How to Replace a Toilet Seat (All Fitting Types)

Replacing a toilet seat should take 10 minutes. Sometimes the old fixings make it take longer. Here's how to handle all the variations.

What You'll Need

• New toilet seat
• Adjustable spanner or pliers
• Screwdriver (possibly)
• Penetrating oil (if bolts are stuck)
• Hacksaw (worst case)

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Step 1: Identify Your Fitting Type

Look at where the seat attaches to the toilet.

Standard Exposed Bolts

You can see the bolt heads on top, nuts underneath.

To remove:

1. Hold the bolt head from above (flat screwdriver in slot)
2. Turn the nut underneath (usually anti-clockwise)
3. Remove the whole bolt

Hidden/Concealed Fixings

You can't see the bolts - they're hidden under covers.

To remove:

1. Find the small cover caps on top
2. Prise them off (carefully - don't scratch the toilet)
3. Reveal the bolt heads underneath
4. Remove as above

Quick-Release

Modern seats often have a quick-release mechanism.

To remove:

1. Look for buttons or levers at the hinge
2. Press and lift the seat straight up
3. Hinges stay attached; seat slides off

To remove hinges too: Usually exposed bolts once seat is off.

Top-Fix

Bolts that tighten from above (no access needed underneath).

To remove:

1. Turn the bolt heads from above
2. Expand/contract the fixing below
3. No underneath access needed

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Step 2: Remove the Old Seat

If Bolts Turn Freely

Lucky you - just unscrew and lift off.

If Bolts Are Stuck (Common)

Old toilet seat bolts corrode, especially plastic-coated metal bolts in humid bathrooms.

Try:

1. Penetrating oil - Spray WD-40 or similar on the threads, wait 10 minutes, try again
2. Heat - Carefully warm with hairdryer to expand metal
3. Better grip - Use proper adjustable spanner or mole grips
4. Cut them off - Hacksaw through the bolt (careful not to damage toilet)

Plastic bolts: Usually easy unless the screw slot strips. Then you're drilling or cutting.

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Step 3: Clean the Toilet

While the seat's off, clean the area properly. You'll see years of grime in those bolt holes. Not pleasant but necessary.

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Step 4: Fit the New Seat

Measure First

Toilet seats come in two main shapes:

Round: Circular front D-shape/elongated: Extended at the front

Measure:

• Distance between bolt holes (usually 15-18cm)
• Bowl length (from bolt holes to front)
• Bowl width (widest point)

Most toilets are standard, but some (especially older or unusual brands) need specific seats.

Fitting Standard Bolts

1. Insert bolts through seat hinges
2. Place seat on toilet, bolts through holes
3. Add washers underneath
4. Hand-tighten nuts
5. Adjust seat position
6. Tighten firmly (don't overtighten - can crack porcelain)

Fitting Top-Fix

1. Drop the expanding fixing through the toilet holes
2. Place seat hinges on top
3. Screw bolts down from above
4. Fixings expand and grip underneath
5. Tighten until secure

Fitting Quick-Release

1. Install hinges with bolts first
2. Slide seat onto hinges
3. Check release button works

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Common Problems

Seat Shifts Side to Side

Fixings aren't tight enough, or wrong size bolts for the holes. Tighten more, or add rubber washers to fill the gap.

Seat Rocks Front to Back

Some seats have adjustable hinges. Check if you can tighten adjustment.

Can't Get Old Seat Off

If bolts absolutely won't budge:

1. Hacksaw through the bolts (protect the porcelain)
2. Or angle grinder if accessible (serious last resort)
3. Call a professional if stuck

New Seat Doesn't Fit

Check you bought the right shape and size. Holes not lining up usually means wrong seat style.

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Seat Types Worth Knowing

Soft-Close

Hinges have damper - lid lowers slowly without slamming. Worth the extra money. Usually £30-£60.

Standard

Basic hinges, drops with a bang. Budget option £10-£25.

Quick-Release

Seat removes for easy cleaning. Very hygienic. Often combined with soft-close.

Wooden

Heavy, looks nice, needs more care. Not suitable for all toilets (weight).

Slim/Wrap-Over

Modern look, fits flush with toilet edges. Check compatibility.

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What I See Most Often

The call: "I can't get my toilet seat off"

The reality: Corroded bolts, usually. 90% of toilet seat jobs are fighting the old fixings, not fitting the new ones.

Prevention: When fitting a new seat, use plastic bolts or stainless steel. Standard zinc-plated steel bolts will corrode.

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Cost Reality

DIY:

• New seat: £15-£50
• Your time: 10-30 minutes

Professional:

• Labour: £40-£60 (often minimum charge)
• Seat: Buy yourself for choice, or handyman supplies standard

For a simple replacement, DIY makes sense. If the old seat won't come off and you don't want the hassle, call someone.

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Stuck with a stubborn toilet seat? I remove and replace toilet seats across Exeter. Call 01392 964094 or get a quote.