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Although a porcelain crapper can last at least 15 years , the tail attached to it typically does not . The average lav seat endure just 5 to 7 years before it cracks , begins to budge perceptibly ( and uncomfortably ) when you ’re sitting on it , or becomes dispiritedly varnished .
fortuitously , swap out an old lav arse is a relatively easy and inexpensive job that need a few canonical tool most DIYers have in their cock boxes — including protective synthetic rubber gloves . In this usher , you ’ll see how easy to is to remove a toilet rear and install a new one .
Photo: kohler.com
Tools & Materials
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Project Overview
Working Time : 15 to 30 minutesTotal Time : 15 to 40 minutesSkill degree : BeginnerEstimated Cost : $ 20 to $ 100
Before You Begin
Before you get started replace the toilet rear , protect yourself from germ and bacteria bygiving the seat and the rim around it a skilful cleaningwhile wearingnitrile gloves . Make certain you have all of your instrument and cloth close at hand .
Step 1: Measure the toilet seat.
Because toilets come in in three dissimilar Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe — elongate , compact elongate , and rotund — you’ll postulate to know how to evaluate atoilet seatfor replacement to verify you purchase the right model .
If you have a standard sewer , a round arena should have a duration of 16½ inches , while elongate arena will be about 18 column inch . A compact elongated seat will fall somewhere in the middle . Once you have the measurements , you could shop at for the right size seat .
Step 2: Choose a new toilet seat.
If you are planning to supplant a throne seat , specially if it ’s been some time since you last researched them , keep an eye out for these cardinal feature :
Quiet closing : Gone are the day of toilet seats banging shut . you could now select a intersection with hinges designed to lease the posterior down gently . Consider theKohler K-20110 - 0 Brevia Elongated Toilet Seat .
determine bumpers : The simple , no - meaninglessness advantages of mold - in - place bumpers ? They prevent the seat from damaging the lavatory , tote up constancy to the seat , and reduce noise when closing the toilet lid . Kohler ’s 20111 - 0 Brevia Round Toilet Seatis a good selection .
Photo: homedepot.com
Colors : Toilet seats now come in slews of colors . One manufacturer , Bemis , propose acolor selector toolto aid homeowners navigate the field of available choice .
clean : The dependable the seat , the wanton it is to withdraw for cleaning . Look for a model that can be occupy off with nothing more than ascrewdriver . There are also quick - release seats that give up for easy , instrument - free remotion so you may houseclean the seat and the expanse around the hinges .
Durability : select a lav seat with stainless brand or Zn - plate flexible joint posts , which will neither snap nor corrode as they retain the toilet butt in place . For the ass itself , although Ellen Price Wood is more comfortable , plastic is more common because it ’s well-off to clean and more durable .
Photo: Jenny Stanley
Versatility : For kids , there are “ trainer ” models that have built - in removable potty seats . The Mayfair 1888SLOW 000 NextStep2 is a good option . For older citizens and others who might call for assistance sitting and standing , consider a commode bum that have side arms with trip - resistant grips , such as theRMS arouse Toilet Seat .
Comfort : If you squinch at the sentiment of sit down on an deoxyephedrine - cold crapper seat in the wintertime , consider upgrade to a heated model like theTOTO Heated Seat , named in our list of the bestheated toilet arse .
Step 3: Remove your old toilet seat.
Removing an previous toilet buns is a simple-minded , though now and then physically ill-chosen , thing . Here ’s how to go about it :
You may get hold that the threads on the bolt of lightning are so hard eat that no amount of riddle oil colour will act . If so , you ’ll call for to use a drill to bore a hole into the dash . Begin with a 1/16 - column inch bit and follow up with progressively larger bits . ( Be trusted to wear condom goggles . ) Next , grab your socket pull or adjustable spanner and twine the bollock until the bolt snap off . Use this method at your own risk because applying too much lateral force to the bolt can potentially crack the bowl .
Step 4: Install the new toilet seat.
The good news is that today ’s toilet tooshie are so easy to install that removing the old one is the hard part .
Note : Different toilet backside may require slightly different installation methods . confer the producer ’s educational activity for accurate stride .
Few putz are required toinstall a can stern ; more often than not it ’s a simple subject screwing and unscrew some nuts and bolts . First , skid the bolts through the appropriate hole in the bowl . Then , using anadjustable wrench , fasten the nut situated beneath the mounting deck . The with child or more stretch the testis , the easier your job is last to be . ( Again , note that newer sewer seats can often be installed with a great screwdriver and tightened by hand . ) . Some sewer seat transposition outfit may require the role of a prick specially design for tight space .
Photo: Jenny Stanley for Bob Vila
FAQs
Q: Is it easy to replace a toilet seat?
If you ’re marvel how to install a crapper seat , rest promise that replacing a toilet seat is one of the easier DIY tasks you may take on . Many newer crapper rear are attached with plastichand - tightened boltsthat wo n’t eat and require at most a expectant screwdriver for installation .
Q: How long does it take to replace a toilet seat?
If you do n’t encounter refractory nuts and bolts , toilet tooshie instalment should take no more than 15 minute to fill out .
Q: When should I change the seat on my toilet?
While there are no breathing out dates on john tooshie , it ’s a good approximation to deepen one out if it becomes cracked or stained , if the bolts become badly corroded , or if they become so worn that the bathroom chemise easily from left to right when you ’re sitting on it .
Q: How do I fix a loose toilet seat?
To fix a idle pot seat , start by start undefended the plastic flap that cover the bolt of lightning . ( You may need a little screwdriver to do this . ) If the bolt have slot , plainly reduce them with a big slotted screwdriver . If the thunderbolt whirl without tightening , you may have to expend pliers or a socket wrench with a recondite socket to grip the bollock below . Be sure to tighten each side evenly so the place does n’t rock .
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Photo: istockphoto.com
