How to Replace a Broken Toilet Seat
If you have a broken toilet seat in your home, follow the old saying that suggests, “Never put off ’til tomorrow what you can do today.” Now is the time to replace it! Why? Well, a broken seat on your commode can be tricky to sit on if it’s sliding back and forth. This can be especially dangerous for children and elderly persons.
Don’t worry about replacing the toilet seat emptying out your wallet either. You can often find a new seat at stores like Big Lots and Family Dollar for under ten bucks. And since you’re doing the project yourself, you’ll save money on the installation!
Note: Unless your toilet is a specially designed commode. If it is, you’ll have to check out Lowe’s, Home Depot, or some other home supply store. The cheaper models seem to usually come in white and just a couple other colors too. If you want a special color to fit in with your bathroom decor, then you’ll need to spend a bit more money. The same goes for material. If you want a wooden toilet seat, for example, they cost more than a plastic one.
Note: Actually, a toilet seat is normally connected to the lid; it’s a one unit deal. Therefore, when you replace the seat, you’ll need to replace the lid too.
The only tool you’ll need to do this project is a flat head screwdriver. Start to finish you can replace your broken toilet seat in than fifteen minutes, so let’s get started!
The first step is to remove the existing toilet seat and cover. Put the lid down. Then, locate the two square plastic covers at the back of the lid. Lift the covers up and you’ll see two large nylon or plastic bolt heads underneath. Before you can loosen these bolts up, you’ll need to reach under the toilet and locate their corresponding nuts. Either firmly hold the first nut with your fingers or use a pair of pliers to hold it. Then, use the screwdriver to loosen the first bolt and nut. Repeat this process with the second nut, and your toilet seat should be free. Lift it up and away from the commode.
Before you install the new replacement seat, this would be a good time to clean the back of the toilet rim. This is the area at the back of the seat that you can’t normally reach very well when the lid is attached. The spray cleaner you use to clean the rest of the toilet should work fine on this area as well.
The second step in this project is to remove the replacement seat from its wrapper. Position it on the rim of your toilet. You’ll need to make sure the holes in the back of the seat are lined up with the holes in the toilet. Insert the new nylon or plastic screws into the holes. Then, reach underneath and place a nut on the bolt. Use the screwdriver to tighten the nut onto the shaft of the first bolt. Repeat this process with the second bolt. Your new toilet seat should now be securely connected to the toilet.
Finally, push the covers back into place over the bolt heads. Your new toilet seat and lid combo should last you for another several years!
