Tools and Materials
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Replacing a Toilet Seat Lets You Upgrade
If your toilet seat is broken or you're looking for an upgrade, there are several options to choose from. When it’s time to change a toilet seat, consider:
Soft-Close Lids
Soft-close or quiet-close lids close slowly and quietly without slamming.
Heated Toilet Seats
A heated toilet seat on a cold winter's day provides a comfortable experience.
Antimicrobial Features
Antimicrobial toilet seats prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria, mold and mildew.
Night Lights
A seat with a night light helps everyone find the toilet easily without having to turn the lights on in the middle of the night.
Bidet Toilet Seats
A toilet seat with a built-in bidet provides the ultimate cleansing experience. Features can include adjustable warm water washes, warm air dryers, automatic deodorizers, heated seats and night lights.
How to Change a Toilet Seat
Installing a standard toilet seat is usually a simple project that takes just a few minutes an only requires a few common tools. Follow the instructions for the new toilet seat you choose, but here are the basic steps for replacing a toilet lid and seat.
Step 1: Measure Your Toilet
Before purchasing a new toilet seat, determine the shape of your toilet. There are two different types: elongated toilets and round toilets.
Elongated Toilet Seats
The majority of toilet seats are elongated and are approximately 18-19 inches in length from the back of the toilet seat to the front.
Round Toilet
Round toilet seats typically measure 16-17 inches from the back of the toilet seat to the front.
After determining the toilet type, it's time to measure your toilet so you can purchase a seat that fits. Using a tape measure, start at the center of the mounting holes and measure to the front rim of the toilet.
Step 2: Remove the Toilet Seat Bolts
Lift or twist the caps at the back of the existing toilet seat to expose the mounting screws. Use a screwdriver to remove the bolt on each side. If a screw won’t loosen, hold the nut that's on the underside of the bowl as you turn the screw. If the nut is stuck, use a pair of pliers to loosen it. Remove the old toilet seat and thoroughly clean the toilet rim before installing the new seat and lid.
Step 3: Install the New Toilet Seat
After you clean the bowl rim, align the screw holes on the caps of the new toilet seat to the mounting holes on the toilet bowl. Place the closed lid and seat on the rim. Lift the caps on the new toilet seat and place the new bolts in the mounting holes on the seat and toilet.
If you install a bidet toilet seat, you need to turn off the toilet supply valve, drain the toilet tank and install the included valve to send water to the bidet seat. You also need to plug the seat into a GFCI outlet (ground fault circuit interrupter outlet). See your manual for specific instructions and safety precautions.
Step 4: Secure the New Toilet Seat
Tighten the nuts from underneath to secure the toilet seat. You might need to hold the bolts in place with a screwdriver. Avoid overtightening. Some mounting nuts have a design that fits into the mounting holes on the toilet bowl for a snug fit and a flange that snaps off when the nut is tight.
Check to ensure the seat is secure. Finally, close the caps on the top of your new toilet seat.
Change a Toilet Seat With Help From Lowe’s
Changing a toilet seat is a simple do-it-yourself project many homeowners can do in a matter of minutes. And replacing a toilet lid and seat gives you an opportunity to make an easy toilet upgrade with features like a night light, heated seat or a full bidet seat. Shop Lowes.com for a new toilet seat and any installation tools you might be missing. Or stop by your local Lowe’s to take a look at your options. A Red Vest associate can help you find a new toilet seat and everything you need to do the job right.