt covers, and use a screwdriver to unscrew the bolts on both sides. Remove the bolts and lift the old seat and its hinges from the toilet.
Toilet seats are designed to fit one of two bowl types: round or elongated. Use a tape measure to determine the distance between the centre of the mounting holes at the back of the toilet. The standard measurement for this distance is 5 1/2". Place the hook of your tape measure at the midpoint and measure to the outside edge of the toilet bowl rim in front. A round toilet bowl will measure approximately 16 1/2" in length, and an elongated bowl will measure approximately 18 1/2".
Assemble the fittings for the toilet seat. Line up the bolts and drop them into the holes on either side of the toilet. Screw the nut onto the bolt at the back of the toilet. Make sure the seat is in the correct position, then tighten the nut fully.
You will need a set of pliers or an adjustable wrench to remove the nuts that secure the seat to the toilet. You may also need a flathead screwdriver to remove any plastic caps that cover the nuts.
