I just finished cleaning the bathroom. The mirror is spotless, the sink is clean, and the toilet is cl… ARGH! I just cleaned the toilet and that flaking hinge just dropped another metal flake on the seat!
Do any of you have a similar problem? Or is your seat old and looks dirty no matter how much elbow grease you use?
Don’t put up with ugly toilet seats any longer! This fix is inexpensive and takes about 15 minutes.
New toilet seats start at $20. I splurged on this soft close lid for $35. I’ll tell you why later.
You will need pliers and a phillips or flat head screw driver (depending on your bolts).
I received the adjustable Irwin Groove Lock pliers from Irwin to test, and I do have to say that I like the convenience of adjusting it with the push of a button. That sure beats looking for the right size socket or crescent wrench! {I was not paid to say that, see my product review disclosure here}
Locate the bolt and nut under your toilet bowl. Use your pliers to loosen the nut (remember lefty loosey to unscrew.)
Once the nuts on both sides have been removed, you should be able to lift the old seat straight up and off the toilet.
Locate the two seat bolts for your new seat. (Be sure to familiarize yourself with the instructions for your new seat since they may vary slightly from this post. Some seats have the bolts attached to the seat already.)
Insert them into the holes in the toilet.
Thread the nut onto the bolts from underneath. Then tighten the bolts with a screwdriver and hold the nut with your pliers. Be careful not to over-tighten the bolts or your toilet bowl could crack.
The seat I bought has a quick release hinge so you can thoroughly clean the seat and around the hinges. Simply snap the seat on top of the bolts and then rotate the hinge cap clockwise to lock it in place.
And the seat is installed. I love that our toilet seat has a soft close feature.
These two boys in training think it is pretty cool and are MORE likely to lift up the toilet seat when using it and return it to the down position when done! Any of you who have little boys in your home, you know what I’m talking about, right?! You have to start training them young! (I never want to sit down in droplets of pee ever again. Ewwww!)
I totally need a new seat. Mine is always wiggling loose at the screws.
I have just discovered your blog and I think it's wonderful. There can never be too many DIY sites!! Thanks for being here.
We just replaced the toilet seat at my mother's house, and oh my goodness, I didn't realize there were so many different "sizes/shapes" of toilet seats. I think I finally got the right size the third time around. And that was only because I took the old seat with me. I guess we were cursed because her toilet was that old almond/beige color. I love the fact that the one you bought had the quick release hinge.
And don't forget —- it's 'bad' Feng Shui to leave your toilet seat up. Good energy goes down the drain – so always use the lid when not in use! This is a perfect toilet seat for this purpose!
I love all these handy things you show us how to do. I have given you a little award, so come on over and check it out.
CAS
I just wanted to let you know that I nominated you for a Stylish Blogger Award!! Come on over to accept!
LittleEme.blogspot.com
Now that is a useful GD post! Good on you for fixing your throne! I'll see if I can fix your no-thumbnail problem tomorrow. Thx for playing with us!
That's wonderful!!! Last time there was a GD over at Donna's, I cleaned my toilet!!!!
Yes, I completely understand about opening/closing the lids…I have 2 boys…actually 3, if you're counting the big guy!
Oh and at first glance I thought you had your own line of toilet seats (your blog name in the upper left hand corner) LOL!
Nice to meet you!!!
I REALLY love these toilet seats
(..and I'm so glad to be able to say that to you and you know exactly what I mean) – Thanks for showing how to do this – without a handy husband in sight!
Girl…
This particular project will be put into use on THURSDAY! I’m so excited! Love all your ideas. Hope to see you on the 25th.
So Cate, how did your toilet seat install go? I hope well, and looking forward to seeing you too!